There are quite a few beautiful beaches to chose from:
Studland is a vast area of sandy beaches and heathland. A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.Studland was the inspiration for Toytown in Enid Blyton’s Noddy.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay
Swanage’s sandy beach is one of the main attractions of the town. Deck chairs are available for hire, as are pedaloes, kayaks and sun beds. The beach runs the length of the town and is backed by a promenade lined with amusements and attractions. It is found on the South West Coast Path. Diver training and excursions run regularly from Swanage. Other water sports include sailing, water-skiing and wind surfing.
http://www.swanage.gov.uk/BeachBay.aspx
Lulworth has a beautiful white pebble beach with its blue waters and easty 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. Formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age. Lulworth Cove is world famous for its unique geology and landforms including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
https://www.lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/lulworth-cove/
Durdle Door is probably the most famous stone arch anywhere in the world. It was created when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone around 10,000 years ago. Looking west over the beach, isolated stacks out at sea show where an older coastline once lay. This part of the coast is formed from merged bays and shows how Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole may look in several thousand years time. The shingle beach is only accessible on foot via a steep path and steps from Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door car park.
https://www.lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/durdle-door/
For a moderately difficult walk go to Kimmeridge, Tyneham Village, Lulworth Cove & Fossil Forrest and for a more challenging walk try Chapmans Pool and Durdle Door & White Nothe. Find out about lots of walks at
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/
If you like castles nearby here a few to take a look at:
Corfe Castle – discover 1,000 years of history as a royal palace and fortress. A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, you can’t fail to be captivated by the romantic ruins and breathtaking views across Purbeck.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Portland Castle is one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortes, overlooking Portland Harbour, built in the early 1540’s to protect against French and Spanish invasion. Also find out the part it played in WWI and WWII.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/portland-castle/
Lulworth Castle & Park was built in the early 17th Century as a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty, it was for centuries the family seat of the Weld family, the current owners of the Lulworth Estate. Ravaged by fire in 1929, it has been partly restored in a pioneering partnership with English Heritage.
https://www.lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/castle-and-park/
Dorset is home to some of the most spectacular homes and gardens in the country, all with their own stories and hidden histories:
Kinston Lacy near Wimborne Minster was built in the 17th century, home to the Bankes family for over 300 years and filled with the oldest established gentry collection of paintings in Britain with the largest private collection of Egytian artefacts in the UK. The house is surrounded by 300 acres of formal gardens and parkland.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy
Athelhampton House is one of the finest 15th century examples of Tudor architecture and is surrounded by one of the great architectural gardens of England.
https://www.athelhampton.com/
Sherborne Castle was built in 1594 by Sir Walter Raleigh and is surrounded by 30 acres of stunning gardens and pleasure grounds. The eighteenth century ‘Capability’ Brown landscape provides a peaceful and tranquil setting with magnificent specimen trees, borders and sweeping lawns. Wander along paths and trails surrounding a beautiful 50-acre lake inhabited by abundant wildlife found both on the lake and adjacent grounds.
http://www.sherbornecastle.com/
Monkey World assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild. At the Centre refugees of this illegal trade as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect are rehabilitated into natural living groups.
http://www.monkeyworld.org/
Travel by steam at The Swanage Railway which offers a more intensive heritage steam and diesel timetable train service than virtually any other preserved railway.
https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/
Dorset Adventure Park, Corfe Castle is a family fund Waterpark and Mud Trail in 18 acres of woodland and lakes with stunning views of Corfe Castle. Open from April to mid October
http://dorsetadventurepark.co.uk/
Tank Museum – The tank was a British invention that changed warfare for ever when it was introduced in the First World War and Bovington has been the home of the tank ever since.
https://www.tankmuseum.org/home
Farmer Palmers Farm Park is packed with fun-filled play and lots of cute and friendly animals. Attractions are designed specifically with under 8’s. There is a mix of indoor and outdoor play.
https://farmerpalmers.co.uk/
Please refer to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MastCottageWareham/ or https://www.visit-dorset.com/ for more links and information of local events and places to visit.
