If you are visiting Lulworth Cove, allow extra time to meander the picture-postcard streets of West Lulworth village, which has thatched cottages and window boxes galore.
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West Lulworth
Local areas
Explore the pretty villages, secret coves and iconic landscapes surrounding Swanage
Being the only official town on the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage is ideally situated as a base for its exploration. While Swanage has it all: a beautiful bay with a golden, sandy beach; a lively town buzzing with festivals and events throughout the year; and thriving watersports, arts and culinary scenes, its surrounding areas are also treasures waiting to be unearthed.
From famous landmarks such as Durdle Door and Corfe Castle, to secret coves amongst untouched, rugged coastline; alongside local hubs for music, culture and Dorset cuisine, there is something unique waiting just around the corner in and around Swanage at any time of year. Whether you want to explore the incredible history of the Jurassic Coast, have a traditional seaside holiday, or want want to discover the secret spots and villages tucked away in the Purbeck Hills, these are some of the highlights just a stone’s throw from Swanage.
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East Lulworth
The village of East Lulworth is considerably smaller than neighbouring West Lulworth, but is still worth a stop and explore for its simple charm.
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Corfe Castle village
Boasting one of the most unique and beautiful settings in the UK, the historic Corfe Castle village is a truly special spot in Dorset, nestled beneath the ruin of Corfe Castle itself.
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Wareham
The historic market town of Wareham, with its beautiful river frontage, is a gateway to the Isle of Purbeck.
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Arne village
Lying quietly between its larger and more well-known neighbours of Wareham, famous for its Saxon heritage, and the Arne Nature Reserve – a 565-hectare expanse of wood and heathland maintained by the RSPB, sits the hamlet of Arne.
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Harman’s Cross
Situated between Swanage and Corfe Castle, the small size of the village of Harman’s Cross belies its busy and thriving community.
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Langton Matravers
Langton Matravers lies just two miles outside Swanage and has several excellent walking trails, as well as a village pub-and-shop and a small children’s petting farm.
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Lulworth
The area of Lulworth in Dorset comprises two picture-postcard villages, a 17th Century castle set in acres of grounds, and several of Britain’s most-loved natural landforms, including the stunning horseshoe-shaped Lulworth Cove and the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door.
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Worth Matravers
The drive up to Worth Matravers from either direction (Swanage or Kingston), has some of the most far-reaching and impressive views of the Purbeck Hills and across to Corfe Castle to be found in Purbeck.
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Tyneham village
The poignant story behind the ‘ghost village’ of Tyneham, abandoned during World War II, will stay with you long after you have walked around its crumbling homes and forgotten farmland.
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Studland village
Prepare to get side-tracked on your way to the stunning beaches of Studland Bay as you drive through the charming Studland village.
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Kimmeridge Bay
If the Jurassic Coast’s globally-significant geology is what drew you to Dorset, Kimmeridge Bay is the place to visit.