Over half of the Purbeck district is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; its Jurassic coastline is a World Heritage Site and over a quarter of the area is covered by Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Here are a selection of Purbeck’s stunning natural wonders:
Arne Nature Reserve
RSPB heathland and oak woodland nature reserve with stunning views over Poole Harbour.
Wildlife includes Dartford Warblers, Nightjars, all six species of British reptile, plus many species of butterflies, dragonflies, and moths.
Website: Open dawn to dusk: April-Sept £2/car for 2hrs/£4 all day, Oct-Mar £2/car all day
Blue Pool
Blue Pool is a tranquil beauty spot set in 25 acres of woodland and a designated area of Special Scientific Interest. It is home to rare indigenous plants and animals, such as the Dartford Warbler and Green Sand Lizard.
Includes a museum, tea house, gift shop and plant centre.
Tel 01929 551408: Open Mar-Nov
Brownsea Island
Idyllic island with spectacular views across Poole Harbour and the Purbeck hills.
Its woodland and heath habitats are a haven for red squirrels and other wildlife.
It’s also famous as the birthplace of the Scouts.
Website: Open Mar-Oct: Adult £4.30, Child £2.30
Durdle Door
Iconic Dorset natural wonder and visited by millions of geography field students every year!
This rock arch in the sea was formed as a result of the softer rocks being eroded away behind the hard limestones, allowing the sea to punch through them.
Durlston
Durlston County Park is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Enjoy over 100 hectares of coastal grassland and sea cliffs with spectacular views and walks and an abundance of wildlife.
Website: Open all year round: Visitor Centre open weekends only Dec-Mar
Lulworth Cove
The horse-shoe shaped Lulworth Cove is a geological marvel formed over 10,000 years ago.
It forms part of the stunning World Heritage Jurassic Coastline and a brisk walk along the coastline takes you to Durdle Door.
Website: Castle open all year round: Adult £8, Child £4
Studland Beach & Nature Reserve
Glorious sandy beaches stretching for 3 miles.
Studland encompasses 2 nature reserves and is a haven for rare birds and other native wildlife.
Knoll Beach is for naturists.
Website: Open all year round
