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Worth Matravers

Known for its excellent walks and traditional pub with live music and great views

Duck pond in front of houses in 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.

Despite being a small village there is plenty to see and do, including a family-friendly walk down to the disused quarry caves of Winspit (famously a Doctor Who filming location).

There is also a miniature museum within the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) award-winning Square and Compass pub, with its Narnia-style stone tables and seating in the garden.

The Square is loved by locals and visitors alike for its relaxed, yet lively atmosphere; its pies and pasties served through a hatch in the wall, an extensive on-site pressed cider collection, and regular live folk bands and open mic nights. People tend to spill out into the garden, which overlooks the sea on a dry day and can be a great sun-trap, and in winter the roaring fires inside make for a fantastically cosy experience. Due to its elevated position, the weather in Worth can be a bit windy and exposed at times, so bring a jumper if you plan to sit out. Sheltered spots for getting the most of spring and autumn sunshine include the garden of Worth Matravers’ Tea Rooms and of course you can warm up inside either the pub or the tea rooms – note that these are extremely popular so arriving early or enquiring about booking a table is a good idea.

Three white ducks on the pond in Worth Matravers village
Stop at the pond to say hello to Worth Matravers’ friendly
resident ducks

The pub also hosts seasonal events such as the Pumpkin Festival in October and Beer & Beard in December (beards are not compulsory, but may be rewarded if they’re exceptionally good).

Worth Matravers also has a tea room serving excellent light lunches and cakes to set you up for a couple of hours’ walking. It’s set just above the village pond and has a quintessentially English feel, with its eclectic decor and locally-sourced food served on vintage china.

Wander around the pretty streets of the village and up to the small playground, or head down the waymarked path to Winspit with its spectacular views of the sea and ancient farmland.

Exploring Worth Matravers

The village has small surprises hidden at every turn, with something to delight each member of the family – from the traditional playground, delightful duck pond and interesting Norman church, which has a salvaged relic from the famous Halsewell shipwreck on display, to the more unusual, such as the giant egg outside the Square and Compass and ‘Woodhenge’, which is situated on private land and was constructed by the owner of the pub – you can get a good view of the henge from the village car park.

Try a home-pressed cider at The Square and Compass
Hang out with the ducks, who have their very own house by the village pond
Treat yourself to a slice of Dorset Apple Cake at Worth Matravers Tea & Supper Rooms
Soak up a slice of Jurassic Coast history with the Square and Compass’s fossil collection
Grab a selfie with the giant village egg – a dry-stone piece of Purbeck artwork
Check out ‘Woodhenge’ – Worth Matraver’s nod to Stonehenge
Wander around Worth Matravers village’s pretty streets
The children’s playground is on the edge of the village
Step inside St Nicholas of Myra – one of Dorset’s oldest churches
Check the latest events happening at Worth village hall

Where to eat in Worth

The Square and Compass pub

Renowned for its traditional home-pressed cider, home-made pies and pasties, and regular live folk music, the Square is an excellent spot to base your exploration of Worth Matravers around and to stoke up before, or reward yourself after, a walk with a hearty meat or veggie pie. The pub also has a selection of snacks such as nuts, crisps and chocolate.

It’s a family and dog-friendly pub and has a range of events throughout the year, which are much-loved and well-attended by locals and visitors alike. As well as live bands, you’ll find beer and cider festivals, open mic nights and poetry slams.

Discover the fossil collection in the back room of the pub, mostly collected locally here in Purbeck. Included in the collection are Neolithic and Mesolithic flint tools, Bronze Age items, Roman coins and salvaged shipwreck finds, alongside fossils such as the Ichthyosaur and Pliosaur.

The Square & Compass
Purbeck stone benches in the Square’s beer garden
The road leading from the village pond to the pub
The Square has a miniature fossil museum

Worth Matravers Tea & Supper Room

Worth’s Tea Rooms have a quintessentially English feel, with a distinct vintage vibe and an excellent homemade menu – perfect for afternoon teas, light lunches and special occasion meals.

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Food is served on vintage crockery and china, adding to the eclectic feel.*Note that currently Worth Tea Room is offering a take away service only.* You’ll find the tea room in the centre of the village, right by the duck pond.

During busy seasons, such as the summer and school holidays booking is highly recommended.

There is a small amount ofroad-side parking right outside the café, although the village car park is just a two minute walk away.

Check the latest opening times and menus on the tea room’s website or give them a call:

Treat yourself to a slice of Dorset Apple Cake at Worth Matravers Tea & Supper Rooms
The café is located right by the village pond
Choose from a selection. of freshly-baked cakes and other goodies
Pick up a souvenir – like this Jurassic Salt made right here in Worth Matravers
Order something to take with you on your walk
Serving window of Worth Tea Room
Worth Tea Room is on Weston Road in the village

Tea Room Cottage

Kitchen of Tea Room Cottage in Worth Matravers
Inside Tea Room Holiday Cottage (picture credit: Worth Tea & Supper Room)

You can also stay at the tea room in Worth Tea Room’s newly-renovated holiday cottage, which sleeps three people.

As the owners are also the chefs at the tea room, you can choose to have an extra treat of private dining during your stay, as well as a Dorset Welcome Pack.

The cottage has a courtyard garden and excellent access to everything Worth Matravers has to offer.

Find out more and book on airbnb or call 01929 439368.

🐾 Tea Room Cottage is dog-friendly.

Walks in and around Worth Matravers

Sign to Priest's Way and Swanage in Worth Matravers

  • Worth Matravers village itself is a lovely walk, with charming Purbeck stone cottages and stunning views of rolling hills down to the sea at every turn
  • Winspit – Walk through ancient farmland toward the old quarry caves of Winspit
  • Chapman’s Pool – This rugged, secluded and quiet cove is recommended for experienced walkers as it can involve a slight scramble to get to and the path down to the cove can be slippery. There is a circular walk to get to it that is best accessed from Renscombe car park in Worth Matravers (SatNav BH19 3LL)
  • St Aldhelm’s Head and Chapel – This walk is steeped in history – from a remote Norman chapel to a WWII memorial, with views across Bronze Age burial mounds to the sea. Renscombe is the nearest car park
  • Seacombe and Dancing Ledge – Seasoned walkers will enjoy the route from Worth, across Seacombe Bottom, to Dancing Ledge, which boasts stunning views and a tidal pool set into the rocks. However there is a car park in the next village along (Langton Matravers), which makes accessing this beauty spot more family-friendly.
  • Corfe Castle – There are two main routes from Worth to Corfe Castle – via Kingston, and via Acton and Harman’s Cross. Both take between an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half
Worth Matravers village
Grazing land in the valley down to Winspit
St Aldhelm’s Chapel
Chapman’s Pool
Dancing Ledge (Picture credit: Jim Champion)
View down to Corfe Castle from the road toward Kingston

 

Where to stay for a holiday in Worth Matravers

There is a good range of accommodation options both in Worth itself and in nearby villages and localities, whether you want to camp, self-cater or stay in a hotel or B&B.

Camping

Weston Dairy Campsite

*Note that Weston Dairy Campsite is temporarily closed*

West Dairy Campsite is a 13-acre site in Worth itself, with easy access to coastal walks, the village and the Square and Compass pub.

The campsite is based on a 750-acre working farm, giving you a traditional, rural Dorset camping experience, with excellent access to many of the fantastic beauty spots along the Jurassic Coast.

Campsite rules & facilities
  • Hot showers and toilets
  • Canteen shack – for hot and cold drinks, bacon sandwiches and burgers, snacks and ice cream
  • Quiet time from 11pm
  • Music must be kept at a socially-acceptable level
  • 🔥 Fires allowed – campfires must be raised off the ground
  • 🐾 Dog-friendly – well behaved dogs are welcome at Weston Dairy
Pitch prices

Pitches are charged per night per person, with a single payment for your vehicle for your stay.

  • Adults: £7 a night
  • Children (aged 16 and under) per night: £3
  • Vehicle: £5
Contact details

Weston Dairy Campsite is based at Weston Farm in Worth Matravers. The campsite’s postcode for your SatNAv is BH19 3LJ.

Call or email a member of the team to book a pitch for your tent:

Boutique glamping shepherd’s huts

Interior of a Purbeck Shepherd Hut, Worth Matravers
Wake up to a sea view from your bed (picture courtesy of Purbeck Shepherd Huts)

These handcrafted Purbeck Shepherd Huts in Worth promise a unique stay in Dorset.

Named after nearby famous local Jurassic Coast locations, the ‘Winspit’ and the ‘Chapman’s Pool’ are self-contained and modern, each with a wood-burning stove, power shower and complimentary welcome pack including a bottle of wine.

The huts have private gardens equipped with a barbecue and outdoor seating, and inside there’s wifi and board games for some home comforts during your stay.

Contact details and location

Call owner Sam to find out more or head to their website or AirBnB to check availability and to book online:

Nearby campsites

Weston Dairy Campsite is the only campsite in Worth Matravers itself, however there are more near to Worth, such as Acton Field and Tom’s Field campsites, both in the neighbouring locality of Langton Matravers.

Langton Matravers has a village shop, pub and bus links to Swanage, Corfe Castle, Wareham and Poole.

Both campsites offer great views out over the Purbeck Hills and Swanage Bay.

Acton Field Campsite

Choose your own pitch at this family-oriented and dog-friendly campsite.

Facilities include toilets, showers, and two chemical disposal points. There is also a wash-up area and the use of two freezers.

Prices range from £10 for a one-person tent to around £20 for a caravan at an electric hook-up point.

Note that campfires are not allowed (charcoal is ok).

The easiest way to book is by filling in a form on the Acton Field’s website: www.actonfieldcampsite.co.uk/booking.asp 

Tom’s Field Campsite

Traditional camping in close proximity to the amenities of Langton Matravers and a stone’s throw from Worth Matravers and Swanage, Tom’s Field welcomes tents and motorhomes.

A freshly-cooked breakfast is available on-site, using locally-sourced Dorset ingredients and you’ll also find a well-stocked shop with a hot drinks machine.

Prices for pitches range from £9/£10 for a single tent per night to £22/£24 for an extra large tent (two adults, two children) or motorhome. Additional campers are between £2 – £6 depending on age and season.

The campsite runs various workshops for both adults and children throughout the summer, all with a fun, environmentally-conscious theme. Find out more and book a pitch on Tom’s Field’s website or by giving them a call:

  • ℹ️ www.tomsfieldcamping.co.uk 
  • 📞 01929 427110
  • 📥 tomsfield@hotmail.com
  • 📍 Located down Tom’s Field Road, just off the high street: BH19 3HN

For more Purbeck and Swanage Campsites and caravan parks check our dedicated camping page.

Self-catering

There is a wide range of holiday lets in Purbeck, from the quirky to family-friendly, and for larger groups. A good place to check for self-catering options in Worth Matravers is to check the following holiday cottages websites:

For larger groups, such as two families or a group of friends try Weston Farm Cottage, which sleeps ten people: www.dorsetcoastalcottages.com/cottages/weston-farm-cottage or Cornerways (sleeps eight): www.dorsetcottages.com/worth-matravers/wy115-cornerways 

For special occasions and events, such as weddings, nearby Kingston Country Courtyard is a popular venue (kingstoncountrycourtyard.com), as is Wilkswood’s camping and glamping wedding venue: wilkswood.co.uk.

There are also a number of holiday cottages for rent in Worth via AirBnB.

B&Bs

Chiltern Lodge

  • Sleeps four – one double and one twin room
  • 01929 439337
  • densor@btopenworld.com
  • 8 Newfoundland Close, BH19 3LX

Post Office Cottage

This 18th Century Purbeck stone cottage is situated right next to Worth Matravers Tea Room. Choose from either self-catering or bed and breakfast.

Hotels

The nearest hotels to Worth Matravers are in Corfe Castle (Mortons Manor) or Swanage, where you’ll find various options, such as The Grand, The Pines and Purbeck House Hotel.

Fancy moving down here? Check property for sale

Worth Matravers and its surrounding villages and the town of Swanage are popular with people wishing to relocate to the countryside. Check the latest properties on the market on these local estate agents’ websites:

Sales and rentals

Properties for sale and to let in Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck:

Residential lettings

Long and short term lets in Purbeck:

Worth Matravers Parish Council

Harman's Cross village hall sign
Harman’s Cross village hall

Residents of both Worth Matravers and Harman’s Cross are served by the same parish council.

Monthly meetings alternate between Worth village hall and Harman’s Cross village hall, starting at 7.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month and are open to the public.

Check the council’s previous meeting minutes or find out what’s on the agenda on the parish council website: www.worthmatraversparishcouncil.org 

How to get to Worth Matravers

By car

Cars in the village car park at Worth Matravers
Worth Matravers village car park has an overflow area for busier days

Postcode for your SatNav: BH19 3LE.

This will take you to the main village car park, which operates a donation payment system. The car park is right by the curious ‘Woodhenge’ and a hundred yards or so to the pub.

Renscombe car park is the place to park for walks including Chapman’s Pool and St Aldhelm’s Head and chapel. The nearest postcode for Renscombe is BH19 3LL.

By bus

You can also reach Worth Matravers by bus (Purbeck Breezer Route 40), but it is a good ten minute walk from the Langton – Kingston road.

Simply follow the road past farmland and the many picturesque dry stone walls characteristic of this part of Purbeck till you reach the village.

Screenshot of Google maps showing Worth Matravers location
Location of Worth Matravers’ car park (Google Maps)

Nearby attractions

  • Winspit – The disused quarry is famous for being used as a filming location for both Doctor Who and the sci-fi TV series Blake’s 7. It’s a great place to explore and is popular with climbers, but be wary of sheer cliff edges with dogs and children. You’ll pass a couple of caves on the way down, which you can look quietly into – they are home to protected bats
  • Burngate Stone Carving Centre – Try your hand at traditional stone carving. Burngate is located on the Swanage – Kingston road just before you turn off for Worth Matravers. It also offers a range of arts and crafts courses
  • Walk with dinosaurs – At Keate’s Quarry. Remnants of 100 brachiosaur footprints have been unearthed at what is believed to have been a watering hole for dinosaurs that roamed here on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast 145 million years ago.Park at the small car park down the turning for Acton and follow the signs
Burngate is an educational Charitable Trust that also children’s activities during school holidays
Compare shoe sizes with some of the largest animals to have roamed earth some 145 million years ago

 

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