Corfe and the local area.
Mortons Manor is nestled in Corfe village which is an idyllic, unspoilt English village built in the local Purbeck stone and dominated by the ruins of the Norman Castle also known as Corfe Castle. The Isle of Purbeck is renowned for some of the country’s most beautiful places to visit, from the miles of sandy beaches that line the Jurassic Coast to the heathlands and countryside. Mortons Manor will provide a perfect place to explore the surrounding area.
Corfe Castle Village
Corfe Village is the capital of the Isle of Purbeck and the site where Edward, the first King of England, was martyred in 978AD. Corfe Castle itself is an important Medieval Royal Fortress commanding a cleft in the Purbeck Hills. It is now owned by the National Trust and is open most of the year to visitors and is suitable for all ages.
The village of Corfe Castle itself is a picturesque English village where cottages built in the local Purbeck stone line the cobbled streets create an idyllic charming village. Whilst in the village there are numerous independent shops to visit as well as a museum of the local history and a model village. Backing onto Mortons Manor is the Swanage Heritage Steam Railway, where you can hop on board and travel down to the coastal town of Swanage!
The Jurassic Coast
The Purbeck coastline is known also as the ‘Jurassic Coast’ which is England’s only natural World Heritage Site. Whilst visiting, you can learn all about the history of this unique coastline which dates back 250 million years; try hunting for a fossil or just enjoy the sheer beauty walking along part of the ninety-five mile stretch.
Beaches
The Purbeck Beaches are not far from Mortons Manor. Many include amazing walking paths along the clifftops overlooking stunning coastal features which include Old Harry Rocks, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Or you can relax on the sand, soaking in the sun at Kimmeridge Bay or Studland Bay. A little further, but accessible by the Chain Ferry, is the world-famous Sandbanks Beach with views looking back across Poole Harbour to the Purbecks and Brownsea Island or in the opposite direction across to the Isle of Wight.
Countryside
The Purbecks countryside has had some very famous residents and visitors. One of the most famous was T.E Lawrence, his cottage (nr Bovington) has been preserved by the National Trust and for those wanting a longer walk there is the seven-mile walking trail which takes you to where Lawrence worked, died and buried. The Purbecks also inspired another famous visitor, Enid Blyton, it is possible to follow in her footsteps by visiting her favourite places by following the Enid Blyton Trail. The Arne Nature Reserve is home to all of Britain’s six reptile species, where the paths and tracks take you into ancient oak woodlands, pine forest, rare lowland heath, salt marsh, sandy beaches, ponds and open water. A bit of something for everyone.
Further Information
https://www.visit-dorset.com/dbimgs/Enid-Blyton-Trail-Leaflet.pdf