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You are here: Things To Do > Purbeck Park
Purbeck Park - Where adventures begin…
Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a 'must visit' location.
Start here and explore nearby attractions and the coast by steam train, bike, bus or on foot. Meet up with family and friends to enjoy a whole day of fun.
Explore and discover these activities and attractions from Purbeck Park
Steam trains run for six miles, weaving their way through the countryside to the seaside at Swanage. From Norden Station at Purbeck Park, alight at Corfe Castle station for the castle and village. Hop back on the train for Swanage and the Jurassic Coast.
Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum
Explore the old clay works and mine building and uncover the history of Purbeck's clay industry and its fascinating stories. Venture down the mine for a taste of working life underground and see the industrial narrow gauge railway in action.
Adventure Playground
Scramble, imagine and explore the railway themed outdoor playground, set in the woodland surroundings. Aimed for children aged 7 and over.
Hire a bike and cycle to the beaches at Studland (12 miles+), the market town of Wareham, the RSPB Nature Reserve at Arne or up and over the hills for panoramic views of Purbeck. Mountain bikes or modern electric bikes available. Off and on road cycle routes.
The characterful and historic stone built village lies at the foot of the castle. Shops, cafes, country pubs, mini free museum and a delightful Model Village.
The majestic ruins of Corfe Castle have become one of England’s most iconic locations. Climb to the top for stunning landscape views with passing steam trains. Open all year but visiting in autumn to spring offers extra tranquillity.
Hop on the award winning bus. The summer service number 30 brings you to Purbeck Park from Swanage, Wareham, Wool, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Dorchester and Weymouth. The number 40 route brings you to nearby Corfe Castle and Norden Campsite from Poole, Wareham and Swanage.
Stroll, Hike, Run
Walk the trail to Corfe Castle a ¾ mile route, which may not be suitable for all abilities. Journey onwards to the Purbeck Ridge and the coast. Hike to the Hartland Way Trail on Hartland Moor, owned by the National Trust and part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Eat, Drink and Relax
Stop at Left Luggage Cafe or the refreshment kiosk on the platform at Norden Station. Picnic tables are located around the Park.
Further information
Purbeck Park is open 7 days a week. Read more about parking.
This is not a National Trust car park for Corfe Castle. There is a small National Trust car park at the foot of the Castle which may be full during peak season. Purbeck Park is recommended as an alternative starting point and is only ¾ mile from Corfe Castle or a short train ride.
Open Christmas |
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Open New Year |
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Winter car park opening (1 December 2020 - 28 February 2021)* | ||
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Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 07:00 | - 18:00* |
Bank Holiday | 07:00 | - 18:00* |
Spring car park opening (1 March 2021 - 30 April 2021) | ||
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Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 07:00 | - 21:00* |
Summer car park opening (1 May 2021 - 31 August 2021) | ||
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Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 07:00 | - 23:00* |
Autumn car park opening (1 September 2021 - 31 October 2021) | ||
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Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 07:00 | - 21:00* |
Winter car park opening (1 November 2021 - 30 November 2021) | ||
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Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 07:00 | - 19:00* |
* For opening times of attractions, cycle hire and railway and bus timetables please check their websites for further information.
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to changeTicket Type | Ticket Tariff |
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All day car parking charge | £3.50 per ticket |
All day coach parking charge | £5.00 per ticket |
Free admission for walkers,cyclists,bus passengers | Free |
Please note, there is a separate charge for onward travel by train, bus or bike.
Follow brown signs to Purbeck Park, Norden near Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5DW on the A351 approach from Wareham and located 15 minutes walk 3/4 mile from the historic village of Corfe Castle.
Directions by road to Corfe Castle
From Bournemouth/Poole: Take the A35 to Bakers Arms roundabout. Take 1st exit onto A351, signposted Wareham. Follow signs for Corfe Castle and Swanage.
From Dorchester: Take the A352 signposted Wareham. At Worgret roundabout, take 3rd exit onto A351, signposted Corfe Castle and Swanage.
From Weymouth: Take the A353 signposted Wareham. At Warmwell roundabout, take 3rd exit onto A352, signposted Wareham. At Worgret roundabout, take 3rd exit onto A351, signposted Corfe Castle and Swanage.
From the west: the nearest mainline railway station is Wareham (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line).
Catch the seasonal summer Purbeck Breezer service number 30 for Purbeck Park bus stop or the number 40 bus from Wareham Railway Station to East Street bus stop in Corfe Castle or Norden Campsite.
The Purbeck Breezer serivce number 30 also runs buses to Purbeck Park from Swanage, Wareham, Wool, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Dorchester and Weymouth.
From the east: catch a train to Bournemouth Railway Station, transfer to the number 50 bus to Swanage, then transfer again to the seasonal number 30 for Purbeck Park or 40 bus to East Street bus stop in Corfe Castle. Alternatively, at times when the Swanage Railway is running, catch a train from Swanage to Corfe Castle. Tel: 01929 425800 or visit their website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Journey planning: Contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit their website: www.travelinesw.com to look up bus timetables.
Swanage Railway, SwanageEnjoy 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 village.
Cyclexperience, Corfe CastleCyclexperience has now re-opened 7 days a week - combine tranquility, exercise and discovery on a bike and explore the woodland, heath, beaches and hills of Purbeck.
Rempstone Cycle Ride, Corfe CastleA circular 12 mile, mainly off-road route between Norden and either Studland village or Shell Bay beach via the Rempstone Estate.
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