Beaches & Outdoor Activities
Get outside and explore the beautiful beaches, coast and countryside of Purbeck, the Jurassic Coast and Dorset near Wareham.
From beautiful natural sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and bays there is something for everyone. The Isle of Purbeck is also notable for the number of country parks and nature reserves which we have listed below where you can explore the Jurassic coastline and the beauty of Poole harbour as well as take the opportunity to get close to the amazing variety of wildlife in Dorset.
Beaches
Kimmeridge Bay
Around half a mile south west of Kimmeridge village, via a toll road. Stony beach - with some good accessible rockpools.
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Lulworth
Part of the Jurassic Coast with stunning geology and pretty natural coves and beaches.
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Swanage Beach
Traditional seaside resort with Blue Flag status, a sandy beach ideal for families with good facilities and amusements.
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Studland Bay
With four miles of beautiful beaches - ideal for families. Owned by the National Trust.
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Country Parks & Nature Reserves
Arne RSPB Reserve
An amazing opportunity to explore this stunning lowland heath nature reserve, with a visitor centre and café.
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Durlston Country Park and Castle
Coastal country park and national nature reserve with stunning views,
located in Swanage
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Studland and Godlingston Heath
The largest expanse of unspoiled lowland heath in Dorset with views towards Poole harbour.
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Countryside and Coastal Walks
There are far too many walks to mention all of them! Here are some of the most popular…
Gentle circular walk exploring Corfe Castle’s historic landscape (1.5 miles, half an hour walk). Corfe Common is the largest area of common land in Dorset. With some interesting history and fantastic views of the Castle.
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Corfe Common History Walk
Walk from Corfe Castle to Old Harry and Swanage (9.5 miles taking over 5 hours). The walk have views over Poole Harbour, Swanage and towards the Isle of Wight. You can return to Corfe by bus or the Swanage Railway.
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Purbeck Ridgeway walk
A stunning circular walk (3-4 hours) which starts in Kingston and winds down to Corfe Castle (occasionally steep and muddy).
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Kingston Commoners Ways
An opportunity to walk along the public pathway to the highest point in the Purbeck hills, located around 1 mile southwest of Kingston village. The hill has extensive views towards the Isle of Portland and the Isle of Wight as well as the Purbeck hills and Poole Harbour.
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Swyre Head
A Jurassic Coast walk near Langton Matravers is the National Trusts Scratch Arse Ware (yes that's the name!) and Dancing Ledge Walk which takes around 1.30 minutes (3.5 miles) and is of moderate difficulty. Dancing Ledge is part of the Jurassic coast and has superb sea views.
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Spyway and Dancing Ledge
Coastal walk with breathtaking and the famous chalk stack landmarks which also mark the most easterly point of the Jurassic coast. A 1-2 hour walk from the South Beach car park at Studland.
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Old Harry Rocks
A hard to access cove known for the high number of fossils found there. The cove is potentially dangerous to access and good care must be taken. However, the coastal pathway between Chapman’s Pool and Lulworth is one of the most beautiful to walk.
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Chapman’s Pool
An abandoned cliff top quarry used by the Navy and Royal Air Force as a base during World War II. Although the caves are closed to the public there area is still a popular picnic spot with its nearby beach.
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Winspit and Seacombe
St Aldhelm was a 7th century Anglo Saxon monk and first Bishop of Sherborne. This area, named after the saint is home to the Norman St Aldhelm’s Head chapel (restored in the 19th century) as well as a radar monument made to commemorate the development of radar at RAF Worth Matravers during the Second World War.
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St Aldhelm's Head
Leisure & Sporting Activities
Beach Gardens
- Northbrook Road & De Moulham Road, Swanage -
18 hole putting green and tennis courts.
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18 hole putting green and tennis courts.
Kirkwood Park
- Victoria Avenue, Swanage -
116 acre park with 18 hole Pitch & Putt, Footgolf.
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116 acre park with 18 hole Pitch & Putt, Footgolf.