Whether you’re looking for somewhere to visit, stay or eat in this stunning area? Visit Purbeck Dorset has got you covered!
You’ll find Visit Purbeck Dorset Visitor Guides throughout Purbeck – each jam packed with information about the local area.
Our website will show you everything Purbeck has to offer – from outstanding natural landscapes to historical sites, entertainment and arts, to fun family attractions.
Fancy something to eat or drink? Check out our Food & Drink guide. Need somewhere to stay? Find a hotel with our Accommodation guide.
There’s a great variety of attractions for visitors and holiday-makers in Purbeck. From stunning cliffside views and beaches to grand, historic castles, as well as fascinating museums to family fun adventures, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in the area.
Purbeck is one of the most biodiverse areas in the UK, which is reflected in the variety of local wildlife reserves in the area, such as RSPB Arne, Durlston Country Park and The Blue Pool. It is home to the UK’s first Super National Nature Reserve – so there’s plenty to see and explore!
Given that RSPB Arne features the largest natural harbour in the world, it’s no surprise that it’s absolutely teeming with wildlife – including a range of insects, birds, reptiles & mammels.
The staggering landscapes and cliffs of Durlston Country Park are a sight to behold, forming part of the famous Jurrasic Coast. If you love sealife, Durlston Country Park is worth a visit, giving you the opportunity to spot dolphins alongside other marine wildlife.
Part of the almost 400 year old Furzebrook Estate, The Blue Pool is a magical place to visit, with its beautiful glistening blue waters – it’s no surprise that its one of the most popular local attractions in the area.
Given that Purbeck has been inhabited since the Stone Age, it’s unsurprising that there are so many historic places to visit. From museums including Dinosour bones from the Cretaceous period, to Castles with rich and diverse histories, it’s difficult to find yourself uninterested by the history of this area.
Discover the iconic Corfe Castle, built shortly after the Norman Conquest in the 11th Century. Once home to royalty & nobility, it now stands in majestic ruins after the English Civil War resulted in its destruction by the Parliamentarians.
Visit the over 4 century old Lulworth Castle, once the family home of the Weld Family – the current owners of the Lulworth Estate. Ravaged by a fire that caused tremendous damage to the building in 1929, it has since been partially restored by English Heritage and the Lulworth Estate. The castle was built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge to entertain Aristocracy & Royality.
Discover unique, local experiences across Purbeck and beyond — brought to you by the team behind Love It Local Magazine. From food festivals and artisan markets to live music and seasonal celebrations, our events are all about bringing the community together and showcasing the very best of local life.
The Mowlem Theatre & The Rex Cinema offer regular film screenings & theatre productions, which are are listed in our What’s On page. The Purbeck Film Festival opens every autumn, and offers open air cinema & theatre productions.
The area has a strong arts scene, with many local galleries holding exhibitions. In addition, there is an annual Purbeck Art Weeks Festival.
There’s plenty of fun experiences to be had if you want to get hands-on in Purbeck! Choose from an abundance of local workshops, experiences & courses – whether you want to get back to nature, learn a new craft or have a driver experience on a steam train.
Purbeck has a full calendar of annual music festivals and concerts, including…
Purbeck has a great variety of beautiful towns and villages to explore. From pretty rural seaside villages & towns to the spectacular landscapes of the Jurassic Coast, there is certainly no shortage of places to visit in this truly astonishing area.
Swanage offers a traditional English seaside town experience with its stunning coastal views, Victorian Pier, and lovely gift and souvenir shops. For a more rural, natural seaside part of the famous Jurassic Coast, visit the breathtaking Studland Beach.
Wareham is an fascinating historic market town, located on the banks of the river frome. Being one of the best preserved Saxon walled towns in the UK, it’s not a surprise that so many visit the town each year.
Purbeck’s smaller villages are also well worth exploring. The most famous is Corfe with its iconic Norman castle ruins towering over the pretty Purbeck stone village below and the heritage Swanage Railway steam trains chugging by.
Kimmeridge, and Lulworth are great places to enjoy and explore the amazing Jurassic Coastline. Or explore the inland countryside with a visit to the hill village of Kingston which has the most amazing views of Corfe below.
If you love history don’t miss a visit to Langton Matravers with its links to the local quarrying industry as well as the use of radar in the second world war.
Do you fancy a trip down to the shop? Or do you fancy a meal out, or a place to stay on your holiday?
Find out more at our Food & Drink, Accommodation & Shopping pages.
