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You are here: Explore > Areas To Visit > Purbeck > Things to see and do in Purbeck
Bringing history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays.…
Activities include: Coasteering, Kayaking, Climbing & Abseiling and Bushcraft amongst other things,…
Adventures include: kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, foraging, fishing, wild…
The finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, housed in a purpose built,…
Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.
Adults and children alike will be captivated by the romantic Corfe Castle ruins and the…
A huge inflatable woodland waterpark and 2km mud trail with 50 obstacles, all overlooking Corfe…
Join the vineyard owners for a fascinating tour followed by a delicious wine tasting, sampling the…
Combine tranquility, exercise and discovery on a bike and explore the woodland, heath, beaches and…
Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Trains run for most of the year - daily…
Swimming - squash - badminton - yoga - tennis - sauna - table tennis - astropitch - playzone -…
A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds,…
Pre-booking admission is now essential. Please visit website for tickets. Designed for children 8…
*LATEST UPDATE* Activities are suspended until further notice. Lulworth Outdoors are a passionate,…
Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a must visit location!…
From fun on the farm and travelling on a steam train, to meeting the real stars of TV show 'Monkey Life' - you’ll find plenty to see and do in Purbeck. From scenic strolls and pony treks to coasteering and rock climbing, there is something for all the family.
Spending time at the seaside is something that children will remember for years to come. Paddling in the water, playing frisbee, collecting sea shells and flying kites are great fun for the whole family.
Swanage and Studland beaches are particularly family-friendly with large stretches of golden sand – perfect for sandcastle building. Children can also have a go at crab fishing from Swanage’s Stone Quay and Kimmeridge Bay is one of the best places in Dorset to go rock pooling.
The beaches at Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Man O’ War and Worbarrow Bay are more rugged, but definitely worth a visit for their crystal clear waters and amazing scenery.
From 17th Century castles, to a deserted village and tales of great adventures, you’ll uncover the mysteries as you delve deeper into Purbeck’s past.
Lulworth Castle is set in extensive parklands on the Lulworth Estate and was built as a hunting lodge to entertain the King and Court. The exterior of the Castle has changed little over the years and inside are displays of memorabilia and artefacts in the basement rooms.
Tyneham village was evacuated for military training during the Second World War and has been deserted ever since. However, many of the buildings survive and the Church and School now house excellent exhibitions about the village and villagers. Tyneham is also a good starting point for walks on the South West Coast Path.
Visit the miniature version of Corfe Castle and see what it looked like in the 1600's before Cromwell's troops arrived. Also at Corfe Castle Model Village are life-size civil war soldiers guarding the castle, giant games for all the family, an enchanted fairy garden and a fabulous tearooms with a terrace overlooking the surrounding hills and castle (the big one!).
T.E. Lawrence was one of the area’s most famous residents. Lawrence of Arabia, as he became known, lived at Clouds Hill just outside Bovington. His cottage has been preserved by the National Trust and a permanent exhibition now details Lawrence’s extraordinary life. From the cottage, you can join a seven mile walking trail which takes you to where Lawrence worked, died and is laid to rest.
As a frequent visitor to Purbeck, the landmarks and countryside of the area were the inspiration for Enid Blyton’s novels. You can visit the author's favourite places by following the Enid Blyton Trail.
Our cycle routes cover a variety of distances and abilities, both on and off-road. You can bring your own bike or hire one from one of our cycle hire experts.
Why not try out the family-friendly Sika Cycle Trail at Wareham Forest or the Rempstone Ride ending at Studland Beach? For the more experienced cyclist, ride over the Purbeck Hills for panoramic views of the area.
Looking for some adventure? Then why not join one of our outdoor adventure specialists and have a go at coasteering, abseiling, climbing, paddle-boarding or kayaking? You could also take a sailing lesson or hire your own dinghy for the day.
If you’d rather head inland for some more sedate and less salty watery fun, then Wareham is where it’s at. You can join a guided kayak tour or hire a row boat, canoe or paddle-board to navigate the River Frome at your own pace.
Alternatively hop on-board with Wareham River Cruises for a trip up the River Frome to listen about the history of Wareham, or the Monarch Paddle Steamer for a gentle boat trip down the river from Wareham Quay to Poole Harbour.
Family fun doesn’t have to cost the earth. Enjoy the simpler things in life like having a picnic, going for a walk, finding out about local history, visiting a nature reserve, exploring towns and villages or following a treasure trail.
Founded by the Victorian entrepreneur and philanthropist George Burt, Durlston Country Park, which is also a National Nature Reserve, is a 320 acre paradise. With the historic Great Globe, Durlston Castle, stunning coastal views, an abundance of wildlife and cliff top walks, there is always something different to see and do.
If you're visiting the rural town of Wareham, make sure you stop by the Town Museum. This small but interesting museum is free to enter and tells the story of the town from prehistoric times to the present day, including geology and natural history. They also have a special section devoted to writer and adventurer T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, who lived in nearby Bovington and visited the town regularly. The exhibit includes important documents and other artifacts connected with his full and fascinating life.
You can spend hours walking in our countryside and not pass another person – perfect for getting away from it all and being at one with nature. If you want to take in the salty sea air, then the South West Coast Path is your number one choice.
The diversity of our walking trails is celebrated during the annual Isle of Purbeck Walking Festival. But if you can’t wait until Festival time, you can join a guided walk or let one of our experts plan a walking holiday for you at any time of year.
If you just can’t imagine going on a walk without your faithful friend, pack up a picnic and head out for a day of adventure on one of our walking routes. Plus there are plenty of beaches which allow dogs all year round too.
Take a day cruise from Swanage Pier to Poole Quay for a scenic tour of the Jurassic Coast along the way. Cruises also depart from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island and along the River Frome to Wareham.
For a more exhilarating cruise, jump on-board an inflatable rib at Lulworth Cove. A short blast along the coast takes you to the spectacular and world famous arch of Durdle Door.
Boat trips and sea kayaking mean you can get up-close to cliffs where coastal birds live. You might also be lucky enough to see dolphins and porpoises – just remember don’t get too close to disturb them! Be sure to try out the Kayak Wildlife Trail at Studland Bay.
If you prefer to be in the water, why not try snorkelling at Kimmeridge Bay’s rocky limestone reefs – there is a snorkelling trail there in the summer. Underneath Swanage Pier is also bustling with marine creatures and is a popular diving spot.
Come rain or shine, we have some amazing family attractions and activities which will entertain children of all ages – as well as parents and grandparents. Explore castles, climb inside a tank, ride on a steam train, try to spot a red squirrel or pretend you are one of the Famous Five characters in Enid Blyton’s books.
For umbrella days, escape the elements and head into our indoor attractions.
Follow the Swanage Seen Art Trail and learn about the artists who were inspired by their surroundings. There are nine locations to visit, each showing a painting of Purbeck by a different artist.
Explore the rural Purbeck landscape that inspired famous painters such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Paul Nash and J.M.W. Turner, using a range of walking trails which highlight landscape art from the past. You’ll get a real sense of how the landscape has changed from views past and present.
After a hard day of exploring and discovery, find somewhere to relax and unwind. With cosy B&Bs, beautiful country houses and traditional campsites, there are plenty of accommodation options.
You'll find all kinds of accommodation to suits your needs - whether it's a bit luxury on a romantic weekend or simply somewhere to rest your head after a hard days walking. For extra information and advice, contact one of our Tourist Information Centres.
Number of results: 79
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Outdoor Pursuits
WEST LULWORTH
*LATEST UPDATE* Activities are suspended until further notice. Lulworth Outdoors are a passionate, lively group of outdoor pursuit instructors, based within the stunning and versatile Lulworth Estate. We have access to continuous footpaths,…
Railway
SWANAGE
Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Trains run for most of the year - daily from April to October and most weekends throughout the year. Park at Norden then catch a train to travel 6 miles south to Swanage, passing through Corfe…
Food & Drink
Lytchett Matravers, POOLE
Join the vineyard owners for a fascinating tour followed by a delicious wine tasting, sampling the international 'Decanter World Wine Award' winning end product and discover the sensation delights that subtly different blends create on the nose and…
Cycle Hire
CORFE CASTLE
Combine tranquility, exercise and discovery on a bike and explore the woodland, heath, beaches and hills of Purbeck. Hire top-brand mountain bikes or modern electric bikes with a free helmet and toolkit included. Now you can download our Free GPS…
Farm
Organford, POOLE
Pre-booking admission is now essential. Please visit website for tickets. Designed for children 8 years and under. Meet the animals, take a tractor-trailer ride, explore acres of adventure! Farmer Palmer's is renowned for excellent customer service,…
Activity Centre
Near Corfe Castle, WAREHAM
Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a must visit location! Start here to explore nearby attractions and the coast by steam train, bike, bus or on foot.
Watersports Centre
CORFE CASTLE
A huge inflatable woodland waterpark and 2km mud trail with 50 obstacles, all overlooking Corfe Castle. Come and tackle the slides, trampolines, gladiator rings, jumps, hurdles, rollers, monkey bars, bridges, balance beams and loads more. Come and…
Animal Collection
BOVINGTON, Wareham
Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.
National Trust Property
CORFE CASTLE
Adults and children alike will be captivated by the romantic Corfe Castle ruins and the breath-taking views across Purbeck.
Adventure Sport Centre
Studland, SWANAGE
Adventures include: kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, foraging, fishing, wild cooking, feasting, forest school, beach school, bushcraft, wild camping and mini expeditions.
Country Park/Nature Reserve
POOLE
A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds, and is also the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding.
Museum
Kimmeridge, WAREHAM
The finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, housed in a purpose built, brand new immersive museum in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset. Discovered and collected by just one man, Dr Steve Etches MBE, all from the Kimmeridge…
Sport/Leisure Centre
WAREHAM
Swimming - squash - badminton - yoga - tennis - sauna - table tennis - astropitch - playzone - cricket - nets - fitness room - cafe/bar - exercise classes - pilates - trampolining - childrens activities (term time and holidays) - swimming lessons.
Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre
SWANAGE
Activities include: Coasteering, Kayaking, Climbing & Abseiling and Bushcraft amongst other things, plus outdoor corporate events, fun days and team building for business plus school and youth residential programmes and activity days.
Museum
BOVINGTON, Wareham
Bringing history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history. Exploring eight powerful exhibitions, you will come face to face…
Book online & save
Book in advance on tankmuseum.org and save money on your entry ticket.
More offers like this - Attraction Offers
Beach
SWANAGE
Swanage Beach huts are let daily, weekly or longer term. Hire a beach hut, and your trips to the beach are made easier without having to take all your towels, swimwear and children’s toys down to the beach every day!
Parkland/Woodland Garden
Furzebrook, WAREHAM
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms will reopen in 2021
Castle/Fort
EAST LULWORTH, Wareham
Welcome to Lulworth Castle and Park, situated at the heart of the privately owned Lulworth Estate. Follow the fascinating story of the castle and the inspiring past of its dedicated owners. Discover breathtaking views over the Dorset countryside…
Natural Feature
WEST LULWORTH
The pebble beach and blue waters of Lulworth Cove make it an extremely popular destination. The Cove and surrounding coastline are part of the world famous Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Low tide reveals wonderful rock pools teeming with sea…
Heritage/Visitor Centre
SWANAGE
*LATEST UPDATE* The Museum is currently closed. Containing information on the history, geology and geography of the town and surrounding area. Educational packs are available and talks can be given. There is also a small retail area including local…
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