A few of the many places of interest in the area

Tynham

     http://www.accesslanguages.co.uk/pb2k/tyneham.html

Known as the 'lost village', Tyneham was taken by the Army for war-time training but, was never returned to the villagers.. The school and church have been restored and now house exhibits of old village life. There is plenty of free parking on grass. The level 1 mile walk to the unspoiled and uninhabited Worbarrow Beach is well worth the effort. Climb Warbarrow Tout for a view from St Alban's Head to Portland Bill. If you like crystals, you might be lucky and find the calcite vein on the western cliff slope.

Things to do in Purbeck

     http://www.isleofpurbeck.com/

This is an up-to-date diary of planned events and places to visit in the Purbeck area.

Swanage Railway

    http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/

Lovingly and laboriously restored by volunteers and enthusiasts, Swanage Railway is well worth a ride for the steam engines and the Purbeck countryside.

Corfe Castle

     http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-corfecastle

The striking ruin of Corfe Castle is perched high on a natural mound in a gap in the Purbeck hills and steeped in history. Combined with the village pubs, shops and the local scenery, this makes for an enjoyable day out.

Sandbanks

     http://www.isleofpurbeck.com/sandbanks.html

Sandbanks stretches from Poole Harbour entrance to Studland and is an unspoilt stretch of beaches, sand dunes, marsh, woodland and lakes, now owned by the National Trust. Plenty of off-road parking between Sandbanks and Studland. There is a nudist zone along the beach towards Studland Bay. Studland, Old Harry Rocks and the Bankes Arms pub are worth a visit.

Enid Blyton in Dorset

     http://www.isleofpurbeck.com/blyton.html

Many of this popular children's author's books were based on Purbeck locations, especially around Corfe and Swanage where Enid Blyton frequently stayed.

Thomas Hardy and Wessex

     http://www.britainexpress.com/History/bio/hardy-                                            tours.htm

Thomas Hardy books are a fascinating insight into bygone Dorset and Wessex, describing many local places in great detail. His cottage at Bockhampton is now maintained by the National Trust. Combine a visit with a walk in the adjacent woods and and a trip to the historical and mysterious Athelhampton House, a couple of miles towards Bere Regis on the main road. Beware the ghosts, not all human..... 

Brownsea Island

     http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea

The first scout camp was held on Brownsea by Baden-Powell. The Island is now owned by the National Trust and is a refuge for brown squirrels and raucous peacocks. It is also home to  a bird sanctuary and is splendidly isolated in the middle of Poole Harbour. Ferries run from Poole Quay or the other side of the harbour entrance at Sandbanks. Full facilities are available on the island. Open air Shakespeare in late summer, excellent!

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