We’ve challenged ourselves to find a new gem to visit on each trip down… at least for the next couple of years of so. I really don’t think we’ll struggle, so expect this page to go on for a while! These are simply our favourites, which we’ve gathered together so help anyone else who may be after some inspiration of new places to try.
The Purbeck Hills (or the perfect Hills as we call them) are just a short chain ferry ride away (Sandbanks to Studland Chain Ferry) or alternatively can be accessed solely by road by driving 45 minutes around the coastline. Being able to so easily cross the water means the gems both sides of the water are never far away!
National Trust treasures are abundant (thank goodness for our annual membership for the saved entry fees and parking costs)! Some of our favourites are:
Corfe Castle, set in the pretty village of Corfe, the castle ruins stand proudly on the hill and boast a wealth of history to discover (not to mention some great views of the Swanage steam railway, which runs directly from Swanage to Corfe. After a couple of hours exploring, we like to pop in to the beautiful courtyard coffee shop, which even welcomes a discount for National Trust Members. Open March to October, you will also be able to enjoy the model village in Corfe; a real hidden gem in our eyes, with garden games galore and tea rooms set in the most exquisite gardens.
Kingston Lacy, is the home of stunning parkland gardens and a period house, which is a great way to spend a relaxing day with a picnic.
Brownsea Island. In our opinion Brownsea stands out from the crowd due it’s unique island nature, accessed by a short foot passenger ferry ride from either Sandbanks or Poole (charged in addition to the Island entry). There you can discover red squirrels in their natural habitat, explore the wilderness of being marooned on an island in the middle of the sea or even brave a night’s camping being at one with nature! Canoes and paddleboards can often be seen at the water’s edge and it really does feel different to many of the other National Trust Places.
Old Harry’s Rocks, similar to The Needles in their concept of being small islands off the coast line, make for good viewing. The path walks right along the cliff edge, so be sure to be warned before you look over the edge!
Tyneham Village, the abandoned village is a stark reminder of our wartime era. The once fully habited village now stands abandoned, following it’s evacuation to support the WW2 effort. It is very much as time stood still and definitely worth a visit..
Durdle Door, like Dancing Ledge, involves a steep saunter down to the beach and a rather gruelling pull back up, but with a remarkable geographical arched wonder stretching into the sea, it will always be one of our favourites – even the bay, in its naturally formed heart shape clearly loves itself.
Dancing Ledge, formally an old natural swimming pool, is worth a peak, where the sea water shimmers and dances as it hits the shore. Like many places on the rugged coastline, it’s a beautiful half hour walk down (although coming back up is a little harder, so we have to remember to take good shoes and a drink!) and can be accessed from either Worth Matravers or Acton National Trust Car Park. The views both on the walk down and when you get to the ledge are just stunning, particularly on a sunny day. We like to finish off a trip to the ledge with a stop off at The Pig On The Beach to refuel!
Lymington, a small market town, is (we think anyway!) particularly worth a visit on market day (Saturday) as we love to choose locally crafted merchandise to fill our home. After a good browse of the market stalls, we enjoy a walk down to the marina, particularly on a sunny day.
Portland Bill, still home to a working lighthouse, really feels like you’re coming to the edge of civilization.. About an hour and a half’s drive from Sandbanks, you can watch the water lap up against the rugged lands edge and if you’re lucky catch a glimpse of some seals playing in the water too. Those with a good head for heights and a stomach for winding stairs, can also climb to the top of the lighthouse.
On the way back, nature lovers might also like RSB Arne in Wareham or alternatively marvel at the natural wonder of the pebble dunes of Chesil beach.
Isle of Wight – We’re yet to give this one a try, so more to follow on this. But being so close on our doorstep, we’re looking forward to exploring it!
Jersey – again, one we’re yet to try, but the ferry from Poole takes you there in approximately 4 hours so we’re looking to explore our franglais neighbour soon!
The natural wilderness of The New Forest is not to be missed. There’s lots of places that come highly recommended that we’ve yet to try, particularly when it comes to exploring the nearby delights of the New Forest. There are lots of ideas on the attached link, including details of a New Forest discound card which has some money saving tips too! Blackwater Arboretum, with trees that seem to stretch up forever, is one we’re saving for a day when we want to escape the sunshine. With walking trails to suit all energy levels, it sounds idyllic and for more inspiration to stretch further afield you can always download the New Forest Walks App too. The deer farm is another place to check out, particularly good to watch around feeding timer at lunch time by all accounts! If it rains, places like Beaulieu always keep us amused, especially when you can see cars from some of the greatest sporting events and movies! And when all that activity has taken it out of you and it’s time to refuel, be sure to sample some New Forest Ice Cream or failing that some Purbeck Ice cream in one of the local villages such as Burley. The Old Farmhouse serves delicious cream teas and lunches alike. Scrumptious!