The best running trails around Church Knowle

St Nicholas ChurchClick to open side panel for more information is a remarkably well-preserved Norman building, often cited as one of the oldest churches in Dorset. Its sturdy limestone exterior reflects the rugged character of the surrounding Purbeck landscape. Ancient Architecture: Dating back to around 1100, the church features a distinct Norman nave and chancel, with a notable carved doorway and a hauntingly beautiful interior. Unique Details: Inside, you can find a 13th-century font and a stone floor that has been smoothed by centuries of footsteps. Maritime Connection: Given its proximity to the coast, it has long served as a spiritual sanctuary for local fishermen and quarrymen.

From the cliffs above Chapman's PoolClick to open side panel for more information, visitors enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the horseshoe-shaped bay. The view features dramatic limestone cliffs, like Houns-tout, plunging into deep blue waters. On clear days, the sight extends across the Jurassic Coast to the Isle of Portland and its distant lighthouse.

Worth MatraversClick to open side panel for more information is a quintessential Dorset village of limestone cottages and duck ponds. Steeped in history, it features the Norman St. Nicholas Church. The Square and Compass pub is famous for its cider and fossil museum. It serves as a gateway to the rugged Jurassic Coast paths.

There is a slight climb down to the pool but doable, just watch your footing.

View of dancing ledge

Short walk but interesting destination if you enjoy history

St. James | Kingston 1880 | Victorian Gothic Revival | Architect : George Street | Grade I The tiny hilltop village of Kingston is remarkable for having two churches. The later of the two with it's dominating position overlooking Corfe Castle is the more famous, having acquired the nickname of the 'Cathedral of the Purbecks’ because of its enormous proportions and lavish decorations The 3rd Earl of Eldon decided it was his Christian duty to provide the village with another church (the 1st Earl who became the Lord Chancellor had provided the village with a new church in the 1830's ) It took six years to build and cost £70,000 – the equivalent of at least £8 million today and became a private chapel for the Eldon estate until 1921 The Earl went to George Street, who had become one of the supreme proponents of what is now known as the 'High Victorian' movement who had designed the Royal Courts of Justice. This commission gave him the opportunity for the 'grandest church in the country'. Street's designs seem to have been influenced by 13th century French models, in particular a church in Norrey-en-Bassin, just outside Caen (Normandy). The stair turret on the north transept is a replica of that at Christchurch priory. The exterior of the church is from broken shell limestone - from the Earls own estate at Blashenwell Farm - hich has now got a pink hue caused by algae. The inteior is from two type of stone, both from Purbeck quarries: The columns and pillars are from polished Purbeck marble and the greater part of the interior from Portland stone. The chancel steps are from crinoidial Limestone from the the Peak District and the altar stands on Carrara marble from Tuscany

- Built in **1830** as a folly by Reverend John Clavell, likely as an observatory or romantic coastal landmark. - Moved **25 meters inland** in 2008 to save it from cliff erosion—an engineering feat involving dismantling and rebuilding stone-by-stone. - Inspired writer **Thomas Hardy**, who featured it in his novel *The Well-Beloved*. - Now a unique **holiday rental** managed by the Landmark Trust, offering panoramic views of Kimmeridge Bay and the Jurassic Coast. - Its Tuscan-style design and mysterious history (no clear original purpose) add to its allure as a coastal curiosity.