The Corfe Castle and Purbeck estate covers about 8,000 acres of the Isle of Purbeck and includes an extensive stretch of coastline, including such delights as Studland Beach, Old Harry Rocks, Dancing Ledge and Seacombe Cove.
Nearby Kingston Lacy has a past that is inextricably linked with the history of the Castle. Following the dramatic fall of Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy was built as the new family home by Ralph, the second son of Sir John and Lady Mary Bankes.
If you want to find out more about 'Brave Dame Mary' and her family, Kingston Lacy is well worth a trip.
Whet your appetite with these highlights from the estate:
Studland Beach & Nature Reserve
© NTPL / Nick Meers
Studland beach and nature reserve is home to many rare birds and invertebrates. Drop into the visitor centre to find out more about the Studland nature trails and birds, plants, snakes and lizards you might see. While you are there, don't forget about the three miles of sandy beach!
Corfe Castle Village and Common
© NTPL / Matthew Antrobus
The charming village of Corfe Castle nestles at the foot of the mound. Stone from the Castle was pillaged to build the village as we see it today. The nearby Corfe Common is a haven for botanists and historians. Much of the land has not been ploughed for centuries and as such is rich in wild flowers, stone age flint workings and bronze age burial mounds.
Heathland and quarries
© NTPL / Paul Wakefield
Heathland
Purbeck's heathland is home to many rare plants and creatures. All of the heathland is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as such is carefully managed to maintain natural biodiversity and to protect the heath for future generations.
Quarries
During the medieval period Purbeck was intensively quarried for its distinctive limestone. Purbeck stone can be seen around the country, including in famous buildings such as Westminster Abbey. Today, the remaining quarries serve as a reminder of the importance of Purbeck stone, not only to the local economy but also to Britain's architectural heritage.
World Heritage coast site
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
The Dorset coastline is extremely honoured to be classified as a World Heritage site, known as the Jurassic Coast. You can turn amateur dinosaur hunter and spend some enjoyable hours foraging on the beach for evidence of prehistoric life.
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