DORSET COTTAGE HOLIDAYS would like to introduce to you the beautiful 

County of Dorset

Events on the Isle of Purbeck      Events: Weymouth      Events: in the countryside    Where to Eat?

Swanage Steam Railway which travels from Swanage to Corfe Castle and takes in some of the stunning countryside, at certain times of year children can enjoy a visit by Thomas The Tank Engine and at Christmas the Santa Specials.  If you wish to take a picture a good vantage point is located at Harmans Cross.

Swanage is famous for its safe Blue Flag beach.  The bathing is very safe and you can take advantage of a zone reserved for swimmers.  In the summertime you will find pedalos, deck chairs, canoes and boats for hire and of course our local Punch & Judy show by the clock tower.  Dogs are not permitted on the beach from May – Sept.  You will find the local Tourism Office on Shore Rd near to the large amusement arcades.  Please note that Shore Rd is closed until night time through the summer months.  In the winter months many enjoy a stroll along the seafront or the restored Victorian Pier.

Two arcades can be found in the town one on Shore Rd and the other on the High St.  The Heritage Centre can be found on the far side of the square near the fish and chip shop.

Durlston Country Park (follow signs from the town centre) is well worth a visit.  The park encompasses The Lighthouse, Castle and Globe as well as the large open nature reserve.  Dolphin spotting is available at certain times of the year.263 acres of cliff top countryside.  Internationally important wildlife, trails.  Dogs Welcome. 

Putlake Adventure Farm.  The farm is located within the village of Langton Matravers just a mile from Swanage on the B3069.  A great day out for the children who can enjoy tractor rides, pony rides, lamb feeding, cow milking, feeding the ducks or lunch in the café.  Many rare breeds of pig, cattle, sheep to see.

National Trust Studland Nature Reserve.  Studland is a small village on the Dorset coast near to Swanage.  Follow signs to the ferry to Poole and Studland.  Studland we believe has the best beach in Dorset, miles of sandy expanse bordered by the Nature Reserve.

  Bluebell Woodland

National Trusts Corfe Castle.  The village and castle ruins are well worth a visit.  The castles history dates back many centuries and is reported to be where King Edward The Martyr was murdered. The castles active history ended when it was blown up by the Roundheads during the Civil War.  Within the village you will also find a model display of the castle and small museum.

Margeret Green Animal Sanctuary at Church Knowle.  A rest home and rescue centre for many animals.

Blue Poole. Purbecks famous beauty spot.

Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour.  National Trust owned nature reserve famous for the Red Squirrels.  Boats to the Island run from Poole Quay daily and from Wareham Quay.

The Rex Cinema, Wareham.  The Mowlem Cinemas, Swanage, UCI at Tower Park, Poole, Odeon, Bournemouth.

Farmers Market.  Wareham.  4th Thursday every month.

Farmer Palmers Farm Park.  Organford near Wareham.

Monkey World, Wool.  Ape Rescue Centre as featured on TV.  A business that rescues monkeys for which the public pay to see.

Moreton Gardens & Restaurant, Dorchester.

Swanage Heritage Centre.  The Square, Swanage.  The history of Swanage from quarrying village to seaside resort.  Located just off the town square.

Swanage Lifeboat Station, Peverill Rd, Swanage.  Open daily.  Swanage Pier.  Strolling, angling, sub aqua diving and boat cruises from the restored Victorian pier.

The Owl Pottery, Swanage.

Athelhampton House & Gardens.  Puddletown.  One of the finest 15th Century houses in England with a garden to match.  Well worth a day out.

National Trust owned Clouds Hill.  A cottage once owned by T.E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) kept in its original state as left.

Lulworth Castle and Estate.  17th Century Castle and extensive estate including equestrian centre.  Site of Lulworth Horse Trials and many theatrical events including Shakespeares plays.

Langton Matravers Museum.  All material relating to the local stone industry and social history.

Corfe Castle museum.  Set of dinosaur footprints and collection of domestic and agricultural implements.

National Trust Heritage Centre at Lulworth Cove.  Exhibition detailing the geographical history of Dorset, especially the coast which has recently been awarded World Heritage Site Status.  Walk over to Durdle Door the world famous land mark. 

Durdle Door

The National Tank Museum.  Bovington.  Situated on Bovington Army Base exhibition with many tanks.  Some days you can ride on a tank and there are displays most days throughout the summer. Also RAC Saddle Club riding stables.

Tithe Barn Museum.  Swanage

Wareham Museum.  Local Bygones, special display relating to Lawrence of Arabia. 

All Year.  Guided Walks along the South West Coast Path, the longest in England.

Feb -  Valentine History & Mystery Tour.  A Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine on Swanage Railway.  Half Term fun at Lulworth Castle or Tank Museum at Bovington

April - Spring Dorset Bird Week.  Literary week at Corfe Castle.  Vehicle movements and displays at Bovington Tank Museum.  Easter fun at Swanage Railway, Farmer Palmers, Studland with the National Trust, Lulworth Castle (with sheep shearing).  A Tale of Two Mills at Corfe Castle.

May - Tour of Corfe Castle including Norman Weekend.  Plant Sale at Athelhampton House, Guided walk around Langton Matravers.  Purbeck Aware Festival.  Flower Festival at Athelhampton House.  Kings Arms Annual Beer Festival and Pig Roast at Stoborough.  Vehicle Movements at Bovington Tank Museum.  

June - Civil war re-enactment weekend at Corfe Castle.  MX5 Rally at Lulworth Castle.  Midsummer Festival of traditional crafts at Corfe Castle.  Southern Nats Rod and Custom Car Show.  Concert at the Castle (Corfe Castle) including Hot Chocolate.

July - War Games Show at Tank Museum.  Organ Recitals St Marys The Virgin Swanage.  Tanks in Action at the Tank Museum.  The Blues Band, Lulworth Castle.  Concert with The Yetties, Swanage Railway.  Swanage Jazz Festival.  Victorian Weekend at Corfe Castle.  11 Annual Classic Car Rally.  12th Annual Exemption Dog Show, Harmans Cross.  Wareham Carnival Week.  Romeo & Juliet on Brownsea Island.  Lulworth Country Fair & International Horse Trials.  Swanage Carnival and Regatta.

August - Fish Festival.  Dorsets premier Art show at Bovington.  Three Parishs Fete at Churhc Knowle.  Fireworks Speical on the 2nd Aug.  Flower Festival Wareham.  Sakespeare in the Park, Lulworth Castle.  Childrens Activity Days throghout the month at Corfe Castle.  MG Owners day.  The Big Banana Bonanza at Monkey World.  Great Dorset Steam Fair at Tarrant Hinton.  Romero and Juliet at Athelhampton House. 

Sept - Swanage Folk Festival.  Autumn Birds Week.  Tank movements at Bovington Tank Museum.  Archaelogy weekend at Corfe Castle.  Grand Steam Gala and Vintage Transport Rally.  Wessex Classic Car Show.  South West Model Expo.

Oct - Purbeck Film Festival.  Countryside guided walks.  Halloween.  A Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine.  

Nov - History and Mystery Tour at Corfe Castle.  Diesel Day on Swanage Railway.  Santa Specials throughout the month.

Dec - Santa visits Farmer Palmers.  Santa Specials on steam railway.  Carol Services.

The Shell Bay Restaurant which is close to the Sandbanks Ferry offers a delightful venue for any meal.  The speciality is of course sea food and we would highly recommend both the location and quality of food. 

The Halfway Inn.  Between Corfe Castle and Wareham.  Known locally to be a quaint pub that offers value for money with generous helpings and good quality pub food.

The New Inn, Church Knowle.  As you reach Corfe Castle turn off towards the small village of Church Knowle.  The pub is located half way into the village.  Go just for the Blue Vinney Soup.

The Priory, Wareham.  A very nice restaurant with excellent quality food.  Ensure that you book.

The Granary, Wareham Quay.  A lovely view out onto the river.  Friendly service and good food.  You may have to book.

Other good quality pubs include The Scott Arms (Kingston), what a view!  Bankes Arms at Studland and The Cock and Bottle (Morden).