Purbeck, the beautiful Isle, is not a true island but an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is bordered on one side by the Jurassic coast and two rivers on the other. Wareham is said to be the gateway to the Purbecks, the main road runs from Wareham, through Corfe Castle and onto the seaside town of Swanage. But in between, dotted down country lanes are idyllic little villages…just waiting to be explored.
Arne is a small hamlet nestled in a nature reserve just outside Wareham. Managed by English Nature, the reserve is a bird watchers’ paradise renowned for its Nightjars. It also boasts beautiful walks over open heathland. A sandy beach on the reserve is a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors. A picnic area makes this an ideal spot for a family walk.
Church Knowle is a beautiful, tranquil village close to the ruins of Corfe Castle. The village is home to an animal rescue centre which is open to the public. A lovely spot for walking, either into the village of Corfe Castle or over the Purbeck Hills, with panoramic views over Purbeck to Brownsea Island. A lovely traditional pub called the New Inn is famous for its Dorset Blue Vinney soup.
Harmans Cross lies centrally between Corfe Castle and the seaside town of Swanage. Guests can enjoy a ride on the vintage steam railway that stops in the village. Views across valleys Putlake Adventure Farm is a two minute drive: a fabulous day out with the children.
Kimmeridge village lays approx. 1 km from the coast at Kimmeridge Bay. The Bay is backed by low cliffs of soft shale, beneath which sprawls a fabulous wave cut platform named ‘The Flats’, and a rocky shore with an abundance of rock pools to explore. Surfers can regularly be seen at Kimmeridge.
Kingston is a small village on the Isle of Purbeck that overlooks the historic village of Corfe Castle. It is only five miles west of Swanage and the sea. The village is home to two churches and a pub called the Scott Arms. Be sure to sit outside to soak up the view.
Langton Matravers is a small Purbeck Limestone village on the edge of Swanage. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly sleepy character; there is history around every corner. Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond novels, was educated at the now closed Durnford School which was located in the village.
Worth Matravers is a sprawling village on the Dorset coast on the Isle of Purbeck. It comprises of Purbeck stone cottages and larger, modern stone houses which overlook the sea. The cliffs of Worth Matravers were the site of a Chain Home radar station during World War II, which was instrumental in the development of radar. The rocky beaches of Winspit, Seacombe and Chapman’s Pool are well within walking distance of the village. About a mile from the village is Winspit, an old quarry on the cliffs. This was used as a filming location for an episode of Blake’s 7 and also two Doctor Who stories. The village is also well known for its pub, The Square and Compass, which accommodates a small museum exhibiting fossils and other local artefacts. The pub also holds an annual stone carving festival. The tomb of Benjamin Jesty lies in the churchyard. Jesty’s family may be the first recorded deliberate attempt to induce immunity to Smallpox using Cowpox. See all of our holiday cottages in Worth Matravers.
Swanage 
5/5
Swanage
4.5/5
West Lulworth
4.9/5
Swanage
5/5
Wareham
4.8/5
Wareham
4.7/5
Worth Matravers
4.8/5
Swanage
4.7/5
Swanage
4.6/5
Langton Matravers
4.9/5
Swanage
4.8/5
Corfe Castle
5/5
Langton Matravers
4.8/5
Wareham
5/5
Swanage
4.5/5
Worth Matravers
4.6/5
Corfe Castle
4.8/5
Swanage
4.9/5
Swanage
4.8/5
Swanage
4.8/5
Swanage
4.7/5
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