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You are here: Explore > Areas To Visit > Purbeck Visitor Information > Attractions in Purbeck
A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds,…
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.
Welcome to Lulworth Castle and Park, situated at the heart of the privately owned Lulworth Estate…
Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Trains run for most of the year - daily…
Designed for children 8 years and under. Feed the lambs, view the animals, take a tractor-trailer…
Bringing history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays.…
Adults and children alike will be captivated by the romantic Corfe Castle ruins and the…
Lulworth Outdoors are a passionate, lively group of outdoor pursuit instructors, based within the…
The beautiful white pebble beach of Lulworth Cove, with its blue waters and easy access make it a…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 34
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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,…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
Animal Collection
BOVINGTON, Wareham
Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.
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.
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.
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.
Pier
SWANAGE
Restored Victorian Pier, stroll, visit the exhibition, café or shop. Boat trips, fishing and diving.
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).
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
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.…
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!
Beach
Poole
Fine, golden sand, gradual sloping beach and clean, safe water make Shore Road beach an ideal place to visit.
Model/Miniature Village
CORFE CASTLE
A detailed 1/20th scale model of Corfe Castle and village before its destruction by Thomas Cromwell's army in 1646. Set in an acre of landscaped gardens.
National Trust Property
BOVINGTON, Wareham
T.E. Lawrence's (Lawrence of Arabia) retreat containing his own furnishings and photographs.
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