Countryside & Coastline

The dramatic landscape of Purbeck has enthralled countless visitors from generation to generation. It is a unique place to see how underlying rocks have controlled the development of the area and its coastline.

Most of Purbeck lies within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and now, with the coastline being designated as part of England's first natural World Heritage Site (The Jurassic Coast), it is clear for all to see that Purbeck is truely something very special.

The whole coastline has spectacular geological features for everyone to enjoy. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks, Kimmeridge Bay, the Fossil Forest and the contorted crumple of Stair Hole are dramatically pituresque. These features have their own stories to tell that help to unveil the origin and evolution of the whole of the British Isles.

Durlston Country Park near Swanage is a fantastic site of around 260 acres where you can see the natural beauty of countryside flora and fauna as well as magnificant marine mammals and birds, all set in nature's great open book. The park hosts a wide range of events throughout the year and Durlston Castle itself is being developed as one of the key visitor centres for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

 

The South West Coast Path follows the whole of our coastline starting at Shell Bay,Studland. For miles you can walk alongside glorious sandy beaches, pass through picturesque villages and enjoy fantastic views of the Jurassic Coast.