Get some fresh air this festive season, from a stroll after a dip on the Boxing Day Swanage Swim to some festive wine at Dorset’s most famous pub. We guide you through the best walks for the festive season.
Studland Beach.
Work off the mince pies with a stroll along this stunning National Trust beach. You can either walk along the seashore or in beautiful dunes, which border Studland Heath. Perfect for a stroll on either Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year, best of all parking is open all year round!
Winspit.
Walk to Winspit from the little village green at Worth Matravers. The walk is down a steep grassy valley. Windspit is now deserted, leaving a few derelict houses and a series of distinctly unstable-looking quarry caves. Most are freely accessible, though the dangerous ones have been fenced off – others are closed to protect nesting bats. Saunter back for some christmas tipple at the Square and Compass, a Dorset gem!.
Winspit
Corfe Castle Hill
For the best view in Dorset, take a crisp stroll onto the Purbeck Hills and enjoy the double aspect view over Corfe Castle on one side or over Brownsea Island and Poole Harbour on the other. From the walkers car park on Sandy Hill Lane, walk up …. Hill, you can walk all the way to Swanage or the Bankes Arms at Studland, there seems to be a recurring theme of ending in a public house after each walk!
Swyre Head
Why not enjoy a frosty trek up to Swyre Head. Recommend as pushchair friendly. How to get there: – Grid Reference; 943793. Turn right for Kingston just after Corfe Castle. Follow the winding road up towards the top until you reach the Scott Arms on your right. Turn right carefully at the 90 degree left hand bend and follow the road to the end and park in the small car park on the left.
Boxing Day Swim in Swanage.
If your idea of a good Boxing Day is a dip in the Channel – pop along to the popular Boxing Day Swim on the beach at Swanage. Be warned that most do not wear a wet suit so it will be a chilly! Afterwards stroll along this lovely beach and enjoy a warming glass of whatever you fancy in one of Swanage’s olde pubs, pets are welcome in many.
Durlston Country Park
Dolphins – come hear to catch a glimpse, need we say more.
Durdle Door
For walkers who enjoy the art of photography, Durdle Door has to be on your itinerary. One of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks, a frosty or snowy shot is hard to come by and much rarer. The best walk is from the main car park at Lulworth Cove, not for the faint hearted, walk over the crest of the hill and then down to the clifftop, which overlooks the famous stone archway. You can then take the steps down to the main beach.
Upton Country Park
This beautiful park and stately home, run by the local council, will be home to a Santa’s Grotto and all the trimmings in the run up to Christmas. You can enjoy a walk through the grounds, but we love the walk around the estate that takes in Poole Harbour, ideal for bird lovers!
Weymouth Beach
Weymouth Beach is popular all time of the year. I enjoyed a lovely stroll on New Years Day after a fabulous Eve. Weymouth is up and coming as one of the South’s best spots for New Years revelry. The atmosphere was friendly, with visitors from all over the country. I had a fantastic time!
Kimmeridge
Kimmeridge is one of our favourite spots in Dorset for a winter stroll. Access is steep and the beach is rocky but in winter the waves are breath-taking.
Where to Eat
The Castle Inn. A lovely cosy pub with open fire and real ales. www.castleinncorfe.com 01929 480208
Scott Arms a lovely old Dorset pub with fantastic views over the Isle of Purbeck and Corfe Castle. www.thescottarms.com 01929 480270
Where To Stay
On a Budget. Lizards Rest in Swanage, sleep upto 9 guests in comfort. Very spacious home that is within an easy walk of Swanage’s sandy beach. 01929 481547
Luxury. Greensands near Corfe Castle, which has recently been awarded A Gold Award, is ideal for those seeking a little luxury. With delightful open fire and conservatory housing an ideal Christmas dining suite. Call us on 01929 481547
01929 481547