To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

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.

Fun on the farm at Farmer Palmers Adventure Park

Attractions in Swanage & Purbeck

Search Things to Do

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

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

Lulworth Castle & Park

Welcome to Lulworth Castle and Park, situated at the heart of the privately owned Lulworth Estate...

Swanage Railway

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

Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

The finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, housed in a purpose built,...

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

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
90 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
2717 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
370 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
155 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
2162 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
1091 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
5360 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
3871 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
3528 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
2517 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
435 reviews
Swanage Pier

Type

Type:

Pier

Swanage

Restored Victorian Pier, stroll, visit the exhibition, café or shop. Boat trips, fishing and diving.
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
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3526 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
1024 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
132 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
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
305 reviews
Clouds Hill - home of T.E .Lawrence

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

BOVINGTON, Wareham

T.E. Lawrence's (Lawrence of Arabia) retreat containing his own furnishings and photographs.

Price Free to £19.30 Per Ticket
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
Wareham Walls

Type

Type:

Historic Site

WAREHAM

The Walls are Saxon ramparts which surround the historic town of Wareham. Paths on the walls give good views of the River Piddle and town, and link into the ‘Bowling Green’ open space. Walks leaflet from Discover Purbeck Information Centre, Wareham.

Free
Worbarrow Bay

Type

Type:

Beach

Tyneham, EAST LULWORTH

Worbarrow Bay is found 1 mile (walking) from Tyneham village. The Bay and village are now managed by the Ministry of Defence and access is limited.

Free

Search Accommodation

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Ratings & Reviews

Things To Do Attractions, Activities, Shopping, Entertainment, Tours & Sightseeing, Food & Drink Experiences,	What's On Events, Festivals, Nature, Submit Event,	Accommodation Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, Self Catering, Dorset Holiday Cottages, Caravan & Holiday Parks, Campsites, Glamping, Pubs & Inns, Farm Stays, Group Friendly, Pet Friendly, Accessible, Gradings & Awards,
Food & Drink Restaurants, Pubs & Bars, Cafes & Coffee Shops, Afternoon Tea, Local Produce, Farmers' Markets, Cookery Schools, Celebrity Chefs, Food Events, Food & Drink Experiences,	Ideas & Inspiration Film & TV, Top 10 Ideas, Notable Days & Holidays, Short Break Ideas, Weddings in Dorset, Dog Friendly, Dorset Holidays, Dorset Videos, Special Offers,	Explore History & Heritage, Areas To Visit, Towns, Villages, Coast, Countryside, Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),
Visitor Information Maps, Brochures & Guides, Tourist Information Centres, Travel Information, Group Travel, Litter Free Dorset, Accessibility, Social Media, Contact Us,	Home

Follow Visit Dorset

Fun on the farm at Farmer Palmers Adventure Park

Enjoy a visit to Monkey World, Wareham © Monkey World

Corfe Castle

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

Number of results:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Special Offers

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Search Accommodation

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Follow Visit Dorset