East Dorset

The coast here is the most dramatic and varied in the county. From the National Trust coastline at Ringstead with its shingle beach and undercliff wilderness, White Nothe headland rears up with a smugglers' path zigzagging to the top. The Coast Path continues over chalk cliffs that switchback through to the famous landmarks of Durdle Door rock arch with its splendid shingle beaches on either side and the bowl-like enclosed Lulworth Cove. The village is just inland and offers a range of tourist facilities and fare. Beyond is equally interesting coastline controlled by the Army who allow access most weekends and school holidays; swimming is possible at Mupe and Worbarrow, the latter accessed from the deserted village of Tyneham

Worth visiting: the partially restored Lulworth Castle with lovely walks in its extensive park and family activities. The area known as Purbeck is bounded in the north by the Frome River and in the south by the sea. Between, range the Purbeck Hills and heathlands which run down to the vast expanse of Poole Harbour with a RSPB reserve at Arne. It is hard to imagine a more varied area only 13 by 7 miles.

The Jurassic Coast Path leaves the Army controlled section (access most weekends and main school holidays) at Kimmeridge whose renowned shale ledges are both haven for watersports enthusiasts and a Marine Nature Reserve. It continues on the cliffs before dropping to Chapmans Pool. Beyond is St Aldhelm's Head, with its tiny Norman Chapel, limestone cliffs, coves for adventurous swimmers and eventually the sandy beach of Swanage.

Swanage has a 'Blue Ribbon' sandy beach with safer swimming, a wide range of shops, pubs and restaurants and many tourist facilities and attractions including: The Swanage Railway, boat and fishing trips, diving and sailing. To the east are Old Harry chalk stacks and Studland's long sandy beach which stretches all the way to the mouth of Poole Harbour. You can ride horses on Studland beach as well as all watersports. There is an excellent golf course overlooking Poole Harbour and the beach. The attractions of Poole include the famous pottery and trips to the bird sanctuary of Brownsea Island.