Worth Matravers

Worth Matravers is a village located south of Corfe Castle.

Worth Matravers is a small village, but well-known for its beautiful duck pond, glorious tea rooms, the Square and Compass pub and of course, Woodhenge.

This area is very popular for walking and a number of our walking trails pass through or near Worth Matravers. From Worth you can stroll along the path towards winspit caves and dancing ledge. You can also walk along the coastal path to Swanage or Lulworth. The ‘Smugglers Ways’ begins at Worth Matravers and then travels down to the coast path and back again to visit where smugglers were known to bring their goods ashore.

Winspit Caves

Winspit is a disused quarry on the cliffs near Worth Matravers. Until around 1940 Winspit was used as a stone quarry, the stone was highly prized and used in various prestigious buildings in London. Some of the caverns are still open to the public but many have been closed for safety and to protect the Mouse-eared and Greater horsehoe bat. Winspit offers fantastic views and a small beach that's good for swimming.

St Aldhelm's Chapel

St Aldhelm’s Chapel stands south of Worth Matravers village and dates back to the thirteenth century. The striking chapel is a square shape and is unusually aligned, with its corners not walls, facing the four compass points. The chapel is at the end of a farm track near the coastguard station south of Renscombe Farm, and can only be reached on foot. It rises 354 feet above the rocky shore below.

St Aldhelms Head

St Aldhelms Head also has a striking monument at the top of the headland. It was designed by local councillor and sculptor Tony Viney to commemorate the importance of the peninsula in the wartime development of radar. It consists of two radar dishes cunningly arranged to symbolise a large fire basket. From the headland vistiors can see the dramatic views along the coastline looking west.

Woodhenge

The landlord of the Square and Compass, Charlie Newman, built the tree trunk sculpture, Woodhenge in a field near the public house. It was completed in time for the summer solstice in 2015. Woodhenge is now an attraction and visitors gather to watch the sunset through the tree trucks after visiting the quirky Square and Compass pub or a countryside.

Square and Compass

The Square and Compass first opened in the 1770’s, it features in the list of ‘Best Pubs in Britain’ and CAMRA's Good Beer Guide. Its a quriky country pub selling local beer, cider and homemade pasties, through serving hatches. The pub has beautiful views and offers a programme of live music throughout the year. There is a small museum displaying fossils and local artefacts.

Cottages in Worth Matravers

One London Row

Worth Matravers Friday Changeover

From: £550pw - £1280pw

One London Row is a character 2 bedroom cottage which sleeps 4 plus there is a sofa bed in the sun room which can sleep 2. The cottage is located in the idyllic village of Worth Matravers, a perfect retreat for couples and families wanting to explore this beautiful area, with many stunning walks from the front door.

The Thatch, St. Nicholas Court

Worth Matravers Friday Changeover

From: £450pw - £795pw

A bright, open-plan studio style bungalow, located in the delightful village of Worth Matravers, with a choice of superb coastal and countryside walks from the front gate.The Thatch sleeps 2, accepts dogs and has parking for one car.