The Purbeck Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas of Dorset. You’ll find incredible beaches, nature reserves, the cutest little villages, and some of Dorset’s best history.
We recently spent a long weekend here, and it was one of our favourite trips to Dorset so far. There are stunning sunrises, romantic ruins, beautiful beaches, and so much more. We went out on an ocean adventure, wildlife watching, and explored some stunning hidden gems.
While many people visit this area to see Durdle Door, there’s so much more to the Isle of Purbeck than the famous stone archway. We could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to do.
So, here’s why you need to add it to your spring travel list – you won’t regret it!
1. It has the cosiest cottages
If cute cottage vibes are your thing, you can’t go wrong with the Isle of Purbeck. We were lucky enough to stay in a delightful little property through Dorset Cottage Holidays, and it was one of the nicest cottages we’ve stayed in so far.
Honeysuckle Cottage had the perfect blend of modern amenities and historic charm. The traditional wood-panelled doors with latch locks and wooden beams added a rustic feel, and the log fire in the living room was perfect for cosy evenings.
The kitchen was modern but kept the classic touch with its farmhouse sink and a skylight that bathed the room in natural light. The bedrooms were spacious and incredibly cosy, with oak furniture, wooden backboards, and quaint latched windows
Outside, the garden was full of flowers, with a dining area and a BBQ perfect for spring evenings and al-fresco meals. Plus, it was located in the cutest little village with winding country lanes, an old church, and distant views of Corfe Castle.
This is just one example of the many lovely cottages in Dorset. And trust me, you cannot beat a cosy cottage stay in the countryside.
2. Explore unique sections of the Jurassic Coast
Most people who go to Dorset want to visit Durdle Door. It’s one of the most iconic spots on the coastline and a must-see at least once during your trip.
That said, just because you've ticked off the main attraction doesn’t mean the rest of Dorset’s coastline isn’t equally worth exploring.
The Jurassic Coast stretches along nearly the entire Purbeck Peninsula and has some truly beautiful landscapes. A few of my favourites include the peaceful Chapman’s Pool, the dramatic Dancing Ledge, the historic Kimmeridge Bay, and lively Swanage.
And, of course, there's Old Harry Rocks, at the easternmost tip of the peninsula.
When we visited, many of these locations were quiet - at some, we were the only people there! - which meant we could fully appreciate the scenery without the crowds.
Plus, for more interesting scenery, there are two stunning waterfalls on the Purbeck Peninsula which cascade directly into the ocean - one at Kimmeridge Bay, and the other at Chapman’s Pool.
The waterfall at Kimmeridge is easily accessible with just a short walk down the beach, while the one at Chapman’s Pool requires a bit of a hike down to the sand. If you visit after a bit of rainfall, especially in spring or autumn, you'll catch them at their most impressive.
3. Admire Dorset’s most romantic ruin
Located right in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck is one of the most spectacular ruins in all of Dorset, Corfe Castle. Now, this isn’t exactly a hidden gem and is actually quite popular, however, for a very good reason.
Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this hilltop fortress once guarded a key route through the Purbeck Hills and served as both a royal palace and a military stronghold. It played a major role throughout history, including during the English Civil War, when it was deliberately destroyed in 1646.
Today, you can roam around the castle grounds, exploring crumbling towers, weathered stone archways, and magnificent views.
5. See the colourful beach huts in Swanage
One of the more popular beaches in Purbeck is Swanage. This long, sandy bay is a great place to visit all year round. In spring and summer, it’s ideal for sunbathing, and in the cooler months, it offers a kind of windswept coastal charm.
The beach is backed by a traditional promenade, dotted with colourful beach huts and classic seaside cafés serving fresh fish and chips and ice creams.
On a clear day, the views stretch to Old Harry Rocks at one end and the beautiful Purbeck countryside at the other.
Plus, don’t forget to visit Swanage Pier, one of the most iconic landmarks on the Isle of Purbeck. It was built in 1859 and is still a popular spot for visitors and locals looking to take in the views across Swanage Bay.
6. Go birdwatching in a beautiful nature reserve
If you love wildlife and nature, you’ll also really enjoy this region of Dorset. It’s home to several fantastic nature reserves, including RSPB Arne and Studland and Godlingston Heath. Both of these are incredible natural habitats and offer an abundance of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
RSPB Arne is located near Wareham and is a particularly special spot for bird enthusiasts. It offers a diverse range of habitats, including heathlands, woodlands, and wetlands and is home to a wide variety of species, including rare birds like the Dartford warbler.
Similarly, Godlingston Heath, with its mix of heathland and coastal scrub. It’s a fantastic location to spot both resident and migratory birds, particularly during the spring and autumn when the area sees an influx of migrating species.
Along with birdwatching, these reserves offer scenic walking trails, peaceful ponds, and picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. They’re one of the best places to connect with nature and the beauty of Dorset’s countryside.
7. Watch the sunrise in the cutest villages
If there’s one thing England is known for, it’s cute villages, but did you know, you can visit some of the most beautiful villages in the Purbeck Peninsula?
We stayed in a tiny little village called Kingston, and it was adorable. We woke up every morning to the sun rising over the old spires of a church, with a meadow of flowers, a winding country lane, and adorable thatched cottages.
It’s the perfect way to start the morning, and there are so many lovely spots like this in Purbeck. A few other villages you could consider staying in around here are Church Knowle, Kimmeridge, and Langton Matravers.
8. Go kayaking on the ocean
If you’ve got a bit of an adventurous spirit, this is one of the best things you can do in the Purbeck Peninsula.
We went kayaking with Fore Adventure, and it was so much fun. They offer a range of kayak hire options, including a kayak tour all the way out to Old Harry Rocks.
We just opted for a kayak hire for a few hours and paddled around the bay near the beach. The water was crystal clear, and you could see little fish darting around beneath the surface.
Plus, there’s something really peaceful about being out on the ocean, with nothing but the sound of the waves and the occasional call of a seabird. It was a lovely way to spend the morning.
9. Ride a historic steam train
If you’ve never done this before, you’re really missing out! I had no idea that I had a mild fascination with steam engines until I visited the Swanage Railway.
When we visited, the Spring Steam Gala was running, which meant there were trains from up and down the country all running on the tracks. There were lots of different engines, and it was really cool seeing all of them.
I even spoke to some of the staff due to my slight Harry Potter obsession, and he pointed out which engine most resembled the Hogwarts Express!
We hopped on the train at Swanage. You can ride it all the way to Norden, near Corfe Castle, and admire the rolling countryside, old stone cottages, and fields dotted with sheep.
It really feels like you’re stepping back in time, and I cannot recommend this enough.
10. Have a delicious pub meal
You can't visit Dorset and not enjoy a hearty pub meal! The Purbeck Peninsula is full of cosy pubs serving up everything from fresh seafood to classic Sunday roasts.
We went to the Quay Inn, a delightful little pub located along the riverfront. They are mostly known for their black grill steaks, which you cook yourself on a volcanic rock, but also serve a range of great pub food, including classics like pies and fish and chips.
After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than settling into a snug corner of a traditional pub, with a pint and some seriously good food.
Plus, if you’re near Corfe Castle, The Greyhound Inn is also a brilliant choice, with stunning views of the castle ruins from the garden!
11. Discover a giant dinosaur skull
Finally, here’s one thing that I bet you didn’t know you could do in the Purbeck Peninsula - see a giant dinosaur skull! Yep, you read that right! The Jurassic Coast is one of the best places in the UK to hunt for fossils.
While here, you have got to head to Kimmeridge, where you’ll find the Etches Collection, a museum dedicated to fossils found in Kimmeridge Clay.
There is an incredible selection of finds here, including the fossilised skull of a giant marine reptile called a pliosaur. It’s absolutely massive and incredibly well-preserved – seeing it up close really gives you a sense of just how ancient and wild this part of the world once was.
Alongside the skull, the museum is packed with beautifully displayed fossils, prehistoric sea creatures, and some fascinating insights into Dorset from the past. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in natural history!
So, has this convinced you to visit Purbeck?
There you have it – just a few of the incredible things you can do around the Isle of Purbeck! This is a really lovely region of Dorset and, of all the places I’ve visited in the county, it’s one of my favourites.
It effortlessly combines some of Dorset’s best history with incredible coastline and amazing nature reserves. But there's so much to see and do that we left feeling like we’d only just scratched the surface – and are already hoping to return!
And trust me, if you love stunning scenery, cosy villages, and a touch of history and adventure, Purbeck is one of those places that you’ll want to return to again and again.
