Esther’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Feed the ducks at Coy Pond is a great activity with the kids.
Exit the drive and to the left you will find some steps to the beginning of the Coy Pond Gardens, continue walking to your left and Coy Pond is a short walk from the house. Where you can feed the ducks and the coy fish. The local environment agency has requested that you do not feed them bread or any processed foods. Suggested feed is: sweetcorn, peas, seeds, nuts... etc
Coy Pond
Feed the ducks at Coy Pond is a great activity with the kids.
Exit the drive and to the left you will find some steps to the beginning of the Coy Pond Gardens, continue walking to your left and Coy Pond is a short walk from the house. Where you can feed the ducks and the coy fish. The local environment agency has requested that you do not feed them bread or any processed foods. Suggested feed is: sweetcorn, peas, seeds, nuts... etc
It's the Dorset castle that inspired a popular children's author. Enid Blyton was a regular visitor to Purbeck and Corfe Castle was said to be the inspiration for Kirrin Castle which featured in the Famous Five books. Now owned by the National Trust, Corfe Castle was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son.
Prices: Adult £10, Child £5, Family £25 plus a car parking fee
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Corfe Castle
It's the Dorset castle that inspired a popular children's author. Enid Blyton was a regular visitor to Purbeck and Corfe Castle was said to be the inspiration for Kirrin Castle which featured in the Famous Five books. Now owned by the National Trust, Corfe Castle was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son.
Prices: Adult £10, Child £5, Family £25 plus a car parking fee
Tyneham is Dorset's famous ‘lost’ village. In Nov 1943 all residents were told to leave within 28 days as the area was needed for forces’ training. On 17 Dec 1943 the last residents left believing one day they could return. Sadly this was never to happen. Today, the village is still part of the Army Ranges but access is allowed most weekends and all public holidays check out opening times.
Car parking fee is just a donation.
There is also a great walk down to the local bay, great walk for all ages.
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Tyneham Village
Tyneham is Dorset's famous ‘lost’ village. In Nov 1943 all residents were told to leave within 28 days as the area was needed for forces’ training. On 17 Dec 1943 the last residents left believing one day they could return. Sadly this was never to happen. Today, the village is still part of the Army Ranges but access is allowed most weekends and all public holidays check out opening times.
Car parking fee is just a donation.
There is also a great walk down to the local bay, great walk for all ages.
Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham.
The 65-acre park is home to and provides sanctuary for rescued and endangered primates from around the world.
Prices: Adult £16, Child £11, Family £45
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Monkey World - Centrum Ratunkowe Małp
LongthornsEnjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham.
The 65-acre park is home to and provides sanctuary for rescued and endangered primates from around the world.
Prices: Adult £16, Child £11, Family £45
An absolute must for railway fans young and old. The 10-mile branch line from Wareham to Swanage opened in May 1885 after businesses worked for 40 years to bring it to fruition.
Trains ran for almost 87 years – until the evening of January 1, 1972, when the last British Rail service went from Wareham to Swanage and back. Work on rebuilding the line from nothing began in February 1976.
Now the railway operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to Swanage with a colourful Steam and Lights experience running at Christmas.
Train fares vary with multiple destinations for a great day out.
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Swanage Railway station
Station RoadAn absolute must for railway fans young and old. The 10-mile branch line from Wareham to Swanage opened in May 1885 after businesses worked for 40 years to bring it to fruition.
Trains ran for almost 87 years – until the evening of January 1, 1972, when the last British Rail service went from Wareham to Swanage and back. Work on rebuilding the line from nothing began in February 1976.
Now the railway operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to Swanage with a colourful Steam and Lights experience running at Christmas.
Train fares vary with multiple destinations for a great day out.
Walks
Bournemouth Gardens is beautiful and well kept all year round. Directly from the home there are steps down to the beginning of the Bournemouth Gardens walk way. This is a very pleasant walk during the day through to the gardens, town centre and onto the beach. I wouldn't suggest walking through the gardens at night, parts are poorly lit and become very dark.
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Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens
Bournemouth Gardens is beautiful and well kept all year round. Directly from the home there are steps down to the beginning of the Bournemouth Gardens walk way. This is a very pleasant walk during the day through to the gardens, town centre and onto the beach. I wouldn't suggest walking through the gardens at night, parts are poorly lit and become very dark.
The pebble beach and blue waters of Lulworth Cove make it an extremely popular destination. The Cove and surrounding coastline are part of the world famous Jurassic Coast a World Heritage Site.
Low tide reveals wonderful rock pools teeming with sea creatures – great for exploring with children.
The Cove and surrounding countryside are hugely popular with walkers. You can walk to the cove along the South West Coast Path national trail.
The Cove offers a variety of places to eat and there is a large car park (fee payable). Make sure you visit the Visitor Centre next to the car park for all kinds of information about the area and the Jurassic Coast. There are toilets and baby changing facilities at the Visitor Centre. There are also toilets (with accessible facilties) on the road leading from the Visitor Centre to the Cove.
It is just a short walk to other famous landmarks along the coast such as Stair Hole and Durdle Door. Stair Hole is reputed to be the inspiration for the location of Enid Blyton’s book ‘The Rubadub Mystery’. The coast around Lulworth is a fantastic place to see blow holes, caves, arches and coves.
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Lulworth Cove
The pebble beach and blue waters of Lulworth Cove make it an extremely popular destination. The Cove and surrounding coastline are part of the world famous Jurassic Coast a World Heritage Site.
Low tide reveals wonderful rock pools teeming with sea creatures – great for exploring with children.
The Cove and surrounding countryside are hugely popular with walkers. You can walk to the cove along the South West Coast Path national trail.
The Cove offers a variety of places to eat and there is a large car park (fee payable). Make sure you visit the Visitor Centre next to the car park for all kinds of information about the area and the Jurassic Coast. There are toilets and baby changing facilities at the Visitor Centre. There are also toilets (with accessible facilties) on the road leading from the Visitor Centre to the Cove.
It is just a short walk to other famous landmarks along the coast such as Stair Hole and Durdle Door. Stair Hole is reputed to be the inspiration for the location of Enid Blyton’s book ‘The Rubadub Mystery’. The coast around Lulworth is a fantastic place to see blow holes, caves, arches and coves.
Durdle Door is one of the Jurassic Coast’s most iconic landscapes. It is a natural arch, formed from a layer of hard limestone standing almost vertically out of the sea.
Durdle Door has a steep path followed by a set of wooden steps. It is accessible from above via a car park which it is a 15 minute walk down to the beach. At the foot of this path are a pair of shingle beaches – Durdle Door to the West and Man o’ War Cove to the East.
The stretch of footpath between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove is the busiest in the south west and sees more than 200,000 walkers every year. The walk between the two sites takes 30 minutes up and down a steep, but spectacular, walking path.
A great day out is to park at Lulworth Cove, check out the sites there, walk across to Durdle Door, enjoy the pebble beach bays, go sea glass hunting, and walk back to the car at Lulworth. Highly recommended but remember to take a pack lunch and plenty of water on a warm day. Car parking fees apply.
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Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of the Jurassic Coast’s most iconic landscapes. It is a natural arch, formed from a layer of hard limestone standing almost vertically out of the sea.
Durdle Door has a steep path followed by a set of wooden steps. It is accessible from above via a car park which it is a 15 minute walk down to the beach. At the foot of this path are a pair of shingle beaches – Durdle Door to the West and Man o’ War Cove to the East.
The stretch of footpath between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove is the busiest in the south west and sees more than 200,000 walkers every year. The walk between the two sites takes 30 minutes up and down a steep, but spectacular, walking path.
A great day out is to park at Lulworth Cove, check out the sites there, walk across to Durdle Door, enjoy the pebble beach bays, go sea glass hunting, and walk back to the car at Lulworth. Highly recommended but remember to take a pack lunch and plenty of water on a warm day. Car parking fees apply.
Kimmeridge Bay, half a mile south west of the village of Kimmeridge via a toll road, features some of the most important geology anywhere on the Jurassic Coast. It also boasts some of the area’s most accessible marine wildlife. The natural rock ledges extending out into the bay make it easy to view life on the shore and in the shallow waters, making it a wonderful location for rockpooling.
The bay is also a superb location for a variety of water-based activities. The shallow, warm waters are excellent for snorkelling and diving, and are very popular during the summer months, with easy access to excellent dive sites. There is little tide and not much current, making it great for beginners, while the comparative lack of sand helps ensure visibility is often excellent. Surfing and windsurfing are also gaining popularity in the area.
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Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay, half a mile south west of the village of Kimmeridge via a toll road, features some of the most important geology anywhere on the Jurassic Coast. It also boasts some of the area’s most accessible marine wildlife. The natural rock ledges extending out into the bay make it easy to view life on the shore and in the shallow waters, making it a wonderful location for rockpooling.
The bay is also a superb location for a variety of water-based activities. The shallow, warm waters are excellent for snorkelling and diving, and are very popular during the summer months, with easy access to excellent dive sites. There is little tide and not much current, making it great for beginners, while the comparative lack of sand helps ensure visibility is often excellent. Surfing and windsurfing are also gaining popularity in the area.
Hengistbury Head is a great place to bring the whole family.
Walks to Mudeford Sand spit, then enjoy the view with a cup of tea and a slice of cake, or something more substantial in one of the cafes.
Maybe enjoy the spectacular views, earned with a little effort, from the top of Warren Hill.
Try and spot the piece of artwork by Banksy-esque. The artwork of a small child fishing in a fishbowl appears on the side of the coastguard lookout station. It is believed to be the first time the artist has produced a piece in Dorset.
There is a large car park where fees apply, but the long road leading to the car park has free parking if you are able to find a spot
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Hengistbury Head
Hengistbury Head is a great place to bring the whole family.
Walks to Mudeford Sand spit, then enjoy the view with a cup of tea and a slice of cake, or something more substantial in one of the cafes.
Maybe enjoy the spectacular views, earned with a little effort, from the top of Warren Hill.
Try and spot the piece of artwork by Banksy-esque. The artwork of a small child fishing in a fishbowl appears on the side of the coastguard lookout station. It is believed to be the first time the artist has produced a piece in Dorset.
There is a large car park where fees apply, but the long road leading to the car park has free parking if you are able to find a spot
This Wareham attraction has been drawing visitors all year round as you enjoy the views and woodland trail around it. Great for all ages.
Blue Pool is former clay-pit, dug by hand and abandoned in the early 19th Century, which subsequently filled with rainwater.
The pool's waters can appear green or turquoise due to suspension of clay particles.
Entry is £5 each and totally worth it on a nice bright day.
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The Blue Pool
Furzebrook RoadThis Wareham attraction has been drawing visitors all year round as you enjoy the views and woodland trail around it. Great for all ages.
Blue Pool is former clay-pit, dug by hand and abandoned in the early 19th Century, which subsequently filled with rainwater.
The pool's waters can appear green or turquoise due to suspension of clay particles.
Entry is £5 each and totally worth it on a nice bright day.
Activity
If you’re looking for fun things to do with your friends and family in Dorset, then Dorset Adventure Park is just for you! The wet and wild Amusement Park features an outdoor Wibit Water Park and a fun challenging Mud Trail, a multi obstacle assault course suitable for both Adults and Children.
The Adventure Park has two beautiful lakes surrounded by 18 acres of woodland with breathtaking views of the Purbeck countryside with the historic Corfe Castle as a backdrop. Rated one of the best places to visit in Dorset. Whether you like to get wet or muddy, come and join us for a fun filled wild day out!
Prices: Waterpark £17.50 each, Mud Trail Adult £12 child £10, plus £5 each wetsuit hire.
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Dorset Adventure Park
If you’re looking for fun things to do with your friends and family in Dorset, then Dorset Adventure Park is just for you! The wet and wild Amusement Park features an outdoor Wibit Water Park and a fun challenging Mud Trail, a multi obstacle assault course suitable for both Adults and Children.
The Adventure Park has two beautiful lakes surrounded by 18 acres of woodland with breathtaking views of the Purbeck countryside with the historic Corfe Castle as a backdrop. Rated one of the best places to visit in Dorset. Whether you like to get wet or muddy, come and join us for a fun filled wild day out!
Prices: Waterpark £17.50 each, Mud Trail Adult £12 child £10, plus £5 each wetsuit hire.
Food scene
Want your food with a view? The Pig on the Beach at Studland offers fabulous food in a great location with views across Old Harry Rocks.
Previously named as having the best seaside location in the UK, diners can enjoy the likes of organic ox heart, topside of cedar organic beef and roast rack of pork.
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The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadWant your food with a view? The Pig on the Beach at Studland offers fabulous food in a great location with views across Old Harry Rocks.
Previously named as having the best seaside location in the UK, diners can enjoy the likes of organic ox heart, topside of cedar organic beef and roast rack of pork.
With a large group its always hard to decide what to eat, BH2 has plenty of restaurants whatever your appetite and whatever takes your fancy. From Italian pizzas and American burgers to delicious desserts and a whole host of fancy cocktails, come and enjoy yourself at one of our restaurants.
With a large new cinema the Odeon with reclining seats.
https://www.bh2leisure.co.uk/food/
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BH2 Leisure Complex
Exeter CrescentWith a large group its always hard to decide what to eat, BH2 has plenty of restaurants whatever your appetite and whatever takes your fancy. From Italian pizzas and American burgers to delicious desserts and a whole host of fancy cocktails, come and enjoy yourself at one of our restaurants.
With a large new cinema the Odeon with reclining seats.
https://www.bh2leisure.co.uk/food/
Da Mario is a family run restaurant in the beautiful South Coast of England, Westbourne. We pride ourselves in using only the freshest and authentic Italian ingredients. Da Mario is where people get together to eat really well and enjoy the company of families, friends, couples, old and young. It is a lively atmosphere, and the delicious smell of authentic Italian Wood Fire Pizza lingers in the air. This is an open, welcoming place, where everyone can be themselves and feel at home.
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Da Mario Wood Fired Pizza
12 Queens RdDa Mario is a family run restaurant in the beautiful South Coast of England, Westbourne. We pride ourselves in using only the freshest and authentic Italian ingredients. Da Mario is where people get together to eat really well and enjoy the company of families, friends, couples, old and young. It is a lively atmosphere, and the delicious smell of authentic Italian Wood Fire Pizza lingers in the air. This is an open, welcoming place, where everyone can be themselves and feel at home.
Neighbourhoods
Westbourne is a 10-15 minute walk away.
Upmarket Westbourne has a thriving shopping district, with independent fashion boutiques, thrift stores, cafes, restaurants and pubs on Poole and Seamoor roads, which are linked by a Victorian covered arcade. It’s also popular for quiet strolls, thanks to its chines, sandy beach, passing clifftop Alum Chine via a quaint suspension bridge.
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Westbourne
Westbourne is a 10-15 minute walk away.
Upmarket Westbourne has a thriving shopping district, with independent fashion boutiques, thrift stores, cafes, restaurants and pubs on Poole and Seamoor roads, which are linked by a Victorian covered arcade. It’s also popular for quiet strolls, thanks to its chines, sandy beach, passing clifftop Alum Chine via a quaint suspension bridge.