10 Things to do in Isle of Purbeck That You Shouldn't Miss

February 2, 2022 Misti Hsu

Discover the best top things to do in Isle of Purbeck, United Kingdom including Studland to Swanage Trail, Dorset Adventure Park, Corfe Castle, Swanage Railway, Studland beach and Nature Reserve, Durlston Country Park, Old Harry Rocks, Shell Bay, Swanage Pier, Keates Quarry Dinosaur Footprints.
Restaurants in Isle of Purbeck

1. Studland to Swanage Trail

Studland Village Car Park Swanage Road, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AE England +44 1752 896237 [email protected] http://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/424/
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 68 reviews

Studland to Swanage Trail

A spectacular walk on the South West Coast Path that takes you from the village of Studland past the famous landmark of Old Harry – the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - and on to Swanage.

Reviewed By davidgZ9308PO - Crowthorne, United Kingdom

We walked from South beach car park up to Old Harry's Rocks then up to Ballard Down , then back to the village. The views are amazing and although you are ascending all the time, it is quite gentle climb. Worth going early to get parked but also before the crowds

2. Dorset Adventure Park

Dorset Waterpark Arfleet Mill Lakes Studland Road Arfleet Mill Lakes, Corfe Castle BH20 5JG England +44 1929 505030 [email protected] http://www.dorsetadventurepark.com
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,568 reviews

Dorset Adventure Park

Dorset Adventure Park is a family fun Waterpark and Mud Trail. Featuring 18 acres of woodland and lakes with stunning views of Corfe Castle. Whether you’re looking to get wet or muddy, there is something for everyone to enjoy! The Waterpark is a huge Woodland Water Park spread over two lakes overlooking Corfe Castle. Each lake features different inflatable obstacles for you to tackle. More than 200m of wet inflatable fun for you to challenge your family and friends. Dorset Mud Trail is an outdoor adventure trail for any age and is fantastic fun in any weather; great on a sunny day, but even more fun in the rain. Featuring 50 different muddy obstacles over a 2km trail. Mud washes off, memories last a lifetime! Free parking and Snack Shack offering hot and cold food and drinks. Come and join us for a full of fun day of outdoor adventure for all the family!

Reviewed By NikkiE381

I took my teenage son and a few of his friends there last month and we were met with very friendly and helpful staff. The facilities are superb with warm outdoor showers to wash off the mud and changing rooms next door, lockers and a snack shack with hot drinks and snacks to keep you going. We will definitely be back.

3. Corfe Castle

The Square, Corfe Castle BH20 5EZ England +44 1929 481294 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,838 reviews

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is open for those who have booked a timed slot only. Uncover the secrets of Dorset's iconic medieval castle. A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, you can't fail to be captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views.Castle - Discover 1000 years of the castle's history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner. Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife which has set up home in these facinating castle ruins.Shop - In the village square, our shop offers a range of products from pocket money treats to luxury locally made gifts.Tea Rooms - Indulge in a homemade Dorset cream tea in our delightful 18th centry tea rooms. Enjoy the summer garden with unrivalled castle views or the glowing open log fire in winter.

Reviewed By E7915GUianc - Basingstoke, United Kingdom

We were attending a nearby wedding and stayed over night and decided to incorporate a trip to Corfe castle in the visit, and it added a great deal to the weekend, Lots of history from the civil war era and beyond, a lovely fresh air national trust site, a steam railway runs about 1/2 mile away, which sometimes can give great views. Whilst relatively expensive, it makes taking out the Nat Trust membership even more worthwhile. Generally a great learning experience for bith adults and kids can also have great fun. Worth a trip to be fair

4. Swanage Railway

Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,035 reviews

Swanage Railway

The Swanage Railway provides an ideal way to get to the beach without the need to park in Swanage. Simply leave your car at Purbeck Park, next to Norden station, which is conveniently located just off the A351 north of Corfe Castle, and start your holiday early!

5. Studland beach and Nature Reserve

Ferry Road National Trust Area, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AQ England +44 1929 450500 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,317 reviews

Studland beach and Nature Reserve

Reviewed By kurti5

Great place to take dogs, there’s plenty of beach for them to play on without getting in peoples way, the beach is clean, the sea is clear and there’s a variety of water sports such as pédalos, kayaks and paddle boards.

6. Durlston Country Park

Durlston Country Park Lighthouse Road, Swanage BH19 2JL England +44 1929 424443 [email protected] http://www.durlston.co.uk/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,145 reviews

Durlston Country Park

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve is the perfect place to start exploring Dorset’s Jurassic coast. Acres of wildflower meadows, sea cliffs, woodland, superb coastal walking and spectacular views await you. Durlston Castle also offers gallery exhibitions, the Seventhwave Café and visitor’s shop. A ranger is always on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Owned and managed by Dorset Council.

Reviewed By johnwF5100AB - Haversham, United Kingdom

Durston Country Park is situated on the cliffs with stunning views over Swanage Bay to Old Harry Rocks with Bournemouth & the Isle of Wight beyond. For the price of a car park ticket you can stroll around the beautiful grounds & enjoy dramatic sea views and a large variety of birds, insects, animals, plants flowers & trees making it a great experience for all. The Castle has a shop, restaurant/cafe with inside & outside seating, permanent as well as varying exhibitions of local art & photography and interesting educational features for kids of all ages. On this year's holiday we had breakfast there four times as it really is such a special place. Due to pesky Covid restrictions access to the lavatories is currently quite convoluted and although acccess for all has been improved this year the walks are hilly in places. Small prices to pay for such a special experience, take a camera and binoculars if you have them and you definitely won't regret it.

7. Old Harry Rocks

Swanage England http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/45/
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 854 reviews

Old Harry Rocks

Reviewed By nicoladia

We parked in National Trust South Beach Car Park and walked up to viewing point -20 min walk roughly - sunny day - stunning ...amazing views of Jurassic Coast ....a must see !

8. Shell Bay

Ferry Road, Studland, Swanage BH19 3BA England
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 287 reviews

Shell Bay

Reviewed By DavidL408 - Christchurch, United Kingdom

This is a beautiful wide sandy beach with sand dunes behind that has stunning views out to sea - back towards the Haven Hotel at Sandbanks or across to Old Harry Rocks. The shoreline walk takes approx. 1 hour to 1hour 15 mins and brings you to the National Trust at Studland Bay with a cafe and toilets including lots of tables and chairs outdoors. Around the next corner you will also find the Middle Beach Cafe which provides a wide variety of hot food including kiddies meals, home made cakes etc. Both of these cafes are an ideal place to take a rest, have some food and drink or an ice cream before heading back to the Sandbanks Ferry. Highly recommended and little changed since we first used to visit here with our children over 30 years ago.

9. Swanage Pier

Pier Approach, Swanage BH19 2AW England +44 1929 425806 [email protected] http://www.swanagepiertrust.com/
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 502 reviews

Swanage Pier

Reviewed By michaelhS2408CB - Godalming, United Kingdom

We walked down to the pier to see all the memorial plaques placed into the boards, it’s only £1.50 per adult, a little bit of heritage for a little bit of change.

10. Keates Quarry Dinosaur Footprints

Priests Way, Langton Matravers, Swanage England +44 1929 450002 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/spyway/features/the-keates-quarry-dinosaur-footprints
Excellent
48%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Keates Quarry Dinosaur Footprints

Reviewed By Adventure50820437896 - Dorset, United Kingdom

Took our two year old. He loved the walk there, saw cows, sheep and horses on the way. As you get to the quarry there were also diggers and trucks which he was very excited to see. The footprints are really interesting and he enjoyed standing in them. You wouldn’t spend much time there it’s not very big, but great you can go and look. Just reading the other reviews re the walk. It’s not long about a mile slight incline getting there but nothing much. It’s mostly flat, we took a buggy. Our two year old pretty much ran the whole way and back. I would say a dry day that’s not too hot would be best. The car park has a map, you literally walk right from the car park. Turn first right and keep going straight through quite a few gates. You get to the quarry and keep going straight through another gate and down another path. Gate for the footprints is marked on the right. There were cows in the field you have to walk through.

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