The Isle of Purbeck

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The Isle of Purbeck is an unspoilt paradise in south east Dorset.

We call it an “Isle” because it is largely surrounded by sea except where it is bounded by the River Frome.

The Purbeck Hills (“The Purbecks”) run across the area with Corfe Castle in the largest gap. Entry points are the bridge over the River Frome at Wareham and the chain ferry at Sandbanks. A particularly mild and agreeable climate makes it one of the sunniest places in the country in summer and autumn.

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The coastline from Lulworth to Swanage is part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site. The Dorset Coastal Path follows the coast. Throughout the area there are many excellent walks suitable for all ages and levels of fitness; or bring or hire bikes.

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There are safe beaches at Swanage and Studland, and other less sandy seaside spots at Lulworth, Worbarrow, Kimmeridge, Chapmans Pool, and Dancing Ledge.

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North of the Purbeck Hills clay has been mined for centuries. The Blue Pool (worth a visit) is a former clay pit. South of the hills are villages and hamlets, some mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1085; quarries for Purbeck stone and Purbeck Marble, which adorn medieval cathedrals across England and Normandy; and ancient churches.

Saint Aldhem’s is thought to date from the 8th century. Saint Peter’s at Church Knowle dates from about 1230. The village had a priest at the time of the Domesday Book. There are quarryman s churches at Langton Matravers and Worth Matravers; Saint James at Kingston, built in the 1880s, is a superb mini-cathedral; Steeple has a link with the flag and first President of the USA; and the church at Tyneham in which occasional services are held doubles as a museum.

Many pubs serve excellent food, especially the New Inn at Church Knowle, the Scott Arms at Kingston, and the Ship in Langton Matravers. The Square and Compass at Worth Matravers is worth a visit, but don t go at weekends.

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Places to visit include Durlston Country Park (Swanage), Putlake Farm (Langton Matravers), the Blue Pool (Furzebrook), the Fossil Museum (Kimmeridge), the Purbeck Sports Centre (Wareham), Monkey World (Bovington), The Tank Museum (Bovington), Sandbanks for windsurfing, Brownsea Island to see the red squirrels (boat from Sandbanks); or the deserted village of Tyneham and walk down to Worbarrow. The military range is open most weekends and throughout August.