This is one of the most beautiful villages in Dorset and although most of the houses date from 18th or 19th century, quarrying has featured here since the medieval period. At the centre of the village is a neat duck pond with a charming public garden set below.

In 1774, the year of Trafalgar, Benjamin Jesty, a local farmer became the first known person to use cowpox by inoculation to prevent smallpox. This was some five years before Jenner, who published his paper in 1801, started his experiments. Benjamin and his wife lie in the graveyard of the church.

In 1940 The Air Ministry's radar research establishment moved into purpose built accommodation on the cliff tops which were dominated by their large radio masts. Today, Worth Matravers still has scientific links, and those same cliff tops play host to the 4 metre dome of the Worth Hill Observatory.

Worth Cafe & Craft Centre, Worth Matravers.
Tel. 01929 439360

Where to eat

Worth Cafe and Craft Centre
Tel: 01929 439360

Square and Compass
Tel: 01929 439229

Worth Tea Shop
Tel: 01929 439368