Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door - classic oyster shaped cove surrounded by high chalk cliffs and dramatic limestone arch.

Corfe Castle, National Trust - Magnificent castle rising above the Isle of Purbeck in dramatic setting. Tel 01929 480609. Living History Demonstrions, plays & displays - check Whats On (below). See the Model Village of Corfe close by.

Monkey World, Ape Rescue Centre, Wool - 160 rescued and endangered apes and monkeys including chimps and orangutans. Great Ape Play Area for kids. Tel. 01929 462537.

Durlston Country Park & Marine Project, Swanage - Incredible cliff-top location & wildlife habitat - spot the dolphins, puffins and peregrine falcons. One of Britains richest areas for butterflies. Miles of cliff top walks, beautiful views. Information Centre with live camera feed to wildlife locations, e.g puffins. Good Fairtrade cafe. See the Giant Globe, Durlston Head, Dancing Ledge, Anvil Point Lighthouse. Buggy available for the infirm. Tel 01929 424443. One of the best places in the country to spot Dolphins.

Jurassic Coast - 95 miles of spectacular and stunning coastline scenery between Old Harry Rocks (near Swanage) and Exmouth. England's first Natural World Heritage Site, ranking it in importance alongside the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon. See the web link below.

Museums - Jurassic Dinosaur Museum, Dorset County Museum (featuring Thomas Hardy, Roman Dorchester, Farming History, Jurassic Coast, Dorset Wildlife), The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, The Keep Military Museum, The Terracotta Warriors Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition - all in the charming county town of Dorchester.

Tank Museum, Bovington - live action displays thoughout the year. Tel 01929 405096.

Clouds Hill - N.T. Home of T E Lawrence (of Arabia), close by Bovington Army Camp.

Moreton - Picturesque village, woodland walks, cycle paths, St Nicholas Church with its famous engraved windows, grave of T E Lawrence (of Arabia) nearby, famous Tea Rooms dedicated to the memory of Lawrence of Arabia, ford with ducks galore, Moreton Gardens and plant centre.

Lulworth Castle and Park - animal park, adventure playground, summer jousting shows. Tel 01929 400352

Arne Nature Reserve (RSPB) 12 miles - birds, deer, absolute peace and quiet on the western fringe of Poole Harbour.

Wareham - Saxon walled town and picturesque Quayside. Unique gas-lit Rex Cinema Tel 01929 550855. Boat trips. Museum. Farmers Market. Wareham Forest for walking, biking, wildlife, trails, Woolsbarrow Fort. Mobility Centre 01929 552623.

Swanage Pier & Museum - Victorian elegance, as seen in the film Oscar with Stephen Fry. Tel 01929 427058. Sub Aqua and Diving School.

Worbarrow Bay - incredible geology and breathtaking scenery. Find the dinosaur footprints on the Tout. Park at Tyneham Village, (N.T.) the deserted "ghost village" evacuated by the Army in 1943.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum - from arrest, through hell, to freedom. Tel 01305848237.

Thatched cottage home of Thomas Hardy, Higher Bockhampton, Nr Dorchester (National Trust) - Dorset's eminent writer and poet. Where he was born and later wrote Far From The Madding Crowd, and Under The Greenwood Tree.

Kingston Maurwood - Garden and Animal Park, Dorchester. Tel 01305 215003.

Kingston Lacey, National Trust - Magnificent house, 30 acre garden & 250 acre landscaped park nr Wimborne Minster. New Japanese Garden being developed. Tel 01202 880413. Enjoy tea in the stable block.

Athelhampton House & Gardens - Magnificent 15th Century Tudor Manor House. English furniture and Pugin fine art. Tel 01305 848363. Five miles east of Dorchester.

Putlake Adventure Farm, near Swanage - Explore and make contact with a varirty of friendly animals. Bottle feed lambs and goats and have a go at hand milking. Tel 01929 422917.

The South West Coast Path National Trail - 630 miles of superb coastal walking. From Poole Harbour to Minehead on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Tel 01392 383560.

Useful Contacts

Lulworth Army Range Walks. Tel: 01929 404819
National Traveline. Tel: 0871 200 22 33
Jurassic Coast Bus (X53) Tel: 0870 608 2608
South West Trains. Tel: 0845 748 4950
Wilts & Dorset Bus Company. Tel 01202 673555 www.wdbus.co.uk  
www.nationalexpress.co.uk
www.jurassiccoast.com
www.durlston.co.uk
www.purbeck-dc.gov.uk
www.swanage.gov.uk
www.imagesofdorset.org.uk  
www.worldheritagecoast.net
www.swanagerailway.co.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/dorset
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
www.athelhampton.co.uk
www.sustrans.org.uk
Jurassic kayak tours - www.second-wind.co.uk/jurassic_coast_kayaks/