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Enjoy a visit to Monkey World, Wareham © Monkey World

Attractions in Swanage & Purbeck

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Corfe Castle

Adults and children alike will be captivated by the romantic Corfe Castle ruins and the…

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Designed for children 8 years and under. Feed the lambs, view the animals, take a tractor-trailer…

Swanage Railway

Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Trains run for most of the year - daily…

The Tank Museum

Bringing history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays.…

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 Swanage and Purbeck.

Spending family 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.

Explore Purbeck’s past

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!).

Follow in famous footsteps

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.

Days out on a budget

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 280 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.

For whatever the weather

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.

Book your stay in Swanage and Purbeck

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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 34

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
380 reviews
Lulworth Castle & Park

Type

Type:

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…

Price Free to £6.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3595 reviews
Lulworth Cove

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

WEST LULWORTH

The beautiful white pebble beach of Lulworth Cove, with its blue waters and easy access make it a popular destination. Low tide reveals wonderful rockpools teeming with sea creatures. Dogs are permitted on the left hand side of the slipway.

Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2775 reviews
Swanage Railway

Type

Type:

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…

Price Free to £39.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
100 reviews
Lulworth Outdoors

Type

Type:

Outdoor Pursuits

WEST LULWORTH

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, bridleways, and permissive tracks, allowing freedom of exploration,…

Price £15.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
161 reviews
Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

Type

Type:

Museum

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…

Price Free to £20.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1113 reviews
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Type

Type:

Farm

Organford, POOLE

Designed for children 8 years and under. Feed the lambs, view the animals, take a tractor-trailer ride, watch the cow being milked and have fun in the play areas - it's a world of discovery. There is also a restaurant and gift shop.

Price Free to £35.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3962 reviews
The Tank Museum

Type

Type:

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…

Price Free to £39.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2197 reviews
Brownsea Island

Type

Type:

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.

Price £3.75 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5450 reviews
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Type

Type:

Animal Collection

BOVINGTON, Wareham

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.

Price Free to £42.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2570 reviews
Corfe Castle

Type

Type:

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.

Price Free to £27.50 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
444 reviews
Swanage Pier

Type

Type:

Pier

Swanage

Restored Victorian Pier, stroll, visit the exhibition, café or shop. Boat trips, fishing and diving.
The Blue Pool

Type

Type:

Parkland/Woodland Garden

Furzebrook, WAREHAM

A unique Pool varying in colour from green to turquoise, surrounded by 25 acres of pine trees, gorse and heather. A haven for families to enjoy and explore.

Price Free to £7.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3595 reviews
Durdle Door

Type

Type:

Beach

WEST LULWORTH

Eroded by time and nature, Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks.
A shingle beach only accessible on foot via a steep path and steps from Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door Car Park.
Swimming is possible in some places.…

Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1039 reviews
Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

SWANAGE

Countryside, cliffs, sea and wildlife. The Castle Visitor Centre has exhibits, information, live cliff camera and underwater sounds. Theme trails. Ranger-guided walks.

Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
134 reviews
The Rex Cinema

Type

Type:

Cinema

WAREHAM

125 seat Cinema and Theatre, often hosting special event evenings. Family Film Matinees during school holidays. Charming old fashioned interior dating from 1920 and own Bar. Also a venue for The Purbeck Film Festival (www.purbeckfilm.com).
Special Offers
- WAREHAM
  The Silver Screen film performances welcome customers aged 60 and above and take place once a month, usually showing the most popular film from the previous month. All tickets £5 and includes a free cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Booking strongly recommended as these events are extremely popular.
  Please visit www.therex.co.uk for the programme times, film trailers and latest news.
  More offers like this - Attraction Offers
Price Free to £7.00 Per Ticket
Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre

Type

Type:

Heritage/Visitor Centre

SWANAGE

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 crafts.

Free
Kimmeridge Bay

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

Kimmeridge, WAREHAM

Kimmeridge Bay lies within a marine Special Area of Conservation and boasts the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset.

Free
Man O' War Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

WEST LULWORTH

The steps down to the beach are currently closed, however you can stand at the top of the steps for views over the beach and bay.

Free
Upton Wood

Type

Type:

Forest

Upton, POOLE

A small woodland on the edge of Upton (opposite Upton Country Park). The Wood includes footpaths, cyclepaths and Woodland Trail, also running streams, open glades and seats to sit and rest a while. Map and leaflet available from Discover Purbeck…

Free
Spyway

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

SWANAGE

Towering sea cliffs and grasslands rich in wild flowers. A distinctive limestone landscape on the South Coast where sea birds soar and rare orchids hide among rich grasslands. Centuries of stone quarrying have left their mark in the form of sea…

Free

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Enjoy a visit to Monkey World, Wareham © Monkey World

Corfe Castle

Durlston Country Park

Attractions in Swanage & Purbeck

Accommodation

Things To Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Search Things to Do

Highlights

Explore Purbeck’s past

Follow in famous footsteps

Days out on a budget

For whatever the weather

Book your stay in Swanage and Purbeck

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