Castles, dramatic cliffs and the most characterful pub in Dorset
About this day
This is one of our hand-crafted Dorset Days — a complete itinerary built around three locations that sit within a few miles of each other, so you spend your time exploring rather than driving. All stops, parking details, walking tips and food recommendations are included. Simply follow the guide and enjoy.
Begin at one of England's most dramatic ruined castles, perched on a natural chalk hill in the Purbeck Hills. Built by William the Conqueror and expanded over five centuries, Corfe Castle was besieged and slighted during the English Civil War — leaving the spectacular ruin you see today. The National Trust has done an outstanding job of presenting the history, and the views from the top across the Isle of Purbeck are extraordinary.
The view from the keep looking south towards the Purbeck Hills is one of the finest in Dorset.
Useful to know
A dramatic flat rock platform cut into the Purbeck limestone cliffs by quarrymen in the 19th century. The name comes from the way the waves dance across the ledge at high tide. A natural swimming pool was blasted into the rock for a local school in the 1920s and is still used today. The 2-mile walk from Langton Matravers along the South West Coast Path is one of the finest short coastal walks in Dorset.
The swimming pool cut into the rock is a magical spot on a warm summer's day.
Useful to know
A classic Purbeck stone village with a duck pond, an ancient Norman church and the legendary Square & Compass pub. The village sits on the clifftops above St Aldhelm's Head — the most southerly point of the Isle of Purbeck — and is the starting point for some of the finest coastal walks in the area. The Square & Compass has been in the same family for over a century and serves local cider and pasties from a hatch in the wall.
The Square & Compass has a small fossil museum — free to enter and fascinating.
Useful to know
The best pubs and cafes within easy reach of today's stops — all from our Dorset Business Directory.
A 16th-century inn in the shadow of the castle walls. Real ales from Dorset breweries, hearty pub food and a beer garden with views up to the ruined castle. The perfect spot for lunch after your morning at the castle.
You can sit in the garden with a pint and look straight up at the castle — it doesn't get more Dorset than this.
A legendary Purbeck pub, unchanged for over a century. Local cider, pasties served from a hatch, and a small fossil museum. One of the most characterful pubs in England. Cash only.
There is nowhere quite like it in Dorset — or anywhere else. A genuine piece of living history.
Homemade cakes, cream teas and light lunches right in the village square. Perfect for a mid-morning stop before the castle, or a sweet treat on the way out.
The cream teas are excellent and the village square setting is lovely.
The Featured Recommendation slot is available for local businesses. Get in touch to find out more.
National Trust car park, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ — pay and display, open year-round
Langton Matravers village (BH19 3HH) for Dancing Ledge walk. Worth Matravers village car park (BH19 3LF) for the afternoon.
From Wareham: A351 south through Stoborough to Corfe Castle (approx. 8 miles, 15 mins). From Swanage: A351 north to Corfe Castle (approx. 5 miles, 10 mins).
Corfe Castle village and the visitor centre are accessible. The castle itself involves steep gradients. Dancing Ledge and Worth Matravers coastal paths are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Arrive at Corfe Castle before 10am in July and August to secure parking. The village is significantly quieter on weekday mornings.
Dogs: Dogs welcome at all three locations. The Square & Compass is dog-friendly. Keep dogs on leads near the castle ruins.
Download this day as a PDF to take with you, or head back to browse more pre-built Dorset days.
We use essential cookies to make our site work, and analytics cookies to understand how you use it. We never use your data for marketing. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to all cookies. You can manage your preferences or read our Cookie Policy.