Corfe Castle Ruins
14 May 2019
High on a windswept hill, this atmospheric castle is a dark and brooding place indeed.
Things to do near Studland
1
Corfe Castle Ruins
High on a windswept hill, this atmospheric castle is a dark and brooding place indeed.
2
Branksome Chine Beach
Meander along the promenade past beach huts and an endless horizon, before heading down the ramp onto Branksome Chine beach. An all-terrain beach wheelchair can be hired if you wish, and there are plenty of facilities available to make your trip as pleasant as possible. Kick back, relax and savour the moment.
3
Swanage Railway
Get all Brief Encounter' with a steam train trip on the Swanage Railway.
4
Studland Bay and Nature Reserve
A National Trust nature reserve, this three-mile curve of sand is home to many breeds of rare bird. Voted the UK's 4th top beach by Which? Magazine - though locals would probably place it higher. Studland Bay is also famous for its nudist section at Knoll Bay, the National Trust's only designated naturist beach. You will find safe shallow waters here and National Trust members can park for free.
5
Compton Acres
Ten acres of beautifully managed gardens including Italian, Roman, water and Japanese areas. Built in the 1920s by a margarine entrepeneur to reflect his worldwide travels and interest in horticulture, Compton Acres is a fine example of an historic garden in the late Victorian Mixed Style design.
6
Corfe Castle
Home to some of the country's most significant ruins, the village of Corfe Castle is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula that stretches across a large part of Dorset. History lovers will find the castle itself fascinating – a dramatic hilltop ruin over 1,000 years old. Corfe Castle has a lot more to offer, though; good shopping, some great places to eat, fantastic walking in every direction and even a model village complete with a reconstruction of the castle as it would have looked before it was destroyed.
7
Storm Fish Restaurant
The fish at Storm is landed by the owner of the restaurant, a claim that no other fish restaurant in Poole can make. The menu changes daily and depends both upon the catch of the day and what vegetables are available, also provided by the hands of the owner who who grows them during the milder months for use in the restaurant.<br><br>Rustic and cosy the restaurant has a lovely atmosphere.
8
Alum Chine Beach
With golden sand, crystal waters and Blue Flag awards to boot, who'd need anymore? But Alum Chine beach goes that bit further with tropical gardens, extensive play areas for children including a paddling pool and tonnes of different activities. There is also parking, plenty of facilities, including free beach wheelchairs, and a land train.
9
Arne Heath
Enjoy walking through open heathland and old oak woodland here with views overlooking Poole Habour. Park in the RSPB car park and choose from a one mile easy flat walk called the Coombe Trail or the two and a half mile Shipstal Trail (or even put the two together for a more adventurous four mile walk!). Look out for the rare Dartford Warbler and if you are lucky you will see roe and sika deer.
10
Bankes Arms
A traditional Dorset country inn with the Isle of Purbeck Brewery on the premises. A cosy bar is warmed by log fires in winter and the extensive gardens are perfect for alfresco dining in summer. Dogs are welcome.
Things to do near Studland
A few years ago, the Classic Cottages team started writing about where we live and why we love it. Over time these have evolved into the Classic Guide.
Branksome Chine Beach
5 February 2016
Meander along the promenade past beach huts and an endless horizon, before heading down the ramp onto Branksome Chine beach. An all-terrain beach wheelchair can be hired if you wish, and there are plenty of facilities available to make your trip as pleasant as possible. Kick back, relax and savour the moment.
Swanage Railway
18 March 2013
Get all Brief Encounter' with a steam train trip on the Swanage Railway.
Studland Bay and Nature Reserve
31 July 2009
A National Trust nature reserve, this three-mile curve of sand is home to many breeds of rare bird. Voted the UK's 4th top beach by Which? Magazine - though locals would probably place it higher. Studland Bay is also famous for its nudist section at Knoll Bay, the National Trust's only designated naturist beach. You will find safe shallow waters here and National Trust members can park for free.
Compton Acres
6 March 2009
Ten acres of beautifully managed gardens including Italian, Roman, water and Japanese areas. Built in the 1920s by a margarine entrepeneur to reflect his worldwide travels and interest in horticulture, Compton Acres is a fine example of an historic garden in the late Victorian Mixed Style design.
Corfe Castle
23 January 2009
Home to some of the country's most significant ruins, the village of Corfe Castle is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula that stretches across a large part of Dorset. History lovers will find the castle itself fascinating – a dramatic hilltop ruin over 1,000 years old. Corfe Castle has a lot more to offer, though; good shopping, some great places to eat, fantastic walking in every direction and even a model village complete with a reconstruction of the castle as it would have looked before it was destroyed.
Storm Fish Restaurant
20 October 2008
The fish at Storm is landed by the owner of the restaurant, a claim that no other fish restaurant in Poole can make. The menu changes daily and depends both upon the catch of the day and what vegetables are available, also provided by the hands of the owner who who grows them during the milder months for use in the restaurant.<br><br>Rustic and cosy the restaurant has a lovely atmosphere.
Alum Chine Beach
With golden sand, crystal waters and Blue Flag awards to boot, who'd need anymore? But Alum Chine beach goes that bit further with tropical gardens, extensive play areas for children including a paddling pool and tonnes of different activities. There is also parking, plenty of facilities, including free beach wheelchairs, and a land train.
Arne Heath
Enjoy walking through open heathland and old oak woodland here with views overlooking Poole Habour. Park in the RSPB car park and choose from a one mile easy flat walk called the Coombe Trail or the two and a half mile Shipstal Trail (or even put the two together for a more adventurous four mile walk!). Look out for the rare Dartford Warbler and if you are lucky you will see roe and sika deer.
Bankes Arms
A traditional Dorset country inn with the Isle of Purbeck Brewery on the premises. A cosy bar is warmed by log fires in winter and the extensive gardens are perfect for alfresco dining in summer. Dogs are welcome.