Langton Matravers is a pretty, rural village located 2 miles west of Swanage town centre.

The name Langton originates from ‘Long town’ and Matravers from the name of Lord Mautravers who onced lived there. There are many good footpaths to explore the Purbeck countryside and Jurassic Coast World Heritage sites.

The area around the village is also known for its quarrying industry. Purbeck stone has been used as a traditional building and paving material since Roman times and has been used in the construction of many cathedrals in Britain. Stone was transported to other parts of the country via ‘Dancing Ledge’ just south of the village where the sea off the ledge is deep enough for small ships to approach.

Langton Matravers has a Purbeck Stone Museum, dedicated to telling the story of Purbeck limestone. The museum is located in a former Coach House and shows how the local stone was quarried and used. The museum also has an exhibition about Purbeck’s role in the development of Radar and during the Second World War.

There is also the Burngate Stone Carving Centre a few minutes from the village where you can even try out stone carving for yourself.