Swanage Railway

Steam through the history of Dorset on this nostalgic Purbeck family attraction! The Swanage Railway takes passengers on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the stunning countryside of Dorset, rolling for 6 miles.

There are stations at Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross and Herston, so it’s not only a great experience but a useful connection to some of the surrounding villages and resorts. There are events on the railway throughout the year, so check before you go to see what’s going on.

Durlstone Country Park

Durlstone Country Park is a beautiful Isle of Purbeck attraction that sprawls for 280 acres.

Durlstone is one of the most scenic examples of the picturesque Dorset countryside. Visitors never fail to be struck by the stunning views and the wealth of wildlife, flowers and fauna throughout the country park.

Take a walk along the cliff tops for some of the best vantage points in the county, and  see why it's been voted Britain’s second favourite park!

Monkey World

Monkey World is always a favourite family attraction on Purbeck. This ape rescue centre in Wareham is home to refugee monkeys and aims to offer them normal lives.

The centre also does ongoing, valuable work with the world’s governments to prevent illegal smuggling of primates, so it’s not only a great day out but also a valuable cause. You may recognise some of the (very cute!) faces from the TV series Monkey Life on Channel 5 and Animal Planet, so don’t forget your autograph book!

Corfe Castle

By far the oldest of the Purbeck attractions, Corfe Castle dates back to 1086 and peers down to the picturesque village beneath. Enid Blyton fans may recognise it as the inspiration for Kirrin Castle from ‘Five on a Treasure Island’, and it was one of the country’s greatest strongholds in its heyday.

This majestic ruin stands high above the Purbeck hills, creating a dramatic sight that and unbeatable views. Demolished in 1646, the castle ruin is now a majestic place to explore, but bear in mind that the walk up to it is steep and uneven.