Excursions from Corfe Castle
Sightseeing
Beautiful old Tudor Manor House between Corfe Castle and Dorchester with wonderful walled gardens and restaurant attached.
31 residents recomanen
Athelhampton House i Jardins
Athelhampton RoadBeautiful old Tudor Manor House between Corfe Castle and Dorchester with wonderful walled gardens and restaurant attached.
The quaint birthplace of the novelist Thomas Hardy - is preserved unchanged in the hamlet of Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester
62 residents recomanen
Hardys Cottage
The quaint birthplace of the novelist Thomas Hardy - is preserved unchanged in the hamlet of Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester
The cottage of Lawrence of Arabia - preserved just as Lawrence left it offers a unique insight into his character. He is buried in the local cemetery nearby.
32 residents recomanen
Clouds Hill
King George V RoadThe cottage of Lawrence of Arabia - preserved just as Lawrence left it offers a unique insight into his character. He is buried in the local cemetery nearby.
The village of Moreton lies a short stroll across the meadows from Cloud's Hill - where Lawrence of Arabia lived the final years of his life. Lawrence is buried in Moreton (not in the churchyard but in the cemetary across the road). The church is interesting in it's own right for the beautiful and unique windows. The original stained glass, having been destroyed in World War Two - the panes were replaced with etched glass, rather than stained glass, designs. The village is also home to some pleasant walled gardens (which at the time of writing are free to visit) - which house the Dovecote Tea Rooms.
15 residents recomanen
Moreton Walled Garden
The village of Moreton lies a short stroll across the meadows from Cloud's Hill - where Lawrence of Arabia lived the final years of his life. Lawrence is buried in Moreton (not in the churchyard but in the cemetary across the road). The church is interesting in it's own right for the beautiful and unique windows. The original stained glass, having been destroyed in World War Two - the panes were replaced with etched glass, rather than stained glass, designs. The village is also home to some pleasant walled gardens (which at the time of writing are free to visit) - which house the Dovecote Tea Rooms.
Museu del Comtat de Dorset
High West StreetAn interesting way to while away a couple hours.
Dorchester offers the Curiosity Centre (for those who enjoy browsing antiques, curios and bric a brac). The Curiosity Centre has a tea room.
7 residents recomanen
Dorchester Curiosity Centre
Dorchester offers the Curiosity Centre (for those who enjoy browsing antiques, curios and bric a brac). The Curiosity Centre has a tea room.
The manor house built by the Banks family, after Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarians blew up Corfe Castle in 1649.
78 residents recomanen
Kingston Lacy
The manor house built by the Banks family, after Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarians blew up Corfe Castle in 1649.
The pretty village of Cerne Abbas is famous for the hillside chalk carving of the "Cerne Abbas Giant"
67 residents recomanen
Cerne Abbas Giant
24 Long StThe pretty village of Cerne Abbas is famous for the hillside chalk carving of the "Cerne Abbas Giant"
One amazing feature on the Jurassic Coastline is the Golden Cap. This striking, gold-coloured cliff is the highest point on the south coast of England. Despite being about twice the height of the White Cliffs of Dover, very few people have heard of it, which means you have a pretty good chance of having the Golden Cap’s stunning coastal views all to yourself.
103 residents recomanen
Golden Cap
One amazing feature on the Jurassic Coastline is the Golden Cap. This striking, gold-coloured cliff is the highest point on the south coast of England. Despite being about twice the height of the White Cliffs of Dover, very few people have heard of it, which means you have a pretty good chance of having the Golden Cap’s stunning coastal views all to yourself.
The pretty village of Abbotsbuty is home to an ancient Abbey, some subtropical gardens and England's largest colony of mute swans. Visit in Spring to see the newly hatched cygnets. Abbotsbury also has a couple of good places to eat.
119 residents recomanen
Abbotsbury Swannery
New Barn RoadThe pretty village of Abbotsbuty is home to an ancient Abbey, some subtropical gardens and England's largest colony of mute swans. Visit in Spring to see the newly hatched cygnets. Abbotsbury also has a couple of good places to eat.
Lyme Regis is a pretty harbour town and popular palaeontology spot for fossil-hunters.
69 residents recomanen
El Cobb
Lyme Regis is a pretty harbour town and popular palaeontology spot for fossil-hunters.
The Smith's Arms at Godmanstone dates dates to 1420 and was originally a smithy. It is cited in the Guiness Book of records as the "smallest pub in England". Legend has it that the licence was granted by Charles II who asked for refreshment when he stopped to have his horse shod. When the smith replied that he had no licence, the King granted him one by Royal Charter. The original bar is 11ft 9ins by 15 feet. The ceiling is low and sloping, being only 6ft 2ins at the highest point - so don't all visit at once!
Smiths Arms station
The Smith's Arms at Godmanstone dates dates to 1420 and was originally a smithy. It is cited in the Guiness Book of records as the "smallest pub in England". Legend has it that the licence was granted by Charles II who asked for refreshment when he stopped to have his horse shod. When the smith replied that he had no licence, the King granted him one by Royal Charter. The original bar is 11ft 9ins by 15 feet. The ceiling is low and sloping, being only 6ft 2ins at the highest point - so don't all visit at once!
Visit rescued apes and monkeys made famous by the long running TV show "Monkey Business".
319 residents recomanen
Monkey World - Centre de Rescat d'Animals Simis
LongthornsVisit rescued apes and monkeys made famous by the long running TV show "Monkey Business".
This perfect horseshoe-shaped cove a short distance from Corfe - is popular with summer visitors.
383 residents recomanen
Cala de Lulworth
This perfect horseshoe-shaped cove a short distance from Corfe - is popular with summer visitors.
The iconic arch at Durdle Door is a "must see" for many visitors.
403 residents recomanen
Porta de Durdle
The iconic arch at Durdle Door is a "must see" for many visitors.
The ghost village of Tyneham with its perfectly preserved 1930s school room is visitable on days when the tank ranges are not firing!
67 residents recomanen
Poble de Tyneham
The ghost village of Tyneham with its perfectly preserved 1930s school room is visitable on days when the tank ranges are not firing!
Flower's Barrow
South West Coast PathBeautiful stretches of the South West Coast Path with views across to Portland Bill.
The lovely walk along Nine Barrow Down from Corfe Castle, culminates in the iconic Old Harry rocks - named after the local pirate Harry Paye.
152 residents recomanen
Old Harry Rocks
The lovely walk along Nine Barrow Down from Corfe Castle, culminates in the iconic Old Harry rocks - named after the local pirate Harry Paye.
The historic house (now an Agricultural College) is off-limits - but visitors can walk around the lovely gardens and lake and visit the farm animals in the "children's farm". There is also a cafe on site.
8 residents recomanen
Kingston Maurward
The historic house (now an Agricultural College) is off-limits - but visitors can walk around the lovely gardens and lake and visit the farm animals in the "children's farm". There is also a cafe on site.
Pretty Georgian village of immaculate thatched cottages, which hosts a Georgian street fair in summer.
7 residents recomanen
Milton Abbas
Pretty Georgian village of immaculate thatched cottages, which hosts a Georgian street fair in summer.
Great way to while away a rainy afternoon - the private home of Victorian travellers Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Lady Annie houses overlooks Bournemouth Beach and remains almost untouched - housing a fascinating and extensive collection of art and artefacts from their travels. It was one of the last Victorian manor houses ever built in Bournemouth. There is a cafe.
110 residents recomanen
Galeria d'Art i Museu Russell Cotes
West Cliff PromenadeGreat way to while away a rainy afternoon - the private home of Victorian travellers Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Lady Annie houses overlooks Bournemouth Beach and remains almost untouched - housing a fascinating and extensive collection of art and artefacts from their travels. It was one of the last Victorian manor houses ever built in Bournemouth. There is a cafe.
Great for families and nature lovers - Bournmouth's Oceanarium with its walk through shark tunnels and interactive Manta Ray pools - does not disappoint.
115 residents recomanen
Oceanari
Pier ApproachGreat for families and nature lovers - Bournmouth's Oceanarium with its walk through shark tunnels and interactive Manta Ray pools - does not disappoint.
Outdoor art set in 26 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The location has a restaurant.
67 residents recomanen
Sculpture by the Lakes
Outdoor art set in 26 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The location has a restaurant.
Thomas Hardy enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the house on the outskirts of Dorchester, that he built he built after he had become a successful novelist. It is well worth taking the guided tour at Max Gate as the story of Hardy and his various wives and scandals, would make a good novel in itself!
National Trust - Max Gate
Thomas Hardy enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the house on the outskirts of Dorchester, that he built he built after he had become a successful novelist. It is well worth taking the guided tour at Max Gate as the story of Hardy and his various wives and scandals, would make a good novel in itself!
The pretty market town of Wimborne Minster can be combined with a trip to Kingston Lacy House. The Minster itself has an interesting chained library.
Wimborne Minster, Church of St Cuthburga
The pretty market town of Wimborne Minster can be combined with a trip to Kingston Lacy House. The Minster itself has an interesting chained library.
Unspoilt island in Poole Harbour - with its own castle. Notable wild peacocks, one of the few remaining colonies of red squirrels and being the birthplace of the Boy Scout movement.
Brownsea Island
Unspoilt island in Poole Harbour - with its own castle. Notable wild peacocks, one of the few remaining colonies of red squirrels and being the birthplace of the Boy Scout movement.
For those with children of the right age - there is now a water adventure park just outside Corfe - although I can't say that I have actually tried it!
44 residents recomanen
Dorset Adventure Park
For those with children of the right age - there is now a water adventure park just outside Corfe - although I can't say that I have actually tried it!
Ab Forgeworks offers a Blacksmith Experience at the Boilerhouse Galley just behind the old steam railway station
Boilerhouse Gallery
Sandy Hill LaneAb Forgeworks offers a Blacksmith Experience at the Boilerhouse Galley just behind the old steam railway station
Swanage Railway - Corfe castle
Hop on the steam train from Corfe to Swanage!
Take in Old Harry Rocks from the sea - Jurassic Coast cruises depart from both Poole and Swanage in the Summer. The bird watching cruises with commentary by the Durlston Park Rangers are particularly popular in summer and an offer a lovely chance to see our local Puffin colony, and other inhabitants.
14 residents recomanen
City Cruises Poole
The QuayTake in Old Harry Rocks from the sea - Jurassic Coast cruises depart from both Poole and Swanage in the Summer. The bird watching cruises with commentary by the Durlston Park Rangers are particularly popular in summer and an offer a lovely chance to see our local Puffin colony, and other inhabitants.
Best place to appreciate the prehistoric life that once ranged Dorset's Jurassic Coastline, as preserved in the fossil record. Recent displays include a recently discovered "sea monster" which featured in an Attenborough documentary. You can recover from all the excitement at the excellent Clavell's cafe and restaurant, just opposite - or stroll through the village to picturesque Kimmeridge Bay and discover some fossils of your own among the rock pools.
28 residents recomanen
The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life
Best place to appreciate the prehistoric life that once ranged Dorset's Jurassic Coastline, as preserved in the fossil record. Recent displays include a recently discovered "sea monster" which featured in an Attenborough documentary. You can recover from all the excitement at the excellent Clavell's cafe and restaurant, just opposite - or stroll through the village to picturesque Kimmeridge Bay and discover some fossils of your own among the rock pools.
Wonderful sanctuary for all types of rescued great apes, monkeys and lemurs, made famous by the long-running TV show - 'Monkey Business'. Great family day out. There is a restaurant on site.
319 residents recomanen
Monkey World - Centre de Rescat d'Animals Simis
LongthornsWonderful sanctuary for all types of rescued great apes, monkeys and lemurs, made famous by the long-running TV show - 'Monkey Business'. Great family day out. There is a restaurant on site.
Informative and fascinating, award-winning museum. For a family day out with some real "bang" check their online timetable for "firepower" demo days!
247 residents recomanen
El Museu dels Tancs
Linsay RoadInformative and fascinating, award-winning museum. For a family day out with some real "bang" check their online timetable for "firepower" demo days!
This lovely, hidden away, walled garden was recently rediscovered and is the process of restoration. An interesting place for gardeners and nature lovers.
Careys Secret Garden
This lovely, hidden away, walled garden was recently rediscovered and is the process of restoration. An interesting place for gardeners and nature lovers.
This picturesque beauty spot with its quaint tea room, is now also home to Britain's longest rope bridge (50 metres long and 10 metres high) enabling visitors to appreciate the blue waters from the treetops. Those of nervous disposition can still enjoy the classic trail through the trees instead!
67 residents recomanen
La Bassa Blava
Furzebrook RoadThis picturesque beauty spot with its quaint tea room, is now also home to Britain's longest rope bridge (50 metres long and 10 metres high) enabling visitors to appreciate the blue waters from the treetops. Those of nervous disposition can still enjoy the classic trail through the trees instead!
The beautiful golden beaches of Studland run all the way from the ferry point at the tip of Shell Bay through Knowle Beach and Middle Beach, onwards towards Old Harry Rocks. There are Beach Cafes at Knowle Beach and just behind Middle Beach.
8 residents recomanen
Shell Bay
The beautiful golden beaches of Studland run all the way from the ferry point at the tip of Shell Bay through Knowle Beach and Middle Beach, onwards towards Old Harry Rocks. There are Beach Cafes at Knowle Beach and just behind Middle Beach.
Beautiful area, with stunning views of the unspoilt backwaters of Poole harbour where it is not unusual to see deer swimming to the island or the occasional harbour seal. Of course, it is also a great place for bird life - and is a frequent location for BBC's 'Spring Watch'.
35 residents recomanen
RSPB Arne
Arne RoadBeautiful area, with stunning views of the unspoilt backwaters of Poole harbour where it is not unusual to see deer swimming to the island or the occasional harbour seal. Of course, it is also a great place for bird life - and is a frequent location for BBC's 'Spring Watch'.
Food scene
Good pub food - close to Dorchester. Popular with locals, so book ahead!
13 residents recomanen
The Sun Inn
Good pub food - close to Dorchester. Popular with locals, so book ahead!
Centuries ago, the Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills was a hangout for some of Dorset’s most notorious smuggling gangs. Smugglers with names like French Peter drank at the pub, and the leader of the infamous Charles gang owned the inn for a time. These days, it’s a cosy pub with a restaurant. and gorgeous views of the dramatic cliffs.
47 residents recomanen
Smugglers Inn
Centuries ago, the Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills was a hangout for some of Dorset’s most notorious smuggling gangs. Smugglers with names like French Peter drank at the pub, and the leader of the infamous Charles gang owned the inn for a time. These days, it’s a cosy pub with a restaurant. and gorgeous views of the dramatic cliffs.
The Red Lion Hotel
A352Good pub food on the road to Dorchester.
Good food at the Fox - situated at Ansty - a stone's throw from Bulbarrow Hill, the highest hill in Dorset - from where you can see 5 counties.
23 residents recomanen
The Fox Inn
Good food at the Fox - situated at Ansty - a stone's throw from Bulbarrow Hill, the highest hill in Dorset - from where you can see 5 counties.
Atmospheric pub in Plush, with excellent culinary reputation.
16 residents recomanen
The Brace of Pheasants
Atmospheric pub in Plush, with excellent culinary reputation.
If in Bournemouth - West Beach, located right on the beach beside Bournemouth Pier is a great option at the upper end of the dining spectrum. Recently named Bournemouth’s only ‘local gem’ in the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2016 and 2019, the view and the food has an unrivalled reputation.
42 residents recomanen
WestBeach
If in Bournemouth - West Beach, located right on the beach beside Bournemouth Pier is a great option at the upper end of the dining spectrum. Recently named Bournemouth’s only ‘local gem’ in the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2016 and 2019, the view and the food has an unrivalled reputation.
Langham Wine Estate and Vineyard Café
Walks, wine and food.
Lovely walks along the cliff paths, excellent location to try and spot dolphins. There is a education centre, a small lighthouse, and a faux Victorian castle which houses a nice eatery called Seventh Wave, with outdoor views over Swanage Bay.
81 residents recomanen
Durlston Country Park i Reserva Natural Nacional
Lighthouse RoadLovely walks along the cliff paths, excellent location to try and spot dolphins. There is a education centre, a small lighthouse, and a faux Victorian castle which houses a nice eatery called Seventh Wave, with outdoor views over Swanage Bay.