Kate's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Old Harry Rocks
Beautiful walk to Old Harry Rocks
Take a scenic ride on the Swanage Steam train to Harmans Cross or Corfe, stop for lunch, if you’re feeling energetic you can walk back across the top.
80 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Swanage Railway station
Station RoadTake a scenic ride on the Swanage Steam train to Harmans Cross or Corfe, stop for lunch, if you’re feeling energetic you can walk back across the top.
Putlake Adventure Farm, Langton Matravers
Langton Matravers is a village on the Isle of Purbeck. It is situated about 2 miles west of Swanage town centre and 5 miles south-east of Corfe Castle.
The name Langton stems from "long town". Matravers stems from the name of Lord Mautravers who once resided there, and ultimately originates from the French "mal traverse".
The village is home to St. George's first school which was established at the end of the 19th century. Next door is The Old Malthouse, a preparatory school for boys and girls founded in 1906, but closed in 2007. Ian Fleming author of the James Bond novels was educated at Durnford.
Leeson House, a Grade II listed 19th-century house, is a field studies centre located in the village.
The village is within walking distance of the Jurassic Coast. The Purbeck Folk Festival is held annually at a farm near the village.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Putlake Adventure Farm
High StreetPutlake Adventure Farm, Langton Matravers
Langton Matravers is a village on the Isle of Purbeck. It is situated about 2 miles west of Swanage town centre and 5 miles south-east of Corfe Castle.
The name Langton stems from "long town". Matravers stems from the name of Lord Mautravers who once resided there, and ultimately originates from the French "mal traverse".
The village is home to St. George's first school which was established at the end of the 19th century. Next door is The Old Malthouse, a preparatory school for boys and girls founded in 1906, but closed in 2007. Ian Fleming author of the James Bond novels was educated at Durnford.
Leeson House, a Grade II listed 19th-century house, is a field studies centre located in the village.
The village is within walking distance of the Jurassic Coast. The Purbeck Folk Festival is held annually at a farm near the village.
Corfe Castle is one of the most spectacular ruined castles in Britain, from whatever direction it is viewed. The name is also given to the village in which the castle is set. One of the best views clearly demonstrating its strategic position, high in the Purbeck Hills, is from the village of Kingston, south of Corfe Castle. The name “Corfe” means a pass, which has been cut by rivers between the Purbeck Hills and indicates its prime defensive site.
The castle has stood here for 900 years, although in a ruined state, since 1646. Although it is believed the castle was built by William the Conqueror and then the Keep, later in 1105, undoubtedly the Saxon kings fortified the site against the Danes. In 978, King Edward, later called the Martyr, was murdered when he was only eighteen years old, at the instigation of his stepmother who wanted the throne for her son, Ethelred the Unready. When Edward arrived at Corfe where his stepmother lived, he was given a drink and then stabbed to death by her servants. At the time, Ethelred was only ten years of age and became king later. The parish church in Corfe Castle village is named after the murdered king.
King John of Magna Carta fame, seized the crown in 1199, but had to fight off a rival claim from his nephew, Prince Arthur of Brittany. In the dungeon at Corfe Castle, John starved to death 22 French noblemen who had supported Arthur.
The English Civil War brought about Corfe Castle’s destruction. Sir John Bankes, Charles I’s Chief Justice, had bought the castle in 1635 to be the family’s country home, but he died in 1644. The Parliamentarians had declared Sir John a traitor and an attempt was made to capture the castle. It proved impregnable to Roundhead forces and Sir John’s widow, Mary, held out against the attackers. However, treachery by a Royalist officer, who allowed the Parliamentarians in, caused Mary to surrender. An Act of Parliament ordered the demolition of Corfe Castle, which destroyed the work of 600 years, in a few months. Lady Bankes appealed to the new government and the ruined castle was returned to her in 1647. In 1982, the Bankes’ family bequeathed Corfe Castle, several miles of coastline, nature reserves, farms and the family mansion, Kingston Lacy, to the National Trust.
The layout of the village has changed little in 500 years. In medieval times, there was a considerable Purbeck marble carving industry. Many of the buildings date from the 16th century. When the castle was ruined in 1646, the villagers took stone from the castle and incorporated it as free material in their cottages.
Swanage Railway, was a railway branch line, which originally opened in 1885 and was closed in 1972. It has now been restored by enthusiasts and operates a regular heritage steam train service over the six miles to Swanage from Corfe, through the beautiful Purbeck countryside.
425 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is one of the most spectacular ruined castles in Britain, from whatever direction it is viewed. The name is also given to the village in which the castle is set. One of the best views clearly demonstrating its strategic position, high in the Purbeck Hills, is from the village of Kingston, south of Corfe Castle. The name “Corfe” means a pass, which has been cut by rivers between the Purbeck Hills and indicates its prime defensive site.
The castle has stood here for 900 years, although in a ruined state, since 1646. Although it is believed the castle was built by William the Conqueror and then the Keep, later in 1105, undoubtedly the Saxon kings fortified the site against the Danes. In 978, King Edward, later called the Martyr, was murdered when he was only eighteen years old, at the instigation of his stepmother who wanted the throne for her son, Ethelred the Unready. When Edward arrived at Corfe where his stepmother lived, he was given a drink and then stabbed to death by her servants. At the time, Ethelred was only ten years of age and became king later. The parish church in Corfe Castle village is named after the murdered king.
King John of Magna Carta fame, seized the crown in 1199, but had to fight off a rival claim from his nephew, Prince Arthur of Brittany. In the dungeon at Corfe Castle, John starved to death 22 French noblemen who had supported Arthur.
The English Civil War brought about Corfe Castle’s destruction. Sir John Bankes, Charles I’s Chief Justice, had bought the castle in 1635 to be the family’s country home, but he died in 1644. The Parliamentarians had declared Sir John a traitor and an attempt was made to capture the castle. It proved impregnable to Roundhead forces and Sir John’s widow, Mary, held out against the attackers. However, treachery by a Royalist officer, who allowed the Parliamentarians in, caused Mary to surrender. An Act of Parliament ordered the demolition of Corfe Castle, which destroyed the work of 600 years, in a few months. Lady Bankes appealed to the new government and the ruined castle was returned to her in 1647. In 1982, the Bankes’ family bequeathed Corfe Castle, several miles of coastline, nature reserves, farms and the family mansion, Kingston Lacy, to the National Trust.
The layout of the village has changed little in 500 years. In medieval times, there was a considerable Purbeck marble carving industry. Many of the buildings date from the 16th century. When the castle was ruined in 1646, the villagers took stone from the castle and incorporated it as free material in their cottages.
Swanage Railway, was a railway branch line, which originally opened in 1885 and was closed in 1972. It has now been restored by enthusiasts and operates a regular heritage steam train service over the six miles to Swanage from Corfe, through the beautiful Purbeck countryside.
Food scene
Two fabulous cafes along the promenade serving breakfast and lunch.
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Swanage Beachfront
Shore RoadTwo fabulous cafes along the promenade serving breakfast and lunch.
Up until the Middle Ages it was an important port but eventually the harbour began to silt up and Poole became the main port in this area.
One of the town’s highlights is the picturesque Wareham Quay. There is a convenient short stay car park here. Next to the Quay is The Old Granary, now a restaurant and bar. It has a nice little outdoor patio and decking with river views (highly recommended) but take insect repellent if sitting out on summer evenings. Overlooking the Quay, behind the Old Granary, is the medieval Priory Church of Lady St Mary.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Quay
21 The QuayUp until the Middle Ages it was an important port but eventually the harbour began to silt up and Poole became the main port in this area.
One of the town’s highlights is the picturesque Wareham Quay. There is a convenient short stay car park here. Next to the Quay is The Old Granary, now a restaurant and bar. It has a nice little outdoor patio and decking with river views (highly recommended) but take insect repellent if sitting out on summer evenings. Overlooking the Quay, behind the Old Granary, is the medieval Priory Church of Lady St Mary.
Great breakfasts and lunches, snacks and ice cream with a beautiful view.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Cabin
Burlington RoadGreat breakfasts and lunches, snacks and ice cream with a beautiful view.
Breakfasts, lunches, teas, cake and ice cream with a beautiful view 🏖
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Down The Beach
Burlington ChineBreakfasts, lunches, teas, cake and ice cream with a beautiful view 🏖
Consejos para la ciudad
No te pierdas
Beach and town centre
10 minute level walk to town centre and beach