Corfe & Purbeck Holidays
We would like to thank you for choosing Corfe & Purbeck Holidays to book your holiday.
We have compiled this document with some useful information for your stay in Purbeck.
Should you require any additional help or information during your stay, please do not hesitate to contact us and if any issues arise during your stay, please let us know and we will be happy to help
Telephone: 01929 480050
Email: info@corfeandpurbeckholidays.com
For your Arrival and Departure
Before your arrival
You will have been sent an email with directions to your property and a separate email, with a code to the key safe which is located at the property. The key safe is usually located by the front door, but the location will be explained in the key code email. Please make sure you have the directions and key code, convenient for your arrival.
We ask that you do not arrive before the set arrival time. You will find this information in your Key Code and Directions emails.
On Arrival
Please report any problems as soon as possible, so that they can be dealt with promptly. If you notice anything is damaged on your arrival or something gets broken during your stay, please report it by telephoning 07597383770.
Departure from the property
We ask you to leave the property at 10am, to enable the housekeeper to start cleaning promptly. If you leave earlier, please advise us so we can arrange for the property to be cleaned.
If you leave due to concerns you are feeling unwell, please advise us as soon as possible.
Keys
Please return one set of keys to the key safe on your departure from the cottage. Please do not leave the key safe showing the correct code at any time. If the property has a second set of keys please leave them where you found them in the cottage on your arrival.
Please help the housekeeper by leaving your holiday home clean and tidy. If you move furniture or items during your stay, please return them to where you found them.
Cleaning Procedures
Your holiday property will have been cleaned and disinfected in compliance with recommended government guidelines, using products effective against Covid-19, tested to BS EN 14476, 1276 & 13697. A risk assessment has been carried out for the properties and housekeepers will follow a checklist for each changeover clean.
In the property, there will be our usual supply of bedding, bed linen, towels & cleaning products for your use. If you feel more comfortable using any of your own items, we suggest you bring them with you.
There will be washing up liquid, hand soap, dishwasher tablets (if appropriate), 2 tea towels, a basic supply of toilet rolls, but you will need to bring additional supplies, and some general cleaning products.
Bed Linen / Towels
At the end of your stay please strip the duvet cover, pillowcases and sheets from your bed and place them in the laundry bags provided. We also ask you to place your towels & t-towels in a separate bag. The housekeeper will strip pillow protectors and mattress protectors / duvets and they will be washed, steamed, or disinfected and rotated.
Dishwasher
We ask you to load the dishwasher prior to your departure and put it on a full cycle, with your dirty plates, dishes, bowls, glasses, mugs, cutlery & utensils. The housekeeper will unload the dishwasher, as one of the last cleaning tasks which is carried out.
Rubbish & Recycling
Please put all rubbish in bin bags and tie up. Please place rubbish in the bins outside the property.
Pets
Well behaved dogs are welcome at some properties, as indicated in the property description. We cannot accept responsibility for your pets safety, and they are accepted on the understanding that they are kept under control.
Pets are not allowed to be left alone unsupervised in a property during your stay and are not permitted in the bedrooms or on the furniture, please bring your own pet bedding. Any fouling of lawns etc. or pet hair in the property, must be cleaned up before departure. Properties which accept pets do so on the condition that pets have been fully treated to protect them against parasites.
Although a property may specify pets are not acceptable, it may be possible that the owner’s own dog may have been in the property. Please ask if you have any concerns about this, specifically, for example, if anyone in your party is allergic to pets. We will be happy to clarify the position in more detail for you.
There is an additional charge of £25.00 per dog. Some property descriptions indicate an enclosed garden, but please note that this does not mean it is totally escape-proof.
If you have a special occasion and wish to go out without your dog, please contact us and we may be able to suggest a local approved pet sitting or dog walking service.
Cots and High Chairs
Cots and high chairs are available on request, at no extra charge. Our cots are folding travel cots, suitable for children up to 24 months. Please bring your own bedding for the cot. The high chair may or may not have a safety harness. We can provide a stair gate upon request.
The local area
The Village of Corfe
Corfe Castle is a picturesque village in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck. It takes its name from the dramatic stone fortress that rises above the village. The castle was built in 1086 and it was one of the country’s strongest fortresses and most splendid palaces. It was destroyed in 1646, some of the ruined stone was used to build parts of the village and most of the other houses within the village are built using local stone making it one of the most attractive places to visit in Dorset. It is surrounded by the spectacular Purbeck hills and breath-taking countryside views.
The village offers a selection of pubs and tea rooms, a bakery and village store, individual shops including a National Trust shop and the Model Village and Gardens which shows the Castle as it was before it was destroyed. The Swanage Steam Railway stops at Corfe Castle, it is an enjoyable way to travel through the beautiful countryside from Norden to Swanage.
Bus Stop
From Corfe the bus stops (in both directions) outside the old cemetery in East Street, and by Halves Cottages on East Street.
Corfe Castle Village Shop and opening hours
Corfe Castle Village Stores and Post Office is located in the village square. There is a great range of groceries and local produce. The shop also has a good selection of wine, local beers and an excellent range of Gin. Monday – Saturday 8am-6pm Sunday 9am- 6pm
Village Bakery
Located in the village square next to the Greyhound public house, the bakery has a great range of bread, cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Monday - Friday 8:30am-5pm, Saturday - 8:30am-5:30pm, Sunday - 9:00am- 5:30pm
Village Paper Shop
Also located in the village square, next door to the National Trust shop, you can purchase daily newspapers, magazines, cards, sweets, ice creams and various gift type items.
There are a handful of other gift shops and galleries all located close to the village square.
Near by - Norden
Norden Farm Shop, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DS Tel: 01929 448592 Farm shop with a range of products
Corfe Library
The Community Library is located next to the Village Hall on West Street, near the Primary School. Monday - 2:30pm - 4:30pm Wednesday - 11am - 12pm then 3pm-5pm Saturday 10am - Midday
Corfe - Children’s Playground and Playing Field
A playground and field can be accessed from West Street and East Street. From East Street walk from the village square with the castle behind you, towards The Castle public house. There is a pathway off to the right, past the Congregational Church on the left and you will reach the playground and field. From West Street, leave the village square entering West Street, go passed Love Cake Tea Rooms on your left and as the road curves around there is a pathway to the left. Follow this path to the playground and field.
The village of Langton Matravers
Langton Matravers is a village and civil parish situated approximately 2 miles west of Swanage town centre and 5 miles south-east of Corfe Castle. Langton has its own general store and post office in the centre of the village. There is also a museum which focuses on Langton’s history of quarrying, which was very important for the village. Langton is within easy reach of many stunning coastal walks with breath-taking scenery.
Bus Stop
There is a regular bus service (No.40) to Swanage and Poole. The bus does not visit Worth Matravers, but there is a bus stop close to where the road to Worth Matravers meets the road which leads from Corfe to Swanage, via Langton Matravers. Buses run approximately once an hour.
The Kings Arms and Trevor’s Deli Langton Village Store
Public house offering a variety of beers & ciders both local and from around the world, including ever changing guest cask ales. Trevor’s Deli operates out of a front room in the Kings Arms with a fair range of basic goods - bread, milk, eggs etc - a deli counter, pies, sandwiches and cakes, and a range alcohol, open daily.
The Village Worth Matravers
Worth Matravers is a small village, but well-known for its beautiful duck pond. No trip to Purbeck is complete without visiting the Square and Compass. This pub first opened in the 1770’s and features in the list of ‘Best Pubs in Britain’. It’s a lovely country pub selling local beer, cider and homemade pasties. The pub has a lovely garden with beautiful views and is dog friendly. It offers guests a varied programme of live music throughout the year. From Worth you can stroll along the path towards winspit caves and dancing ledge.
Bus
There is a regular bus service (No.40) to Swanage and Poole. The bus does not visit Worth Matravers, but there is a bus stop close to where the road to Worth Matravers meets the road which leads from Corfe to Swanage, via Langton Matravers
The village of Church Knowle
Church Knowle Is a village set in the valley between the beautiful rolling Purbeck Hills near Corfe Castle. Church Knowle is a walker’s paradise! With many stunning walks to Corfe Castle, Swanage, Kimmeridge, and many more there are lots of magnificent beauty spots to explore. From the Purbeck Hills on either side of the village there are panoramic views over Purbeck to Brownsea Island.
Church Knowle had a very traditional village pub, The New Inn, full of olde world charm & character. Its also home to Margaret Green Animal Rescue. The village host a popular village fete in the grounds of the Old Rectory, every August.
There is the historic church, named Saint Peter’s Church in Church Knowle, with some parts of the church dating back to the 13th century. Buried in the Churchyard are the two brothers who brought the first steam locomotive (Primus) to Purbeck in 1866 - The Pike Brothers - John William and William Joseph Pike.
Margret Green Animal Rescue
Margret Green Animal Rescue have all types of animals such as, cats, horses, farm animals, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds. Wander around and see how they take care of the animals. Opens: 10am – 4pm. Telephone: 01929 480474
The town of Wareham
Wareham is a charming market town of Saxon origin, it’s history dates back nearly 2000 years. The town is the gateway to the Isle of Purbeck, nestled between the River Frome and the River Piddle which flows along to Poole Harbour.
Wareham Quay is a popular attraction with restaurants, a café serving delicious ice cream as well as two public houses, there is something for all tastes and age groups. You can hire a boat and row along the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife or take a less strenuous boat trip to Poole Harbour. You can take an enjoyable stroll along the river bank beside the River Frome or walk the Walls.
Wareham Town Walls surround the historic town of Wareham. They were originally built in Saxon times to defend Wareham from attacks against the Vikings. Footpaths on top of the walls give good views of the River Piddle and town, and link into the ‘Bowling Green’ open space. Interpretation boards are situated alongside the route of the Walls and a ‘Walls Walks’ leaflet is available from Discover Purbeck Information Centre in Wareham.
Wareham offers a good variety of independent cafes, bars, shops, gift shops and supermarkets. There is also a leisure centre and swimming pool hosting numerous activities and exercise classes. Throughout the summer months, Wareham Wednesdays has become an extremely popular event, the Quay is transformed with a stage hosting tribute bands, games, food and drink stalls, fairground rides and fireworks display.
RSBP Arne
Situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset Area of Natural Beauty, it’s a stunning landscape which consists of dramatic open heathland and ancient oak woodland. Opens: daily, 8.30am- dusk
The Village of Studland
Studland is a small village close to Swanage and Corfe which is famous for its beaches and nature reserve.
The beaches of the Studland peninsula provide four miles of sandy beaches which are ideal for families, with gently shelving bathing waters, water sports, beach volleyball, convenient parking, cafes and other facilities, they are perfect for a relaxing or energetic day out. The beaches are ideal for water sports and visitors can enjoy many different activities on offer. The beaches stretch from Old Harry Rocks north to Shell Bay, where a chain ferry provides a link to Poole and Bournemouth.
South Beach is the smallest, Middle Beach is sheltered by low cliffs and Knoll Beach is backed by a wilderness of dunes and heathland and includes a 1km designated naturist area. The naturist beach in Studland is the most popular in Britain!
Studland is famed for its spectacular heathland, an internationally important habitat, owned by the National Trust. The heathland behind the beach is a haven for native British wildlife and features all six British reptiles. Throughout the year there is a busy programme of guided walks and special events for all the family. Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands allows for exploring, visitors can spot deer, insects, bird life and a wealth of wild flowers.
From Studland village you can walk to Old Harry Rocks, which forms part of the Jurassic Coast which stretches for 95 miles from Studland Bay to Exmouth in East Devon. Old Harry is a group of chalk stacks which date back to the mezozoic era.
Where to Eat & Drink
Corfe
- The Greyhound, Village Square, Corfe Castle – 01929 480205
- The Bankes Arms, Village Square, Corfe Castle – 01929 288188
- The Castle, West Street, Corfe Castle – 01929 480208
- Mortons House Hotel, East Street, Corfe Castle - 01929 480988
- The Pink Goat, West Street, Corfe Castle
- The Court Yard Café and Model Village, West Street, Corfe Castle
- The National Trust Tea Rooms, Village Square, Corfe Castle
Langton Matravers
The Kings Arms is a classic pub offering a variety of beers & ciders both local and from around the world, including ever changing guest cask ales and quality food.
Worth Matravers
- The Tea Rooms - Serves lovely home cooked takeaway food items, such as tea, coffee, soup, pasties, cakes through its kitchen window. The perfect pit stop for walkers!
- Square & Compass Pub - A traditional country pub set in Worth Matravers, serving award winning beers and ciders and traditional hot pasties or pies. They often have live music in the evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Church Knowle
- The New Inn is a traditional village pub serving fresh produce and British Classics
Wareham
- Old Granary – 01929 552010
- The Salt pig – 01929 550673
- The Italian Kitchen – 01929 550990
Stoborough
- The Kings Arms – 01929 552705
Studland
- The Pig on the beach - 01929 450288
- Bankes Arms Inn – 01929 450225
- Manor Farm Tea room
- Knoll beach café – 01929 450500
- Middle beach café – 01929 450411
Places offering Take Away services
www.visit-dorset.com/food-and-drink/takeaways .
Swanage
- Nihal spice-: +44 1929 423388 - Indian, Asian, Balti, Bangladeshi
- Harlees-: +44 1929 423578 - Fast food, Fish and Chips
- Dino’s Takeaway-: 01929 426357 - Burgers, Chicken, Chips
- Rainbow Kebab-: 01929 427373 - Kebab, burgers, Pizza, Chips
- Wok Chef-: 01929 422327 - Chinese
Castaways- Contact: 01929 288338 - British
Corfe
- Banks Arms- Contact: 01929 288188 - Pub food
- Greyhound- Contact: 01929 480205 - Pub food
Wareham
- Long Johns - 01929554046 - Fish and Chips
- The Salt Pig – 01929 550673 - Deli
- Coffee Saloon – 01929552416 - Coffee Shop
- The Italian Kitchen – 01929 550990 - Italian**
Where is the nearest…
ATM
- There is no ATM in Corfe, Langton, Worth Matravers or Church Knowle.
- Corfe Castle – The village store has a Post Office, where you can withdraw cash
- Langton Matravers – The village store has a Post Office located in the shop
- Some of the shops/pubs in the villages may offer ‘cashback’ if paying by debit card
- Swanage - Lloyds 41 High Street, BH19 2LU
- Wareham – Sainsburys or Nationwide – South Street
Banks & Building Societies
Swanage
- Lloyds 41 High Street, BH19 2LU
- Nationwide 29 Station Road, BH19 1AD
- Post Office 30-32, Kings Rd, BH19 1ER
- Yorkshire Building Society 49 Station Road, BH19 1AD
Wareham
- Lloyds 3 South Street
- Nationwide 1a South Street
Supermarkets / Farm Shop
Corfe Castle
- Norden Farm Shop, BH20 5DS Tel: 01929 448592 www.nordenfarm.com/ farm-shop
- High season 8am to 8pm every day. Low season: Mon to Sat 8.30am to 6pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm
Wareham
- Sainsburys South Street, Wareham, BH20 4NX
- Co Op, 9 North Street, Wareham, BH20 4AB
Swanage
- Co Op 52 Kings Road West, Swanage, BH19 1HP
- Budgens, Station Road, BH19 1AF
Poole
- Tesco, Fleetsbridge Poole BH17 7EJ (approximately 24 minutes by car)
- Asda, West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1JQ (approximately 24 minutes by car)
- Waitrose, Rowlands Hill, Wimborne BH21 1AN
- Lidl, Upton 446 Blandford Road, Poole BH16 5BL
- Aldi, Poole Pitwines West, Poole BH15 1XU
Petrol Stations
- Harmans Cross (Swanage) – Murco Valley Road, BH19 3DZ
- Harmans Cross (Swanage) – BP Garage, Valley Road, BH19 3DX
- Swanage – Texaco, Victoria Avenue 106 BH19 1AS
Veterinary Practice
- Swanage – Lynwood Veterinary Group - 87 Ulwell Road, Swanage, BH19 1QU
- Pet Health Partnership, East Street, 17, Wareham BH20 4NN
Local Transport
Bus
There is a regular bus service
No. 40 from Swanage to Poole via Langton Matravers & Corfe Castle
No. 50 from Swanage to Bournemouth, via the Sandbanks Chain Ferry
(When the chain ferry is out of action, you may notice the No. 50 bus passing through Corfe Castle, this bus will not stop to collect passengers along this part of the route)
Buses run approximately once an hour. For details and timetables please go to www.morebus.co.uk The local bus is the Purbeck Breezer.
Taxis
Swanage & Purbeck Taxi telephone 07969927424
Excel Taxis telephone 01929-480655 based in Corfe Castle
Swanage Taxis telephone 01929- 421122 or 01929 425350.
Devine Cars Tel: 07730418046
Train
Wareham is a main line station between London, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. For more information please go to www.thetrainline.com
Steam Train
There is a steam train which runs from the Corfe Castle Station in Station Road to Swanage. It provides a beautiful way to travel, whilst passing through the outstanding countryside. Please see www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Sandy Beaches
Swanage Beach
The sandy beach is one of the main attractions of the town. The waters are clean, and the beach has won many European Blue Flag Awards, as well as the Seaside Award. Swanage beach has a well earned reputation for being a good place to soak up the sun and play in the sand and sea. Deck chairs are available for hire, as are pedaloes, kayaks and sun beds.
Studland Beach
There are three beautiful sandy beaches at Studland with South Beach being the smallest and most popular with locals, Middle Beach that is sheltered by low cliffs and Knoll Beach that is lined with sand dunes. All are ideal for families with gently shelving waters, convenient parking and other facilities. From the beach you have stunning sea views of Old Harry Rocks and across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day. Both Knoll Beach and Middle Beach have cafes and toilet facilities.
Dog Friendly Beaches
Please see a basic guide below. For more information, please go to www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/walking-dogs-on-beaches
Studland Beach – Dogs are allowed on the beach between the 1st October to the 30 April.
Shell Bay (next to the chain ferry, Studland side) – Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round but must be on a lead.
Kimmeridge Bay – Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
Worbarrow Bay – Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
Lulworth Cove – Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
Durdle Door – Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
Swanage Main Central Beach - Dogs are allowed on the beach between the 1st October to the 30th April.
Monkey Beach (in Swanage between the old stone quay and the pier) – Dogs are allowed on this area of the beach all year round.
For all local attractions please see our Explore the Area section on our website.