Self-guided holidays : Self-guided short break walking holidays : Coastal escapes
Dorset's Purbeck Peninsula
The landscape of Dorset really does have something to please walkers of all tastes; a spectacular 'Jurassic' coastline (recently favoured with World Heritage status) with splendid sea-sculpted offshore rock formations, dramatic chalk and limestone cliffs and long downland ridges with magnificent views over both sea and countryside.
The chalk downland ridge immediately inland from the coast supports a wide variety of wildlife. Song birds and butterflies proliferate amongst the gorse and hawthorn and kestrels hover overhead. Over five hundred species of flowering plant grow on the Purbeck peninsula, including Cowslips, Orchids, Early Gentian, Horseshoe Vetch and Ox-Eye Daisies in season. The offshore sea stacks are home to multitudes of seabirds.
One of the great joys of walking in Dorset is the fantastic contrast between the coast and its rural hinterland, and your walks are designed to enjoy this contrast to the full. As well as experiencing some superb walking along the switch-back coast around St Aldhelm’s Head you will walk across the exhilarating downland which rises just inland from the cliffs. Your walks will include the airy ridges of Nine Barrow Down, Ballard Down and Knowle Hill, Old Harry Rocks, the attractive Victorian resort of Swanage and, of course, the stone-built village of Corfe with its picturesque cottages and historic castle.
You will stay at Mortons House Hotel in Corfe Castle, a beautiful 16th century Elizabethan manor house which is situated just off the central square. Although Corfe Castle is located just inland it is an excellent base from which to explore the coast. Built in 1590 in the shape of an 'E' to honour Queen Elizabeth I, Mortons House Hotel has been sympathetically converted and furnished to provide individual character rooms, all extremely well-appointed with ensuite facilities. The hotel was named as the winner of 'Small Hotel of the Year' category in the 2005/2006 South West of England Excellence in Tourism Awards whilst the dining room, which specialises in using quality local produce, holds two sought-after AA rosettes for the quality of the cuisine and service.
Holiday options
| Code: SBDOR |
| Nights: 3 |
| Price: £385 |
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £150
(More about single supplement). - Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
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