Purbeck District Council

Introduction to Purbeck

There’s so much to discover in Purbeck that it’s hard to select a few highlights – but here some places and things to do which we know our visitors particularly enjoy and return to year after year:

• Purbeck is a walker’s paradise; there is a myriad of walking trails which take you through the area’s stunning countryside and coastline.  The South West Coast Path takes its course along the whole coastline in the district.  Walking or cycling along the Wareham Forest Way takes you through the exceptional heathlands and forests of this area.
  
  
• Swanage retains its character as a Victorian seaside resort; its Blue Flag beach enjoys more hours of sunshine than average due to its location nestling in the Purbeck hills.
  The town has a unique place in the quarrying history of the country; travel into the town by the famous Steam Railway.
  
  
• The eastern end of England’s only UNESCO natural World Heritage Site is in Purbeck.  Known as the Jurassic Coast, the area is recognised for its unique geology.  The Heritage Centre at Lulworth Cove, give a revealing insight into a world of dinosaurs and fossils.
  
  
• With sandy beaches such as Studland Beach and Swanage Bay and coves such as Lulworth and Kimmeridge, it’s a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy the mild climate.
  
  
• With their thatched cottages, tea rooms, cosy pubs and intriguing histories, many people enjoy exploring the villages of Purbeck – Corfe, West Lulworth, Worth Matravers, Moreton and Tyneham are some of the favourites.  
  
  
• Purbeck has a wealth of family attractions; Monkey World and The Tank Museum are world-famous, Enid Blyton fans will recognise many of the real-life locations which inspired her novels and the farm parks at Farmer Palmer’s and Putlake Adventure Farm give children the chance to get close to animals.
  
  
• Wareham offers a traditional Dorset market town; markets are held on Thursdays and Saturdays and the monthly farmers’ market allows you to enjoy the fantastic local produce.
  
  
• TE Lawrence was one of the area’s most famous residents.  Lawrence of Arabia, as he became known, lived at Moreton; his home Cloud’s Hill is preserved by the National Trust and his grave can be seen at Moreton Cemetery; in the village are also delightful gardens, a tea shop and St Nicolas’ church with its famous windows designed by Laurence Whistler.
  
  
• We have a number of National Nature Reserves in Purbeck where you can discover the area’s exceptional wildlife.  Durlston County Park recently received this designation; other reserves include Arne, Studland, Hartland Moor and Stoborough Heath.
  
  
• Taking a boat trip to Brownsea Island is an ideal day out and perfect place to have a picnic.  The Island was where the first Boy Scout camp was run by Lord Baden Powell; currently managed by the National Trust, the island is one of the few places in England where you can spot a red squirrel!
  
  
• Purbeck’s rich heritage is typified by Corfe Castle, the iconic ruin which dominates much of the landscape in the east of the area and the imposing Lulworth Castle set in extensive parklands where annual jousting shows take place.
  
  
• Many people time their visit Purbeck to coincide with the numerous festivals and events throughout the year: Swanage Carnival is wonderful for family fun, the area’s wealth of artists are showcased by the Purbeck Arts Week and the area is particularly well known for its music events including the Swanage Jazz and  Blues festivals.