Beaches

Sandbanks - 9.4 miles

One of Britain’s best beaches and the winner of the blue flag for 30 years, more than any other British resort.  Arrive early in summer months to secure parking (which is rather expensive!)  Has a lovely beachside restaurant which serves great breakfasts until 11am (closed at night).

Branksome Chine- 11 miles

Further along the same 7 mile bay and with an equally good beachside restaurant,  Branksome has a large overflow car park on the left hand side as you come down the hill towards the beach- this usually has spaces.

Studland- 9.8 (via ferry) or 20 miles (road via Wareham)

Unspoilt National Trust beach on Studland peninsular.  Either take the chain ferry across from Sandbanks (queue can be long in summer months) or drive around via Wareham and Corfe Castle.  There are three National Trust car parks, we prefer the ferry end of the beach as it is quieter, but again arrive early to secure parking on sunny days!

Kimmeridge- 18 miles

A rocky ledge great for fossil hunting and swimming.  Has a snorkel trail in the summer.  Parking is on private land with £5 entry fee.

Swanage- 21 miles

Beach and traditional English seaside town.  Home of Chococo chocolate.  Durlston Country Park is on the edge of Swanage

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door- 18 miles

Drive across the army range at weekends or school holidays via Creech.  Stop off at the abandoned village of Tyneham (from here you can also follow the footpath to Warbarrow bay, quiet even on the busiest summer day).  Parking at Tyneham is plentiful and payment is by donation.  The rest of the year this route is closed so access to Lulworth/Durdle Door is from the B3070 via East Lulworth.

Walk along the coast path from one to another or drive and park at each.  Lulworth is a small village set on a crescent cove with lots of restaurants and beautiful blue sea.  Just to the right along the coast path is Stair Hole- an incredible rock formation.  Further still, Durdle Door is a famous, much photographed arch in the sea next to a large beach.

 

National Trust Properties (See Guide book in lodge)

Kingston Lacy -4 miles

Country mansion and beautiful gardens.  Tea rooms and walks.

Corfe Castle- 14 miles

Ruined English Civil War castle.  Beautiful to photograph with lots of events throughout the year.  In the village of the same name.

Brownsea Island- 6 miles plus ferry ride

Beautiful Island set in Poole Harbour.  Get a boat from Poole Quay or Sandbanks (long stay parking is easier at the Quay), separate entrance fee is payable on entry to Brownsea Island.  The boat trip includes a tour of Poole Harbour.  Home to red squirrels.  Very peaceful and pretty.

Other

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Towns

Poole Quay- 6 miles

Lots of bars restaurants and views of Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island.  Home of the famous Sunseeker yachts which can be seen from the quay.

Wimborne Minster 1.5 miles

Easily walkable to take advantage of the many pubs (13 plus) and restaurants!  Lots of shops and the beautiful Minster church.

 

New Forest

New Forest National Park -13 miles

A beautiful part of the country and well worth a trip.  Miles and miles of walking and cycle paths- pick up maps in Burley and explore from here. Bicycles can also be hired in Burley.  The White Buck Inn is a good place for lunch nearby.

For a quieter part of the forest drive to Linford Bottom- take the exit for Shobley/Linford after the Inexcess garden centre on the A31.  It is a lovely place for a picnic between the streams and walk or cycle along the trails.  Alternatively drive to the nearby Red Shoot Inn.