Four market towns near our Dorset B&B include Wareham itself, Wimborne, Dorchester and Christchurch.

Wareham (Half a mile from the guest house)

Wareham is a pretty, riverside market town with fascinating history! It’s rich history dates right back to the Iron Ages.

Did you know that the market town of Wareham is one of the few remaining Saxon walled towns in England?

In 700, a large Saxon community settled in Wareham which grew into one of the most important towns in the county.

Due to Wareham’s status and strategic location, in 875, the Anglo-Saxon King Alfred the Great built walls around the town to defend it from Viking invasion. These ‘earth walls’ enclose Wareham on three sides today.

St Martins Church is the most complete Saxon church in Dorset believed to date from around 1020.

To really embrace Wareham’s unique history, it is recommended to walk along the ‘earth walls’, as well as visit the Saxon church of St Martins.

There is a small museum in the centre of the town to learn more about Wareham’s past, or you can read our blogs, ‘Saxon Walls of Wareham’ or ‘What to do on your day in Wareham’.

The popular Wareham Quay is pleasant to while away the time watching the boats and wildlife, enjoying an ice cream or visiting the market on a Saturday.

Wimborne (12 miles from the guest house)

The beautiful market town of Wimborne is located on the banks of the River Stour and River Allen and dates to pre-Roman times.

Its gracious Minster church hosts the chained library whose oldest book dates to the 1300s and is handwritten.

Explore the hidden courtyards, walkways and attractive High Street with its blend of charming independent boutiques and high street stores.

As well as the square and main shopping streets, there are also many side streets to explore and when you need to rest, you can enjoy a cuppa from the welcoming cafes.

Wimborne has a farmer’s market on the third Saturday of each month.

Dorchester (17 miles from the guest house)

Birthplace of world-famous author and poet Thomas Hardy, the market town of Dorchester enjoys a rich history dating back as far as the Iron Age and is home to the Roman Town House, the finest example of its kind in Britain.

Dorchester provides many family friendly museums, including the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, the Shire Hall Museum (with its café on the top floor), Dinosaur Museum and Teddy Bear Museum. All great options for rainy days!

 

Thomas Hardy’s marital home ‘Max Gate’ is in Dorchester, and his birthplace ‘Hardy’s Cottage’ is located close by in the surrounding countryside. You can read about Thomas Hardy in our blog ‘Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Dorset’.

Market day in Dorchester is on a Wednesday.

There is a train which goes to Dorchester from Wareham Station, just 5/10 minutes walk from us.

Christchurch (19 miles from the guest house)

This attractive, bustling town has a picturesque quay, rivers, beaches and the spectacular Priory Church. It is one of the few monastery churches to have survived King Henry V111’s rule and is reputed to be the longest in England.

If you fancy a challenge, take a Tower Tour and climb 176 steps to enjoy panoramic views of the town from the very top of the church.

The town of Christchurch used to be the base for smugglers. Underneath the town are old tunnels used by smugglers.

A large Norman castle once dominated the town of Christchurch in the 11^th Century. It was surrounded by a water-filled moat. You can see the ruins of it, as well as the ruins of a fine Norman House.

Christchurch’s market day is on a Monday.

If you take the train from Wareham, there is a simple change at Bournemouth.

Enjoy these market towns at your leisure!

If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, you can subscribe to our mailing list.

Durlston Country Park near Swanage, with its spectacular coastal views, is perfect for our guests. Whether you want to enjoy a gentle stroll or a day of hiking, then this is the place for you.

We have visited here numerous times. What we like about it as a family is the convenience of the car park being so close to the café with the beautiful coastal views.

When our guest house is busy during high season, after all the jobs are done we like to hop in the car and head to Durlston Country Park near Swanage for a cuppa to admire the wonderful view and even take a short gentle stroll along their easily accessible pathways. In other words, we can admire the views without too much effort!

There is seating inside and outside at the café.

Getting There

You can simply get to Durlston by car. When you drive to the super seaside town of Swanage, you’ll see the brown signposts leading to the castle, follow these and it’s only a short 5-minute drive away.

The way to the castle is down a path at the bottom of the car park. The first building you come to is the castle. This is the centre of Durlston Country Park and where you will find the visitor reception, toilets, café and gallery.

Entry is free and is open all year round, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Payment for the parking is straight forward. Your registration is automatically logged when you drive in, but you don’t have to pay until you leave. It is a simple, large touch screen device to pay.

Walking Trails

Four way marked trails start and finish at the castle, where you can pick up a trail pack to help you explore.

The longest trail, 5km in length, called The Victorian Trail, links Durlston to Swanage. We have only part walked this but the trail from the castle is down a treelined path with views of the sea on your right, which I’d imagine would be superb on a Summer’s day, or any season for that matter!

Is Durlston Castle Real?

It is not a real castle. It is a folly built by George Burt between 1887 and 1891. It was purpose built as a restaurant for the Durlston Estate. Dorset County Council have owned it since 1973 when the country park and its nature reserve were developed.

At the base of the castle, which you must see, is an extraordinary Victorian globe set in a beautiful spot overlooking the sea.

It is three metres in diameter and it was carved from Portland stone in 1887 in Greenwich, London. It weighed an incredible 40 tonnes and was apparently transported by sea in 15 segments. It is inscribed with a map of the world.

The Gallery

Throughout the year exhibitions change every few weeks. These exhibitions may include drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics or textiles by artists and makers from Purbeck and around the county, or may include other interesting historical or scientific displays.

Accessibility

For people with limited mobility there are all – terrain scooters available for hire. It is recommended that you book before arrival by phoning or emailing Durlston Country Park.

Whilst researching the Durlston Country Park near Swanage for this blog, I came upon a You Tube video by a gentleman called Dave Ford (Dave’s Countryside Walks). He walked from Swanage to Durlston. It’s a useful video to watch. Click on the link here: Walks in Dorset at Swanage and Durlston Head (The Jurassic Coast) 

Dave Ford, and Logan the whippet, have also captured other local Dorset walks too, so it’s worth watching a few before visiting!

If you are interested in visiting local castles, you may be interested in reading our two blogs on our website: The Fairy Tale Lulworth Castle and Corfe Castle near our Dorset B&B

If you have enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about latest updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, then you can subscribe to our mailing list.

The Fairy Tale Lulworth Castle was originally built in 1608 by Thomas Howard as a hunting lodge to entertain King and Court. He owned it until 1641 when it was purchased by Humphrey Weld, the direct ancestor of the present owner.

The exterior changed little over the years until it was gutted by a disastrous fire in 1929, leaving it derelict for the next fifty years.

The Disastrous Fire

On 29^th August 1929 disaster struck Lulworth Castle. An uncontrollable fire gutted the 17^th century hunting lodge, built as a mock castle to entertain kings. It started on the top floor and spread to the roof.

Once the fire had really taken hold, the towers would have acted like giant chimneys creating an enormous updraught.

The design of the castle made fighting the fire difficult, its height making it hard to get water to the top.

Furniture and paintings were strewn around the castle grounds as volunteers struggled to salvage what they could from the flames.

Mr Weld could only watch helplessly. The home of his family for 250 years was destroyed in one day.

What Caused the Fire?

The cause of the fire was never determined. Herbert Weld believed that it was probably due to a fused wire in the storeroom where it broke out.

Electricity was installed in the castle in the 1920s shortly before the fire, and it is believed to have been its cause.

What Next for the Castle?

Sir Joseph Weld inherited the estate in 1935. Exposed to the elements after the fire, the castle decayed rapidly. Thankfully discussions between the Weld Estate and English Heritage led to the start of a programme of restoration.

Following extensive works, started in 1976 by the Department for the Environment and completed in 1998 by English Heritage, the fairy tale Lulworth Castle once again had a roof and, although not lived in, does play host to a variety of functions and events as well as being a major tourist attraction in Dorset.

The King’s Bed and Main Kitchen

King Charles 11 stayed in this bedroom when he visited the castle in 1665 and after his visit the room became known as the ‘King’s Bedroom’.

During the fire much of the smaller furniture was rescued but the King’s bed was too large to move. Only two bedposts survived but they were lost for many years in Estate outbuildings until they were rediscovered by Sally Weld and are now incorporated into this reconstruction.

Meals for the whole household were prepared in the castle’s main kitchen. Formal dinners for over 50 guests were held in the Great Hall. Tragically the kitchen’s original contents were lost during the fire of 1929.

Did you know…

The castle has had 17 owners, 14 of these owners were from the Weld family.

The castle is 80 feet or 24.5 metres in height.

It is 116 feet or 35.5 metres wide.

There were 4 floors in the main part of the castle and 5 floors in the towers.

There are 138 steps in the South East Tower staircase.

There are 4 miles of park wall surrounding the castle.

There were 81 rooms in the castle.

There were 43 fireplaces in the castle.

Views from the Top

The 138 steps to the top are most definitely worth it!

Woodland Walk

Look out for the castle peacocks whilst out walking.

Visitor Information

Address:

East Lulworth

Wareham

BH20 5QS

Tel.no 01929 400352

www.lulworth.com

If you are interested in castles and architecture, you may also be interested in Corfe Castle or Kingston Lacy.

 

If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, you can subscribe to our mailing list.

Birds of Poole Harbour is a charity completely dedicated to educating people on the stunning variety of bird life in and around Poole Harbour.

Poole Harbour has SPA (Special Protection Area) designation. This means it hosts nationally and internationally important numbers of bird species, making it one of the most ecologically important areas in Britain, not to mention being bordered by some of the most pristine examples of lowland heathland in the country.

Therefore, the study of birds and monitoring of their numbers and behaviour is vital to the ongoing conservation efforts that take place.

The Osprey Pair

Great News…The celebrated pair of ospreys are back at their nest close by at Careys Secret Garden for another breeding season! The one pictured above is CJ7, the female.

Currently she is incubating four eggs and 022 continues to bring fish in for CJ7 whilst she sits on the nest. A four-egg clutch is a rare occurrence in ospreys.

For the past two years, 022 and CJ7 have successfully raised chicks, thanks to a translocation project by the conservation charity Birds of Poole Harbour.

They became the first breeding ospreys in Southern England in nearly 200 years.

In 2022, O22 and CJ7 raised two chicks, one of which was killed by a Goshawk, and in 2023, they successfully raised three chicks.

If this season’s eggs all hatch and survive to fledgling age, this will provide a great contribution to the south coast population.

Let’s wish them luck for the 2024 season!

Birds of Poole Harbour Cruises and Events

Birds of Poole Harbour offer several events all year round, including Spring and Summer Safari Cruises, Purbeck Seabird and Puffin Cruise, Nightjar Walk, Sunset Safari Cruise, Osprey Cruise, among others too.

My mother and I thoroughly enjoyed the Spring Safari Cruise. We learned so much from Brittany, Mark and Mya. They were so keen and knowledgeable.

Brittany passionately spoke about the osprey pair and the translocation project, as well as the harbour being a Special Protection Area.

We saw hunting osprey, a marsh harrier and lots more (53 species of birds altogether), as well as plenty of deer and a seal too.

The sail was smooth, thanks to the captain, and there were refreshments onboard to purchase. There were also binoculars to borrow whilst on the cruise.

We hope to go on The Carey Osprey Tour 2024 very soon. In partnership with Birds of Poole Harbour, the Carey Secret Gardens offer a guided tour to view the nesting osprey pair mentioned above.

From the viewing platform you can see their nest, which is featured on the Birds of Poole Harbour webcam.

Please visit Birds of Poole Harbour website, support them and find out more. They do a remarkable job!

Whether you’re an avid beginner (like us) or experienced naturalist, with Birds of Poole Harbour there is something for everyone!

If you are interested in bird life, you may also be interested in visiting RSPB Arne, as well as The Abbotsbury Swannery.  Please click on the links to find out more.

You can also read about Careys Secret Garden, less than a mile away, in our blog ‘2 Tranquil Dorset Gardens’.

If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, you can subscribe to our mailing list.

At Spurwing Guest House we are extremely fortunate to have many restaurants and tourist attractions close by making it a perfect base for local dining and sightseeing.

Taken from our Spurwing Guest Information Book in each room, please find a list of places to eat and places to visit.

FOOD AND DRINK

Restaurants, Tea Houses and Pubs

• THE 29029 RESTAURANT, contemporary Indian and Nepalese Cuisine, highly recommended by guests.

Sandford, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7AD

Tel: 01929 556959

Website: www.the29029restaurant.co.uk

• THE ITALIAN KITCHEN, real Italian cuisine.

Wareham Quay, 37 South Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LR

Tel: 01929 550990

Website: www.theitaliankitchendorset.com

• THE QUAY INN, friendly local pub serving food and a range of ales.

The Quay, Wareham, BH20 4LP

Tel: 01929 552735

Website: www.thequayinn.com

• THE BEAR, stylish restaurant/bar serving cocktails and a carefully considered bar list.

14 South Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LT

Tel: 01929 288150

Website: www.thebearwareham.co.uk

• THE OLD GRANARY, pleasantly located restaurant/bar on the River Frome.

The Quay, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LP

Tel: 01929 552010

Website: www.theoldgranarywareham.co.uk

• THE KING’S ARMS, friendly local pub serving food and a range of ales.

41 North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AD

Tel: 01929 552503

• THE HORSE AND GROOM, friendly local pub serving food and a range of ales.

St.John’s Hill, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LZ

Tel: 01929 552222

• GARDEN GATE TEA ROOM, warm, cosy and friendly tea room offering breakfast and lunch choices.

7 North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AB

Tel: 01929 552128

• THE THAI JASMINE RESTAURANT, Thai cuisine.

59 North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AD

Tel no: 01929 551428

• WAREHAM GOLF CLUB (All Stars Bar and Kitchen), snacks and bar food. (Mon – Fri 8am-3pm/Sat – Sun 7am-3pm)

Sandford Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4DH

Tel: 01929 554147

Website: www.warehamgolfclub.com

• THE CAKE HOUSE TEA ROOM, located on a family farm with hens and farm animals, nestled in beautiful Dorset countryside.

East Creech Farm, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AP

Tel: 01929 480519

Website: www.thecakehouse-eastcreech.co.uk

• THE SQUARE AND COMPASS, home produced cider and quality real ales. Pies and pastries and stunning views.

Worth Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3LF

Tel: 01929 439229

Website: www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

 

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

LOCAL WALKS

 

SHORT WALKS

•  Saxon Walls of Wareham, a 1 mile walk from our guest house. The earth walls were built in Saxon times to defend the town from the Vikings. Please refer to our blog on our website: Saxon Walls of Wareham
• River Piddle and Wareham Weir Walk, a 1 mile walk from our guest house. A pleasant walk alongside the River Piddle to Wareham Weir. Please refer to our blog on our website: 3 Walks from our Wareham B&B
• Quarrymans’ Ways, a 1.5-mile circular trail starting in Acton and then travelling along the Priest’s Way which is one of the oldest roads in Purbeck. The trail provides a unique chance to see old quarries. There are several stiles and gates along the way.
• Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, a 2 mile walk there and back along a small stretch of the spectacular Jurassic World Heritage Site coastline. Please refer to our blog on our website: Walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door

 MODERATE WALKS

• Wareham Forest Walk, a 3 mile walk from our guest house. The path winds through the beautiful forest with an option to walk up to a viewpoint. Please refer to our blog on our website: 3 Walks from our Wareham B&B
• Studland to Old Harry, a circular 3.5 mile walk from South Beach Car Park, Studland to Old Harry Rocks.
• Smugglers’ Ways, a 3-mile circular trail from Worth Matravers to Winspit Quarry and along the coast path to Seacombe. This was once a path used by smugglers who under the cover of darkness would store their smuggled goods in the hidden caves and tunnels. There are spectacular sea cliffs and a secretive cove along the way.
• Commoners’ Ways, a circular walk which starts and finishes in Kingston. The walk is approx. 5.5 miles in distance and will take 3-4 hours to complete. Take in the beautiful views as you amble along and maybe stop at Corfe Castle village.

LONGER WALKS

• Lawrence of Arabia Trail, a 7-mile trail starts and finishes at Bovington’s renowned tank museum taking in Lawrence of Arabia’s home at Moreton where he is buried.
• Wareham Forest Way, a signposted 13-mile walk through some of the less well-known landscapes in Dorset. Starting from Wareham Quay, travel up through the forest to Morden and continue through farmland and country estates to Sturminster Marshall.
• Purbeck Way, from Wareham Quay, walk to Corfe Castle passing Stoborough and Creech Heaths. At Corfe Castle either walk south to Chapman’s Pool or east to Ballard Down, both finish at the Jurassic Coast. The Purbeck Way is 15.5-miles but can be split into shorter sections.

• The Southwest Coast Path, South Haven Point (Studland) marks the start (or finish) of the 630-mile South West Coast Path – the UK’s longest national trail. For serious walkers the trail offers a challenging and rewarding walk, taking around 8 weeks, maybe not this holiday! To get a taste though, why not take a short stretch in Dorset to experience stunning and inspirational heritage and landscapes.

All the above walks can be found on the Dorset Tourism website Visit Dorset  where you can download route leaflets.

NATURE AND WILDLIFE

• RSPB ARNE NATURE RESERVE, heathland and woodland walks to Poole Harbour. Please refer to our blog on our website: RSPB Arne near our Bed and Breakfast Dorset

Arne Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5BJ

Tel: 01929 553360

Website: www.rspb.org.uk

• THE BLUE POOL, tranquil woods and heathland.

Furzebrook Road, Nr.Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR

Tel: 01929 551408

Website: www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk

• BROWNSEA ISLAND, Poole Harbour, famous for red squirrels and wildlife. Please refer to our blog on our website: Brownsea Island owned by the National Trust

Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE

Tel: 01202 707744

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island

• ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY, the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Swannery at Abbotsbury

New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4JG

Tel: 01305 871858

Website: https://abbotsburyswannery.co.uk/

JURASSIC COAST AND BEACHES

See our blog on our website: 3 Beaches near our Dorset B&B

•  LULWORTH COVE, beautiful white pebble beach with its blue waters. Please refer to our blog on our website: Walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door

Main Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5RQ

Website: www.visit-dorset.com

• DURDLE DOOR, England’s first national world heritage site by UNESCO in 2001. Please refer to our blog on our website: Walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door

Via Durdle Door Holiday Park, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5PU

Website: www.visit-dorset.com

• STUDLAND BEACH AND NATURE RESERVE, a four mile stretch of unspoilt golden sandy beach owned and protected by The National Trust. Please refer to our blog on our website: 3 Beaches near our Dorset B&B

Studland, near Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3AH

Tel: 01929 450500

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay

• OLD HARRY ROCKS, standing tall at the southern end of Studland Bay is one of the most famous landmarks on the South coast – Old Harry.

Handfast Point, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AX

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay/old-harry-rocks-walk

• SWANAGE PIER AND BEACH, all-round family seaside fun. You can take the seasonal train or the bus direct from Wareham to Swanage, or you can take the steam train from Norden (see under ‘Local Transport’). Please refer to our blog on the website: The Bus from Wareham Station to Swanage

Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1LB

Website: www.swanage.gov.uk

• KIMMERIDGE BAY, on Dorset’s Jurassic World Heritage Coast and well known for its rock pooling, snorkelling and water sports. The Etches Collection Museum is close by with fossils dating back 157 million years. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Etches Collection

Kimmeridge, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5PF

Website: www.kimmeridgebay.org

• BOSCOMBE MANOR BEACH, BOURNEMOUTH, a quieter stretch of beach in Bournemouth with toilets and a food and drink kiosk. If you get there straight after breakfast, you can park on a side street for free. There is a little bit of a gradient walking down to the beach.

Postcode: BH5 1JA

RESCUE CENTRE, PARKS AND GARDENS

• MONKEY WORLD APE RESCUE CENTRE, Dorset’s largest visitor attraction. Please refer to our blog on our website: Monkey World near our Wareham B&B

Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Tel: 01929 462537

Website: www.monkeyworld.org

• FARMER PALMER’S FARM PARK, designed for children aged 0 – 8 years old.

Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU

Tel: 01202 622022

Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

• DORSET FALCONRY PARK, a falconry bird of prey display team.

Lewell Mill Lane, Lewell, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8AN

Tel: 01305 250710

• PUTLAKE ADVENTURE FARM, indoor soft play, children aged 0 -10 years old.

High Street, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3EU

Tel: 01929 422917

Website: www.putlakeadventurefarm.co.uk

• ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDEN, fabulous collection of exotic plants and trees from across the globe. Please refer to our blog on our website: 2 Tranquil Dorset Gardens

Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Tel: 01305 871387

Website: www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk

• ADVENTURE WONDERLAND, a family theme park with a great range of rides and attractions.

Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA

Tel: 01202 483444

Website: www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

• HOLME FOR GARDENS, 5-acre gardens, farm shop and cafe. Please refer to our blog on our website: Garden Centre near our Dorset B&B

West Holme, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6AQ

Tel: 01929 554716

Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk

• SCULPTURE BY THE LAKES, a place where you can experience art and the landscape, not merely view it. Please refer to our blog on our website: Sculpture Park in Dorset

Pallington Lakes, Pallington, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QU

Tel: 07720 637808

Website: www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk

• UPTON COUNTRY PARK, 160 acres of parkland, shoreline and formal estate gardens.

Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ

Tel: 01202 262753

Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com

• CAREYS SECRET GARDEN, a walled, wild plot that’s been untouched for over 40 years. Until now. Please refer to our blog on our website: 2 Tranquil Dorset Gardens

2/3 miles from Spurwing Guest House, Wareham. Once a booking online has been made, the address of the garden is disclosed.

Website: www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk

•  DORSET ADVENTURE PARK, a family fun waterpark and mud trail including 200 metres of wet inflatables.

Arfleet Mill Lakes, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5JG

Tel: 01929 505030

Website: www.dorsetadventurepark.com

• KINGSTON LACY, an elegant 17^th century Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. Please refer to our blog on our website: Kingston Lacy belonging to the National Trust

Blandford Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Tel: 01202 883402

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy

• THE WALLED GARDEN, a 5-acre landscaped garden with an on-site café and garden shop. The village of Moreton has become well known because of its association with TE Lawrence. His grave backs onto the walled garden. The Georgian St Nicholas Church is worth a visit with its unique engraved glass windows. Please refer to our blog on our website: TE Lawrence’s Time in Dorset

Moreton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8RG

Tel: 01929 462243

Website: www.walledgardenmoreton.co.uk

CASTLES AND LOCAL HISTORY

• CORFE CASTLE, Corfe castle village. An important Norman castle was damaged during the Civil War. Please refer to our blog on our website: Corfe Castle near our Dorset B&B

The Square, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ

Tel: 01929 481294

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

• SAXON CHURCH OF ST MARTIN, WAREHAM, which has a Saxon exterior and is the most complete Saxon Church in Dorset believed to date from around 1020. Please refer to our blog on our website: 5 Local Churches in Dorset

North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LB

• LULWORTH CASTLE AND PARK, built in the 17^th century, parkland and woodland walks. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Fairy Tale Lulworth Castle

The Lulworth Estate, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS

Tel: 01929 400352

Website: www.lulworth.com

• DURLSTON CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK, 320 acres of countryside and national reserve, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone, and woodland. Please refer to our blog on our website: Durlston Country Park near Swanage

Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL

Tel: 01929 424443

Website: www.durlston.co.uk

• TYNEHAM VILLAGE, ‘the deserted village that time forgot.’ Please refer to our blog on our website: The Deserted Village of Tyneham

Unnamed road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5DE

• CLOUDS HILL, the rural retreat of British Intelligence Officer T.E. Lawrence. Please refer to our blog on our website: TE Lawrence’s Time in Dorset

King George V Road, Bovington, near Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7NQ

Tel: 01929 405616

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/clouds-hill

• HARDY’S COTTAGE, birthplace of author Thomas Hardy. Please refer to our blog on our website: Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Dorset

Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ

Tel: 01305 262366

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage

• MAX GATE, Thomas Hardy had this house designed and built for himself and his wife Emma Gifford. Please refer to our blog on our website: Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Dorset

Alington Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2FN

Tel: 01305 262538

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/max-gate

• ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE AND GARDENS, exquisite example of Tudor architecture. Find out why Thomas Hardy loved the place, and learn about the ghostly goings on.

Puddletown, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG

Tel: 01305 848363

Website: https://www.athelhampton.com/

MUSEUMS

• THE ETCHES COLLECTION, a museum of amazing fossils collected by Dr Steve Etches, the marine life of Jurassic Coast. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Etches Collection

Kimmeridge, Dorset, BH20 5PE

Tel: 01929 270000

Website: www.theetchescollection.org

• WAREHAM TOWN MUSEUM, tells the story of Wareham from its early Saxon and Vikings as well as a fascinating Lawrence of Arabia exhibition. Please refer to our blog on our website about things to do in Wareham: What to do on your day in Wareham

Town Hall East Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4NS

Tel: 01929 553448

• THE TANK MUSEUM, has something for everyone and for all ages. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Tank Museum near our Wareham B&B

Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG

Tel: 01929 405096

Website: www.tankmuseum.org

MUSEUMS IN DORCHESTER

• THE DINOSAUR MUSEUM

Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1EW

Tel: 01305 269880

Website: www.thedinosaurmuseum.com

• THE TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM

High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU

Tel: 01305 266040

Website: www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk

• TUTANKHAMUN EXHIBITION

High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UW

Tel: 01305 269571

Website: www.tutankhamunexhibition.co.uk

• DORSET MUSEUM, enjoy the richness of Dorset’s natural, historical and cultural heritage.

High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA

Tel: 01305 262735

Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org

• SHIRE HALL HISTORIC COURTHOUSE MUSEUM, uncover the fascinating tales from within the haunting cells of the historic building, and enjoy The Shire Hall Café.

High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UY

Tel: 01305 261849

Website: www.shirehalldorset.org

CINEMA AND SHOPPING

• THE REX CINEMA, an art-deco gem of a small-town cinema from the 1920s. Please refer to our blog on our website: Wareham’s Unique Rex Cinema

West Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4JX

Tel: 01929 552778

Website: www.therex.co.uk

• TOWER PARK, ‘Cineworld Cinema’, ‘Splashdown’ for water rides and ‘Lemur Landings’ for a children’s play area. Also bowling and plenty of restaurants.

Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY

Tel: 01202 723671

Website: www.towerparkentertainment.co.uk

• CASTLE POINT, around 40 major retail shops, as well as cafes and restaurants.

Castle Lane, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9UZ

Tel: 01202 510050

Website: www.castlepointshopping.com

• WAREHAM SATURDAY MARKET, stalls selling local produce, 9am start.

The Quay, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LP

• DORCHESTER MARKET, founded in 1860. Wednesday market day, indoor and outdoor from 200 different market traders. A giant car boot sale on a Sunday.

Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1QS

Tel: 07889 616166

Website: www.visit-dorset.com

 SPORTS, ARTS AND WELL BEING

• WAREHAM GOLF CLUB, an established 18-hole golf course on the edge of Wareham Forest.

Sandford Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4DH

Tel: 01929 554147

Website: www.warehamgolfclub.com

• PURBECK SPORTS CENTRE AND SWIMMING POOL

Worgret Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4PH

Tel: 01929 500000

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

• LULWORTH EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, horse riding suitable for 4+

Kennel Farm, Coombe Keynes, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QR

Tel: 01929 400396

Website: www.lulworthequestriancentre.co.uk

• BURNGATE STONE CARVING CENTRE, a stone working centre that runs courses throughout the year in stone carving.

Kingston Road, Langton Matravers, Dorset, BH19 3BE

Tel: 01929 439405

Website: www.burngatestonecentre.co.uk

• LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE’S CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, find out what’s on at Poole theatre.

21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG

Tel: 01202 280000

Website: https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/

• LITTLE SHOP OF CALM, massage therapy and holistic healing.

6 West Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4JU

Tel: 07833468722

Website: www.littleshopofcalm.co.uk

 VINEYARD TOUR AND TASTING

• ENGLISH OAK VINEYARD, sparkling wine vineyard, tours and tasting. Please refer to our blog on our website: Award-Winning Dorset Vineyard

Flowers Drove, Lytchett Matravers, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6BX

Tel: 01258 858205

Website: www.englishoakvineyard.co.uk

 BOAT AND CYCLE HIRE

• WAREHAM BOAT HIRE, hire a motorboat, paddle a canoe or Kayak, row a boat or try a paddle board.

Abbots Quay, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LW

Tel: 01929 550688

Website: www.warehamboathire.co.uk

• CYCLEXPERIENCE, bike rental. From here cycle to Studland, Swanage or Kimmeridge.

Purbeck Park (formerly Norden Car Park), Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5DW

Tel: 01929 481606

Website: www.cyclex.co.uk

 BOAT CRUISES, LAND ROVER SAFARI AND RNLI

• PURBECK SAFARI, 4×4 Land Rover tour exploring the stunning Purbeck Hills. Please refer to our blog on our website: 4×4 Tour with Purbeck Safari

Tel: 07858 956181

Website: www.purbecksafari.co.uk

• GREENSLADE PLEASURE BOATS, ferry trips to Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour cruises, coastal cruises, and Wareham River trip.

The Orange Kiosk, Poole Quay, Dorset, BH15 1HJ

Tel: 01202 669955

Website: www.greensladepleasureboats.co.uk

• CITY CRUISES POOLE, various sightseeing from Poole Harbour and Swanage Pier, as well as an open top sightseeing bus.

The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ

Tel: 020 77 400 400

Website: www.citycruisespoole.com

• RNLI COLLEGE, guided tour to explore the College and its training facilities, as well as see where the all-weather fleet of boats and the hovercraft are repaired and maintained. Booking in advance is necessary.

West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ

Tel: 0300 300 7654

Website: www.rnli.org

 LOCAL TRANSPORT

• PURBECK BREEZER, hop on board to experience the views of the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. Please refer to our blog on the website: The Bus from Wareham Station to Swanage

Tel: 01202 338420

Website: www.morebus.co.uk/purbeck-breezer

• SWANAGE STEAM TRAIN, a unique steam train journey through six miles of beautiful scenery passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle, travelling down to the blue flag beach at Swanage. You can catch it from Norden where you can park all day (charges apply).

Norden, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5DW

Tel: 01929 425800

Website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk

• WAREHAM STATION, SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY, Trains to Poole, Weymouth, Bournemouth, Southampton, London Waterloo, as well as a seasonal service from Wareham to Swanage seaside – please refer to South Western Railway for timetables.

North Point, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AS

Tel: National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50

Website: www.southwesternrailway.com

• LOCAL TAXI COMPANY

Tel: 01929 556575

Email: pkd.richardstaxis01@gmail.com

• EVEREST TAXIS WAREHAM

Tel: 07473330063

 

If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, you can subscribe to our mailing list.

 

If you love nature and wildlife, like we do, then a visit to The Swannery at Abbotsbury is a perfect choice.

My mother and I visited there in late March. We arrived at midday, just in time for feeding. It was so special! The swans allowed us to walk close by and we fed them with scoops of nutritious food.

Having lived next to a canal prior to moving to Dorset, these Mute Swans are certainly friendlier than some of the territorial ones we encountered on the tow path!

How the Abbotsbury Swannery came about?

Abbotsbury Swans have nested on this site for at least 600 years, and it is home to the only managed colony of Mute Swans in the world.

In the 11^th century Benedictine Monks built a monastery at Abbotsbury. They are believed to have farmed the swans to provide food for their lavish banquet.

Sir Giles Strangways purchased Abbotsbury Swannery from Henry Vlll in 1543, and it has remained with the same family for over 500 years. It is due to the family’s careful stewardship that this unique colony of free-frying swans continues to thrive.

A Unique Habitat

The Swannery is located at the western end of The Fleet Lagoon. It is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is the largest lagoon in Britain and is home to a precious community of aquatic plant and animal life. In the middle of the lagoon the conditions perfectly suit the growth of eelgrass, a food favoured by swans.

The lagoon lies behind Chesil Beach, which is a 30km long, 200m wide and 15m high bank formed at the end of the last ice age when huge waves gathered up rocks from the seabed and threw them back towards the shore. It is one of the most spectacular storm beaches in the world.

A Visit all Year Round

Spring

The Swannery has fresh water, reed for nest building, and an ample supply of food nearby – everything a Mute Swan looks for in a nesting site.

The shoreline around the Swannery is fringed with reed. The Swannery staff cut the reed in February to supply nesting material for the swans.

Nest building by the swan parents can take several days. They collect reed, grasses, rushes, leaves, and stems to make a secure nest.

The Abbotsbury Swans, of which there are 150 or so pairs, nest close together. They generally ‘mate for life ‘choosing to nest on the same spot at the Swannery year after year.

Abbotsbury swans allow visitors to walk alongside them even as their eggs hatch. They are very accustomed to people.

The first eggs appear before the end of March with majority of incubation throughout April. The first cygnets hatch in early May and all the hatching is completed by late June.

Cygnets do not recognise their parents when they hatch, they have to learn to recognise them. Swannery staff tag all cygnets and ring all adults so that lost cygnets can easily be returned to their parents.

Summer

Throughout June and July, the adult swans moult their worn and damaged flight feathers. This process takes 6 weeks, and throughout this time they are flightless until their feathers grow.

The cygnets rapidly grow in the summer months and by late September, they are almost the same size as their parents with a 2m wingspan.

Summer migrants such as warblers and terns arrive from Africa to rest on the Fleet Nature Reserve.

Autumn

At this time of year, the number of swans at Abbotsbury slowly increases. Other families and non-breeding birds from around Dorset and neighbouring counties head to The Fleet for the winter.

Thousands of ducks and geese arrive from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Russia, drawn by a favourite climate and an abundant food supply.

In Autumn, cygnets begin to fly at approximately 4 ½ months old.

Winter

Over the winter months, the swans at Abbotsbury move further down the 8-mile Fleet to feed on the plentiful eelgrass beds. The Fleet is normally less than one metre deep, so swans can reach eelgrass growing from the bed of the lagoon.

Most of the swans will head to the relatively sheltered bay of the Swannery. Here, staff can keep a watchful eye on the birds and ensure they receive some much needed food until the weather improves.

Other Useful Questions

• Do all the swans belong to the crown?

No, not at the Swannery. All the swans that originate at Abbotsbury are still owned by the same family that purchased the land from Henry Vlll.

• How long do swans live?

The average age for a Mute Swan is 10 – 12 years but can live up to 30 years.

• How old are cygnets when they turn completely white?

Cygnets turn completely white at the age of 14 months.

• What is the average wingspan of a male swan (cob) at Abbotsbury?

The average wingspan of a male swan (cob) is 2.15m.

• What do the coloured rings mean?

White rings are given to swans that have hatched at Abbotsbury. Yellow rings are given to swans arriving from elsewhere. Occasionally swans with other colonial rings may visit. For example, blue rings are from Devon, green from Somerset and orange from Hampshire.

A day at Abbotsbury Swannery is highly recommended, all year round!

You may also be interested in The Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden which is close by. Please refer to our blog ‘2 Tranquil Dorset Gardens’.

If you have enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about latest updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, then you can subscribe to our mailing list.

If you are interested in prehistoric Jurassic marine life, you won’t want to miss a visit to The Etches Collection in the village of Kimmeridge, approximately 8 miles from our Dorset bed and breakfast.

The Etches Collection is a unique, modern museum home to Steve Etches’ private collection of amazing fossils. All his fossils of 152 -157 million years ago have been found in the Kimmeridge Bay locality, part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline.

Kimmeridge is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nestled among breath-taking scenery, ideal for exhilarating countryside and coastal walks.

The bay, which is part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, lies within a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and is one of the best places in the UK for exploring rock pools.

It was here that an amazing fossil was discovered…

BBC’s ‘Attenborough and The Giant Sea Monster’

If you haven’t already seen this fascinating documentary, then it’s a must that you do, especially if you are considering a stay with us!

The documentary details the incredible adventure to locate and extract the skull of a pliosaur from the 25-metre-high cliff. The pliosaur was the apex predator of the Jurassic seas 150 million years ago, eventually becoming extinct in the Cretaceous period.

The snout of this amazing fossil was first discovered in April 2022 by friend of Steve and fossil collector Philip Jacobs on the beach foreshore not far from Kimmeridge. Philip notified Steve Etches of his find which he donated to the museum, and it took 10 months of intensive preparation and restoration.

According to Steve Etches, the entire length of this ‘Sea Rex’ is estimated to be 10 – 12 metres and is likely to be a juvenile, and not even fully grown! With 150 razor sharp teeth they fed on Ichthyosaurus, and with 4 large flippers, they were capable of swimming 30 mph.

Why Kimmeridge Bay?

The Kimmeridgian world of the late Jurassic period, 150 million years ago, was one of warm seas, and home to a teeming host of marine life from ancient fish, squid, coiled ammonites, sea urchins and turtles to long-necked reptiles like the plesiosaur, the dolphin-like Ichthyosaur and, at the apex of the food chain, the ferocious pliosaur.

The Ammonite is the most commonly found fossil at Kimmeridge. It was a squid-like animal with a soft body and hard shell. They lived between 240 – 65 million years ago.

What is a Fossil and how is a fossil formed?

Definition: ‘The remains or impression of a prehistoric plant or animal embedded in petrified form.’

‘As fossil collector, we have a responsibility that if we are to build on our past discoveries, we must collaborate with our contemporaries to unlock the ‘stories from deep in time.’ – Steve Etches

When a creature dies it normally rots away to nothing. In certain conditions, however, the process of ‘fossilisation’ occurs preserving for millions of years a replica or jumbled clue to that creature’s life. In one form of the process, the dead body sinks to the sea floor to be buried in sediment. The soft tissue rots away but the skeleton, teeth, scales, and hard tissue survive. The sediment builds up over time and the compacted pressure turns it to rock. Now buried at depth and surrounded by stone, the skeleton dissolves and minerals carried by water flow into the space. The minerals harden and millions of years later, when that incarcerating rock rises to the earth’s surface, the fossilised remains of that prehistoric life form invite discovery – passage taken from The Etches Collection.

About Steve Etches (MBE)

What started as a childhood hobby for Steve Etches, grew into a lifelong obsession and lifetime of fossil hunting and collecting. He follows in the path of other great 19^th Century fossil hunting pioneers such as Mary Anning, from Lyme Regis, who found the first fossilised plesiosaurus and Ichthyosaurus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Steve Etches and his team embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime excavation to bring back to life a monster of our deep past. They expertly removed the skull of this pliosaur from the cliff. Steve’s dream is to reunite the pliosaus’ skull with its body! By going along to visit The Etches Collection, you can support Steve with this dream!

If you would like to see more of our beautiful Dorset coastline, you may be interested in our blog ‘Walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door’ or our blog ‘4×4 Tour with Purbeck Safari’.

If you have enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about latest updates, events in the area or last minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, then you can subscribe to our mailing list.

 

Spurwing Guest House, offering accommodation in Wareham, is open room only during low season from November to March at a discounted rate.

There are many options where breakfast is available in Wareham. Here are some of our favourites.

The Garden Gate Tea Room, The Salt Pig, The Quay Inn and Nellie Crumb.

Dorset has a wonderful collection of tourist attractions to visit. Many of which are open all year round.

Please visit our blog ‘5 Top Tourist Attractions in Dorset within 10 Miles’.

There are also many other places to visit during low season.

Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay

Please refer to our blog ‘The Deserted Village of Tyneham’.

RSPB Arne

Please refer to our blog ‘RSPB Arne near our Bed and Breakfast Dorset’.

Studland Bay

Please refer to our blog ‘3 Beaches near our Dorset B&B’.

Saxon Walls of Wareham

Please refer to our blog ‘Saxon Walls of Wareham’.

Old Harry’s Rock

Please refer to our blog ‘8 National Trust Attractions’.

The Rex

There is also a delightful cinema in Wareham called The Rex. Please refer to our blog ‘Wareham’s Unique Rex Cinema’.

Public transport is reliable and only 5 minutes’ walk away from the guest house. There are regular trains to Poole, Bournemouth, Dorchester and Weymouth. You can also catch the bus to Swanage seaside. Please refer to our blog ‘The Bus from Wareham Station to Swanage’.

If you would like further options for evening meals, please visit ‘Place to Eat’ on our website.

If you are interested in local events, please refer to ‘Visit Dorset/What’s on’, as well as ‘Visit Wareham/what’s on’, where you will find a choice of options for day and evening events.

If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, you can subscribe to our mailing list.

Spurwing Guest House, offering b&b accommodation in Wareham, is ideally located for visiting 8 National Trust attractions.

We highly recommend visiting one or more of these 8 National Trust attractions, especially if you are a National Trust member.

1.Brownsea Island (10 miles away)

Brownsea Island is reached by a short ferry journey (20 minutes) from Poole Quay. There are walking trails to follow, viewpoints to embrace, water sports, hides in The Lagoon to watch bird life, the Villano Café and, if you’re lucky, red squirrels!

Please refer to our blog ‘Brownsea Island owned by the National Trust’.

2.Studland Bay (14 miles away)

A four-mile stretch of golden sandy beach with gentle bathing waters, water sports and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. The beaches at Studland are called Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach.

Please refer to our blog ‘3 Beaches near our Dorset B&B’.

3.Old Harry’s Rock (9 miles away)

Standing tall at the southern end of Studland Bay, Old Harry’s Rock is one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast. The chalk formations are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. There is a moderate walking trail from Studland Bay South Beach car park to Old Harry’s Rock with Celtic earthworks and plenty of wildlife along the way.

Please refer to the National Trust website for the trail route ‘Old Harry Rocks Walk’.

4.Corfe Castle (5 miles away)

This impressive medieval castle stands on top of a 55m high mound and can be seen from all around. William the Conqueror ordered the castle to be built in 1086, and it remained under the ownership of the royal family until it was sold into private hands in 1572. Over time it witnessed its fair share of gruesome and ghostly happenings, and in 1646 during the Civil War, when owned by the Bankes family, it sadly became a ruin.

Please refer to our blog ‘Corfe Castle near our Dorset B&B’.

5.Kingston Lacy (10 miles away)

Originally Kingston Lacy was built to replace the Bankes’ existing home at Corfe Castle which was demolished during the Civil War in England in 1646. It boasts 8,500 acres of estate featuring Iron Age forts, colourful heathland, and water meadows. Around 1834, the late William John Bankes made dramatic changes to the house, and had it built to resemble a Venetian Palace. He created the house we know today! It is home to the oldest gentry collection of paintings in Britain.

Please refer to our blog ‘Kingston Lacy belonging to the National Trust’.

6.TE Lawrence’s Clouds Hill (8 miles away)

TE Lawrence, also known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, was a well-known soldier, writer and historian. He joined the Tank Corps at nearby Bovington and bought Clouds Hill. Surrounded by acres of rhododendrons and bird calls, Lawrence’s ‘hut’ allowed him to enjoy reading and writing as well as being host to guests including Thomas Hardy. Tragically he died in a motorcycle accident in 1935.

Please refer to our blog ‘TE Lawrence’s Time in Dorset’.

7.Thomas Hardy’s Cottage (16 miles away)

Thomas Hardy is Dorset’s most celebrated writer. Nestled beside Thorncombe Wood in beautiful Dorset countryside, Hardy’s Cottage was his birthplace, childhood home and playground. As well as viewing the inside of this beautiful cottage, there are also walking routes to explore and discover its special location. A visit to Hardy’s Cottage is a must for any Hardy book enthusiasts!

Please refer to our blog ‘Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Dorset’.

8.Thomas Hardy’s Max Gate (15 miles away)

Thomas Hardy designed Max Gate and had it built for himself and his wife Emma Gifford in 1885. This was his town house, and where he wrote Tess of the D’Urbervilles. He lived in this house until his death in 1928. Like Hardy’s Cottage, most of the furniture, although not of the family, is from that time. A visit to Max Gate is a must for any Hardy book enthusiasts!

Please refer to our blog ‘Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Dorset’.

If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, you can subscribe to our mailing list.

Brownsea Island, owned by the National Trust, is a very special place to visit. In fact, recently in the space of a week, I went twice.

I went once with my mum for a leisurely walk to explore the island on foot, and again shortly afterwards kayaking with my 10-year-old son.

The kayaking was great fun! My son and I kayaked from Brownsea Island to the neighbouring Furzey Island with ‘The Watersports Academy’, which you can read about below.

On both trips, I looked forward to the ferry journey, as well as seeing red squirrels, which Brownsea Island is well known for.

I highly recommend a visit there if staying with us!

Getting to Brownsea Island

From our guest house we drove to Poole Quay Visitor Car Park (BH15 1SB). Once parked we walked to the Quay where we immediately spotted the bright yellow Brownsea kiosk and ferry.

The ferry operates a ‘walk on basis’, therefore we just queued up and got on board. The National Trust ferry staff were friendly and helpful.

There is an opportunity to ‘fast track pay’ for the ferry and the Brownsea Island entrance fee on board the ferry, but to be honest there wasn’t a need to as my mum and I simply paid on arrival at the island reception.

Ferry and Entrance Fee

Please refer to the Brownsea website for up-to-date fees.

Sensibly my mum is a National Trust member, so she only paid for the ferry. Non-members, like myself presently, pay for the ferry as well as the Brownsea Island entrance fee.

The ferry journey was approximately 20 minutes long, and what a glorious day we chose.

Brownsea Map and Suggested Walks

We collected a map on arrival from the reception, which was very helpful for our walk.

There were five suggested walks on the map:

• Wildlife and Wetlands Walk (45 minutes, some steps)
• Viewpoints and Woodland Walk (40 minutes)
• Heathland Walk (40 minutes)
• Scouting and Maryland Walk (35 minutes)
• Woodland Red Squirrel Walk (15 minutes)

We decided to firstly take the Wildlife and Wetlands Walk.

We took a midday ferry, so we had half a day to explore. On reflection I believe the walk we chose, being wildlife and bird enthusiasts, was perfect for our limited time.

Before writing anymore about our fabulous afternoon on Brownsea Island, let’s look in more detail at Brownsea’s location, its history and its wonderful wildlife.

The Location of Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island, owned by the National Trust, lies in Poole Harbour (the largest natural harbour in Europe) opposite the town of Poole in Dorset, England. It is the largest of the five islands in the harbour, including Furzey Island, Green Island, Round Island and Long Island.

The island is one and a half miles long and three quarters of a mile wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland (pine and oak), heathland and saltmarsh.

The entire island, except the Church and a few other leased or managed buildings, is owned by the National Trust. The northern portion of the island is a nature reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and is an important habitat for birds.

A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel by partners and is not open to the public.

History of Brownsea Island

The first record of inhabitants on Brownsea Island occurred in the 9^th Century, when a small chapel and hermitage were built by monks from Cerne Abbey near Dorchester.

After the dissolution of monasteries, control of Brownsea passed to the Crown. Henry V111 recognised the island’s strategic importance of guarding the entrance to the expanding port of Poole. To avoid invasion from Europe, the island was fortified in 1547 by means of a blockhouse, which became known as Brownsea Castle.

William Benson, an amateur architect, bought the island for £300 and converted the castle into a private residence in 1726. He was responsible for introducing many varieties of trees to the island.

Between then and 1962, when it was offered to the National Trust, there were many owners giving it a rich history.

Owners included Colonel Waugh, who built St Mary’s Church, the Villa (now the HQ of Dorset Wildlife), the farm (now the Visitor Centre), Maryland Village, which was named after his first wife, a pottery on the south shore and he built the sea wall to enclose St Andrew’s Bay (now the lagoon).

The mock Tudor entrance was also added by William Waugh in the mid-1850s.

In 1901 Marcus Van Raalte bought Brownsea as a holiday home for his only son Charles, who was a wealthy stockbroker. It was a time of Edwardian splendour. He gave Robert Baden-Powell permission to hold an experiment camp for 20 boys in 1907 which led to the founding of Scouting in 1908 and guiding in 1910.

After the death of Charles in 1907, his widow Florence remained there until 1925 and finally in 1927 Brownsea was bought by Mrs Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000 as a place she could live as a recluse. All the islanders were given notice, all the animals were let loose, and even the boy scouts were forbidden too. Nature took over and decay set in.

A fire in 1934 caused devastation. Much of the island was reduced to ashes. Luckily the church, the villa and the castle were not damaged.

During WW2 large flares were placed on the western end of the island to mislead Luftwaffe bombers away from the port of Poole.

In 1961, Mrs Mary Bonham-Christie died at 98 years old. Soon afterwards in 1962 Brownsea was offered to the National Trust, and after much clearance work, the island was opened to the public on 15^th May 1963 by Lady Baden-Powell widow of Robert Baden-Powell.

A permanent 49-acre scout camp opened in 1963.

Currently John Lewis Partnership lease the castle as a hotel for their employees and Dorset Wildlife Trust have a nature reserve. The church remains the property of the Church of England.

Wildlife on Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island, owned by the National Trust, is one of the few places in Southern England where indigenous red squirrels survive, largely because non-native grey squirrels have never been introduced to the island. (Please see below more spectacular photos taken at Brownsea Island by ‘Enthusiast Photographer’ David Powell)

Brownsea also has a small ornamental population of peacocks.

The lagoon is noted for the large population of common tern and sandwich tern in summer, and a very large flock of avocet in winter.

Not seen on our trip, but there is a population of non-native Sika deer on the island too.

The Squabbling Common Terns and our Red Squirrel Sighting

Continuing our personal account of our visit to Brownsea Island, my mum and I decided to walk on the Wildlife and Wetlands Walk.

On this walk we couldn’t help but get distracted by the squabbling common terns. They were particularly vocal and noisy. They can be highly aggressive during the breeding season and will defend their nest against much larger birds.

Common terns usually arrive on Brownsea Island from mid-April onwards after a migratory flight of 5,000 miles or more from the African coast.

It was fascinating watching the terns from the hides in The Lagoon.

After spending a considerable amount of time watching the adult terns with their chicks, we headed up some steps to a very memorable viewpoint of Poole Harbour. It was spectacular! My mum and I shared the bench for some time enjoying the window of beauty between the trees with all the boats and the Port of Poole in the background.

Finally, we returned to the Dorset Wildlife Trust entrance where we started. In need of a cuppa and aware of the time, and not wanting to miss the last ferry back to Poole at 5pm, we quickly went to the Villano Café overlooking the harbour.

Aware that we had not seen any red squirrels, and desperately wanting to see some before we left, I asked a lady working in the café where to hang out if we wanted to see one. After hearing the best place was behind the church, we drank up and quickly headed there.

When there, there was a gentleman camouflaged under the trees with a telescopic camera lens. Getting our attention, he pointing to a beautiful bushy tailed red squirrel! We were so pleased. However, with a blink of an eye it disappeared before I could capture it on my mobile.

It turned out that fortunately the gentleman was David Powell an ‘Enthusiast Photographer’.

We were so grateful to have met him at Brownsea as he kindly shared his spectacular red squirrel photos with us so we could share them with others on our blog page on our website.

We would like to sincerely thank David Powell for these wonderful photos!

The Watersports Academy

My second visit to Brownsea Island, owned by the National Trust, was with my 10-year-old son. During half term we signed up for a National Trust ‘Paddle and Cake’.

We had such an amazing time with Sophie and Charlie, the instructors from The Watersports Academy.

Firstly, we sailed around the neighbouring Furzey Island in Kayaks, and then had a paddleboard taster.

Both of which we thoroughly enjoyed, although personally a lesson or two more wouldn’t go a miss on the paddleboard for me, which my son would agree with, I’m sure!

If you are interested in a similar water sports session from Brownsea Island, you can read about it here on The Watersports Academy website.

Or you can give them a call on 01202 708283.

At Sandbanks they offer sailing, kayaking, winging, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, powerboating, bike hire, yacht charter and windsurfing.

Access on Brownsea Island

There are some slopes and uneven ground. There is a pre-bookable wheelchair friendly service, all-terrain manual wheelchairs available to hire and a squirrel mini-bus offering tours and hop on/hop off service.

Please refer to their access statement.

If you are a National Trust member, please refer to our other blogs on nearby tourist attractions including the country house and estate Kingston Lacy, Corfe Castle, Thomas Hardy’s Cottage and his house ‘Max Gate’, as well as TE Lawrence’s ‘hut’ Clouds Hill and Studland Bay.

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