ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN THE PURBECK AREA

Set in a deep clay bowl, steps lead down to the waters edge or up to views of the Purbeck Hills.  Take a lovely woodland walk around the pool and enjoy the play areas before indulging in lunch or a sweet treat in the tea rooms.  

Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR

Website: The Blue Pool

The centre offers a variety of activities all year including children's stone carving sessions for ages 6 years and up.

Address: Burngate Stone Carving Centre, Kingston Road, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3BE

Website: Burngate Stone Centre

The Dorset Waterpark is spread over two beautiful lakes overlooking Corfe Castle.  The course includes slides, a trampoline, gladiator rings, jumps, balance beams and lots more.  Facilities include free parking, toilet and changing rooms.  The Snack Shack sells drinks, ice creams, burgers and snacks. 

Address: Dorset Waterpark, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5JG

Dorset Waterpark Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Dorset Adventure Park

Please note: The Dorset Waterpark is now closed for the season and will re-open in Spring 2024

Durlston Country Park sits in 280 acres of spectacular countryside.  Enjoy fabulous views, walks, play trail, the great observatory globe and a variety of wildlife.  Facilities include a visitor centre, restaurant and gift shop.

Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL

Website: Durlston Country Park

Come and see what the Castle and village would have looked like before its destruction in 1646.  In the grounds of the model village and gardens you will find giant family games, gift shop, tea rooms and much more.

Address: Corfe Castle Model Village, The Square, West Street, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ

Corfe Castle Model Village Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Corfe Castle Model Village

Set within an enclosed 1000 acre deer park you'll find the historic buildings and ancient woodlands of Lulworth Castle and park.  Enjoy woodland walks, park trails and a children's playground.
Please note the Castle is closed on Saturdays and occasionally during the week for private events. 

Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS

Website: Lulworth Estate

Guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills, the Castle is steeped in history.  You will find the National Trust Tea Rooms at the entrance to the grounds.

Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ

Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

Set in 65 acres of beautiful woodland, Monkey World is home to over 230 primates of more than 20 different species and is a wonderful day out for children and adults.

Address: Monkey World, Longthorns, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Website: Monkey World

Putlake Farm offers plenty including tractor trailer rides, meet and greet the animals, outdoor play area, indoor soft play and much more.  Facilities include the tea rooms selling hot and cold food.

Address: Putlake Adventure Farm, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, H19 3EU

Website: Putlake Adventure Farm

The Swanage Steam Train takes you on a magical journey through the Purbeck countryside.

Stations at: Norden, Corfe Castle, Harmans Cross, Herston and Swanage

Website: Swanage Railway

New for 2018, the Dorset Mud Trail is a 1.5km muddy, obstacle filled trail set in the grounds of the Dorset Waterpark.  It’s suitable for all ages and great fun in any weather - remember, mud washes off but memories last a lifetime.  Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and the Snack Shack selling drinks, ice-creams and burgers.

Address: Dorset Mud Trail, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5JG

Dorset Mud Trail Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Dorset Mud Trail

Please note: The Dorset Mud Trail is now closed for the season and will re-open in Spring 2024.

The visitor centre covers 35 acres of wonderful Purbeck countryside and houses many rescue animals including cats, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, chickens and rabbits.  Free entry however donations are greatly received.

Address: Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Church Knowle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5NQ

Margaret Green Animal Rescue Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Website: Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Small but great amusement park suitable for younger children with a mini train, rides and bouncy castle plus there's arcade games, dinosaur and pirate crazy golf courses and a cafe.

Address: Santa Fe Fun Park, Mermon Place, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DG

Website: Santa Fe Fun Park

Enjoy the river Frome on one of the many boats you can hire including motor boats, canoes, kayaks and rowing boats.

Address: Wareham Boat Hire, Abbots Quay, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LP

Website: Wareham Boat Hire

The Tank Museum brings the history of tanks and tank crew to life.  Supported by the world's best collection of tanks and action packed live displays.  Facilities include a restaurant and gift shop.

Good to know: You will receive a free annual pass included with your entry fee!

Address: Tank Museum, Bovington, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6JG

Website: The Tank Museum

Little Tokens is a new pottery painting and craft studio for everyone to visit and create their own masterpiece.

Address: Little Tokens, Unit 1 Drax Avenue, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4DJ

Website: Little Tokens

At the RSPB Arne nature reserve, the visitor hut in the car park has seasonal nest cameras, a 'nature table' where visitors can find out more about the wildlife at Arne, and information about the reserve.  RSPB staff organise a range of guided walks and events to help you see some of our most exciting species.  Adjacent to the car park you will find the shop and cafe.

Address: RSPB Arne, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5BJ

RSPB Arne Review: Dorsetmums Blog 

Website: RSPB Arne