Towns and Villages near Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle

23 January 2009

Home to some of the country's most significant ruins, the village of Corfe Castle is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula that stretches across a large part of Dorset. History lovers will find the castle itself fascinating – a dramatic hilltop ruin over 1,000 years old. Corfe Castle has a lot more to offer, though; good shopping, some great places to eat, fantastic walking in every direction and even a model village complete with a reconstruction of the castle as it would have looked before it was destroyed.

Studland

Depending on your interests, you might know Studland best for its three miles of pristine sand, its world-class bird watching opportunities, or its naked visitors. Studland has three beaches, one of which is a designated naturist area; behind the sands is a National Nature Reserve which teems with wildlife and rare birds. The village of Studland has a number of interesting features, including the Norman church and the ancient, mythical Agglestone; a 400 ton rock balancing precariously on the heathland outside the village.

Swanage

This small Victorian seaside town lives up to the reputation of the World Heritage area in which it is situated. A traditional atmosphere with plenty of shops, but not too many to spoil the small town aesthetic. Swanage is a great base from which to visit attractions around the Isle of Purbeck, and ideal for popping over Poole harbour on the car ferry. Corfe Castle is a short drive and there are plenty of quiet little beaches to explore along the Jurassic Coast. You can even travel between historic sites on the Swanage steam railway.

Wareham

Set on the banks of the River Frome, there's a lot of history to be had in this lovely little market town. The quay is the setting for many traditions and celebrations, such as the annual carnival in July, and make sure you wander round the Old Town Wall walk for a true appreciation of what the place is all about. With many literary connections, it could become the stuff your holiday story is made from - there are not many places where pubs have their own ice cream shop!