Nearby Attractions and Places to Eat
There are many beautiful places to see and visit in this part of the world. Here are details of a few close by favourites.
Other highlights include glorious sandy beaches of Swanage, Studland and Shell Bay, Dancing Ledge, The Tank Museum, Monkey World, Lulworth Cove & Castle and the abandoned village of Tyneham (only accessible a few weeks a year)
Corfe Castle - Owned by the National Trust
Thousand-year-old Royal castle shaped by warfare
One of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians.
A favourite haunt for adults and children alike. All ages are captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.
Discover 1,000 years of history as a Royal palace and fortress. With ancient walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner.
Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home here.
Swanage Railway
The Swanage Railway offers a more extensive heritage steam and diesel timetable train service than virtually any other preserved railway.
Steam and diesel Galas, Family events plus regular Evening Dining and Sunday Lunch services complement themed events such as there highly popular Santa Special trains during the run up to Christmas.
Their award-winning standard gauge preserved steam railway is located in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. Visitors can experience a unique journey through six miles of beautiful scenery passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle, travelling down to the blue flag beach at Swanage.
Agglestone Rock
Agglestone Rock, also known as the Devil's Anvil, is a sandstone block of about 400 tonnes weight, perched on a conical hill, approximately 1 mile from the village of Studland. If you enjoy walking this can also be reached from Belvedere Lodge which will incorporate a 10 mile walk. Legend has it that the devil threw the rock from The Needles on the Isle of Wight with the intention of hitting either Corfe Castle, Bindon Abbey or Salisbury Cathedral. "Aggle" was taken into the old Dorset dialect as meaning "to wobble". Its definitely worth putting a walk to Agglestone Rock in your plans when visiting this beautiful area
Durlston coastal path
Situated in the south-east corner of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, a mile south of Swanage, lies Durlston Country Park 320 acres of very special countryside.
Wildlife apart, there are plenty of other things to see: The history of Durlston can be detected in the now dry, glacial river valley, the ancient Saxon field systems, two types of quarry the inland Purbeck Stone Quarr, and the Portland limestone cliff quarry known as Tilly Whim Caves.
High on the ridge remain the footings of a Napoleonic telegraph station, and Anvil Point Lighthouse adds further interest to a visit.
The eminent Victorian, George Burt, left a legacy of fascinating artefacts. These include the 'Great Globe' 40 tons of Portland limestone, cast-iron bollards from the City, St Martin's and other parts of London, and Durlston Castle itself all linked by scenic cliff-top paths with Victorian panels quoting poetry and facts of interest.
Durlston Castle was restored to become a spectacular new facility for visitors to Durlston and the Jurassic Coast.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is a world famous geological wonder, with its massive rock arch, set right on the Jurassic Coast between Swanage and Weymouth, just along the coast path from Lulworth Cove, it is absolutely beautiful.
Durdle Door has a sloping beach for bathing or snorkeling from, caves and exciting rock strata. Only a short walk from Lulworth Cove and makes a nice place to have picnic, sunbathe and go swimming, there was once a dolphin in the bay!