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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

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  1. Studland Bay and beaches
    Studland Bay and beaches
  2. The shelter at the end of Swanage Pier
    Feel the nostalgia at Swanage Pier © Richard Murgatroyd
  3. Explore the historic ruins of Corfe Castle
    Explore the historic ruins of Corfe Castle

You are here: Explore > Areas To Visit > Purbeck

Visit Purbeck

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Highlights

The Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula located in south Dorset. The area is home to some of the country’s most well-loved towns and landmarks including Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle and Durdle Door. 

On Purbeck’s boundary is Poole Harbour - one of the world’s largest natural harbours. Brownsea Island is the largest island in the Harbour and is managed by the National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust. Taking a boat trip to Brownsea Island is an ideal day out and it is one of the few places in southern England where you can see red squirrels!

Where to stay

Cosy cottages, farmhouses, picturesque campsites, grand hotels, bustling local inns and hostels give plenty of accommodation options for your visit to Purbeck.

And if you’re looking for something specific, be sure to check that they are family or dog friendly. Or perhaps you’re looking for an adult-only retreat or somewhere that caters for walkers or cyclists – well we’ve got those too. It’s easy to check availability and book online, contact the establishment directly or speak to one of our Tourist Information staff for some extra help and advice.

Things to see and do

Relax on the beach, explore the South West Coast Path, hunt for dinosaur fossils or just sit back and enjoy the views of the world famous Jurassic Coast.

Want to escape the masses? Then head inland to explore forests, heathlands, and downlands. There are many nature reserves and green spaces in the area with their own unique wildlife, ancient trees or colourful wildflowers. Take a relaxing walk to discover scenic views and find peace and tranquillity.

With its coast, countryside and Poole Harbour, the Isle of Purbeck is perfect for birding. Top bird watching spots include the RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Brownsea Island, Durlston Country Park and Wareham Forest.

Whatever time of year that you visit, you will find activities and attractions to keep the whole family happy.

And if you want to have a car free holiday, you can travel around on a vintage steam train, open top buses or by boat.

Retail therapy

Browse the great range of shops and markets for everything from sausages for your breakfast to a souvenir of your holiday.

Many of our retailers and shops are independent and family run, so you know you’ll get a friendly welcome, great customer service and something to take home which you won’t find on every high street in the country.

Something to eat?

With lots of restaurants, cafés, bistros, pubs and tea rooms in Purbeck, there is something on offer to suit any occasion. If you fancy eating in, many of our eateries are now offering takeaway options to enjoy on a day trip or delivered to your door.

From riverside restaurants and cafes using the best of local produce to traditional country pubs and fine-dining in country house hotels, there is plenty of choice to eat out.

What’s On

There are lots of events to fill your calendar from family fun to festivals, exhibitions and performances.

Let the children feed lambs in springtime, take part in a seashore safari, go to one of the biggest music festivals in Dorset or get your dancing shoes on at a folk festival – it’s the stuff that memories are made of.

Towns and Villages

Visit historic Wareham and Corfe Castle, the traditional Victorian resort of Swanage or the coastal villages of Studland, Kimmeridge, West Lulworth and Worth Matravers.

Wander around the shops in Swanage, Wareham or Corfe Castle and perhaps take a coffee break or lunch stop in one of the many eateries.

West Lulworth and Studland are home to some very famous landmarks – Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks. You can follow the South West Coast Path to get the best views and take home some fantastic photos.

Worth Matravers and Kimmeridge are quaint and very picturesque villages with a real country charm, and both are very popular with walkers.

In This Section

  1. Places To Eat & Drink in Purbeck
    Eating out and takeaways
    Whether you want a quick snack, a picnic lunch or a fine-dining experience, you won't be disappointed in Swanage and Purbeck.
  2. A painting of the Famous Five characters from Enid Blyton's books with Corfe Castle behind.
    Adventure like the Famous Five

    Did you read Enid Blyton's book when you were younger? Or maybe you read them to your children or grandchildren?

    You too can embark on a Famous Five adventure in Dorset and travel back in time to the 1950s.

    3 Aug 2018
  3. Shopping and markets
    Swanage and Purbeck is full of independent and unique shops selling everything you need on a holiday or short-break.
  4. Guard working on the Swanage Railway, Dorset
    Things to see and do
    Choose from castles, museums, country parks, beaches, model villages, vintage railways and more.
  5. Double four-poster bedroom at Mortons House Hotel in Corfe Castle, Dorset
    Places to stay
    B&Bs, hotels, luxury log cabins, seaside cottages, rustic campsites, lively holiday parks and more.
  6. The River Frome at Wareham with views to the Priory Hotel and St Mary's Church.
    Five days in Purbeck and East Dorset

    Guest blogger Hayley Spore enjoys a spring time escape to Dorset. Read on for her 5-day itinerary covering East Dorset and Purbeck.

    10 Apr 2019
  7. Events in Purbeck
    Events and festivals
    From music festivals and carnivals to country fairs and outdoor cinema - you are spoilt for choice.
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Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information
  • We're Good To Go Dorset,
  • Know before you go town centres,
  • Repect, Protect and Enjoy Dorset,
Things To Do
  • Family Friendly,
  • The Jurassic Coast,
  • Dorset Beaches,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Beach Safety,
  • Fossil Hunting,
  • Be Coastwise,
  • Harbours,
  • Shopping,
  • Active and Outdoor ,
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  • Gardens & Parks,
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  • Nature and Wildlife,
Accommodation
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  • Pubs & Inns,
  • Farm Stays,
  • Eco Friendly,
  • Group Friendly,
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  • Accessible,
  • Gradings & Awards,
Shopping
  • Home delivery and online shopping,
  • Keep it local,
  • Markets,
  • Antiques and vintage,
  • Arts and crafts,
  • Clothing and accessories,
  • Food and drink,
  • Shopping areas and retail parks,
Food & Drink
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