We have been
coming to
It is a huge task so we are starting with some simple lists that we will try
and keep up to date and expand. Later,
much later, we will create it with lots of links.
We will also have
copies in the Chancel and will e-mail it on request.
Restaurants
There are not that
many. It seems that pubs with food have
captured most of the market. Indeed we
have little experience as we tend to spend the day out and cook back at home.
The Old Granary -
This is by the
river and has recently been renovated.
We have not been, but it is very popular. On the terrace above the river has to be good
in the summer.
Turn right out the Chancel at the main road turn right and head to
Things to do
These are things
that you can visit to be entertained in or entertain yourselves.
Lots of tanks,
displays and film. Not a glorification
of war but an interesting historical record.
Good for engineers and boys (big ones as well).
It did have a good café when we were last there.
When you leave if you turn right out the gates, a mile or so out of the camp
there is a parking place on the right that overlooks the tank training
grounds. You can watch the army vehicles
charging around the course.
Just on the edge of the car park is a stone commemorating the spot where
Lawrence of Arabia crashed his bike and killed himself. His house, Clouds Hill, is another mile
further on. It is open to visitors. So close to his house and on a straight road
how did he crash?
Turn right out the Chancel, at the main road turn left and head to Wool. At the roundabout take the 2nd
exit. The second left is signposted for
Bovington. The museum is a mile on the
right. The viewing area another mile
beyond that and Clouds Hill is another half mile along. 3 miles
Monkey World
We have never
been. Everyone we know who has been says
it is good.
Turn right out the Chancel, at the main road turn left and head to Wool. At the roundabout take the 2nd
exit. It is about a mile along on the
right. 3 miles
The Swanage Railway
Travel behind a steam engine through the Isle of Purbeck, watch them manoeuvre
in Swanage station, have coffee in the rail-carriage café. Just before Corfe is Norden Junction where
you can park and get the train to Swanage, or you can drive into Swanage and
catch it there.
Try the back route to Swanage. Turn left
out the Chancel. The railway crossing is
the only manned one in
Pubs and food
These are the pubs
we have been to that also do decent food.
The
This warrants a
special mention. The pub has been
re-furbished. However last year they had
a restaurant attached to the pub. It was
very, very good. They didn’t get much
trade as that area of
Turn right out the
Chancel, at the main road turn left and head to Wool. At the roundabout take the 2nd
exit. It is about 4 miles to Bere
Regis. Down the hill and it is on the
left before the sharp right turn to lead out the village.
The Cock and Bottle – Morden
This is probably
the best around. You have to book well
in advance (days) 01929 459238. (BH20
7DL)
Turn right out the
Chancel, at the main road turn left and head to Wool. At the roundabout take the 2nd
exit. It is about 4 miles to Bere
Regis. Down the hill to the bottom and
make the sharp right turn to lead out the village. At the roundabout take the second exit. This is the A35 to
The World’s End
This just turns out decent pub food in a large room. No need to book if you go early. A later visit and you queue in the bar, but
it is so big that there is little queuing time.
Best to go early. (DT11 9EW)
Turn right out the
Chancel, at the main road turn left and head to Wool. At the roundabout take the 2nd
exit. It is about 4 miles to Bere
Regis. Down the hill and it is on the
left before the sharp right turn to lead out the village. At the roundabout take the first exit. At the next roundabout take the second
exit. This is the A31. The pub is on the right about 7 miles out.
Walks
This will be a big
section…eventually. Here I just list
some outlines.
This is our favourite – it has everything.
Start opposite the
castle 301 steps to the top of the hill.
Easy enough to climb and well worth it.
Great views of the castle and the village, also the railway station with
steam trains coming in and out. This
where the Roundheads hauled their cannon to pound the castle after they had
taken it
Then walk along
the top of Ballard down a hump of a ridge about 200 yards wide. No edges and very safe. Fabulous views of the Isle of Purbeck,
Next turn left
into the Ballard estate where the one way system starte and down again to the
beach. Then walk about a mile along it
to Swanage.
Go to the railway station. If the steam
engines are running get a ticket to Corfe if not the busses are there as
well. Have tea and cakes to recover in a
railway carriage until your transport arrives.
Try the shops.
Under 5 miles of very easy walking.
Lots of maps and pictures to follow.
Swanage to the ferry.
In Swanage walk long the beach heading east.
Towards the end you will see a cutting in the cliffs and steps up. This puts you on the Dorset Coastal Path – a
right turn. Just follow it up Ballard
Down and along the cliff edge, or further inland if you are worried by edges
like me. See Old Harry Rocks and then
down into Studland. In land and pass the
Bankes Arms which has a big garden (and beer).
Then go down to
Studland beach and follow it for 3 miles to the ferry. Big and wide with nudist section in the
middle - they don’t mind if you don’t!
At the ferry we usually go as foot passengers across (for free) and have coffee
waiting for a bus on the other side.
This puts the cost up as you have to pay to come back. If not wait for the bus to come across and
catch it by the beach.
About 6 miles – the effort up Ballard Down is only moderate. The rest is flat or downhill.
Beach’s
Studland
Any mention of beach and you have to start with Studland. It is 3 miles of great sand.
You can park for the first two sections in NT car parks or go to the ferry and
park on the side of the road for free.
You must go early or late. There is
plenty of room on the beach but it is a mighty long walk on a sunny day if you
arrive after 09:30. If you go in the
afternoon there will be holes in the car parking here and there. You will also have the beach to yourself.
There is a nudist
section in the middle.
There are also a number of interesting short walks through the nature reserve.
Also because of the effects of
Try the back
route. Turn left out the Chancel. The railway crossing is the only manned one
in
Worbarrow Bay
This a stone beach. You have to go to
Tyneham the famous village cleared by the army during the last war. You can visit the schoolhouse and see how it
was 50+ year ago. The church is good as
well.
Then it is a mile
walk through the bottom of the car park.
You will pass wrecks of tanks and the mobile target machine.
It is a steep walk down to the beach.
Good swimming and not crowded.
© Chris Rick 2008