The best running trails around Purbeck

Can get access at low tide. Watch your footing on the descent down.

If you're looking for a quintessentially relaxing Dorset scene, Moreton FordClick to open side panel for more information and its accompanying footbridge are about as idyllic as it gets. Located on the River Frome near the village of Moreton, this spot is a favorite for locals and visitors alike who want to enjoy the water without necessarily getting their feet wet. The footbridge itself is a long, narrow wooden structure that runs parallel to one of the longest fords in the south of England. It was built to allow pedestrians to cross safely when the river level is high or when vehicles are splashing through the shallow water. A Hub for "Splashy" Fun: The area around the bridge is a local hotspot for families. On a warm day, you'll see children paddling in the shallow, clear water, dogs leaping after sticks, and even horses being ridden through the ford. A Scenic Shortcut: The bridge serves as a key link for several famous walking routes, including the Lawrence of Arabia Trail and the Jubilee Trail. Crossing it leads you directly into the shaded, peaceful tracks of Moreton Plantation. The "Nature Watch" Spot: Because the bridge puts you right over the center of the river, it’s a perfect place to pause and look for minnows in the gravelly shallows or watch the elegant swans that frequently glide by. Photographer's Dream: With the thatched cottages of the village in the background and the light reflecting off the wide, shimmering expanse of the ford, it is widely considered one of the most "Instagrammable" spots in rural Dorset.

If you’re looking for one of the most poignant and peaceful spots in Dorset, St Nicholas’ Church in Moreton is a absolute must. It’s famous for two very different reasons: its incredible "ice-like" windows and its connection to T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Here is the lowdown on why this little village church is so unique: The Church of Light St Nicholas isn't your typical dark, moody medieval church. During WWII, a stray German bomb landed in the nearby graveyard, blowing out all the original Victorian stained glass. Instead of replacing it with traditional colored glass, the community eventually commissioned the artist Sir Laurence Whistler. Between 1955 and 1984, he replaced every single window with engraved clear glass. The Effect: When the sun shines through, the church doesn't turn red or blue; it stays brilliantly bright. The engravings—of butterflies, trees, stars, and even local landscapes—look like they are floating in mid-air or etched into frost on the panes. The "Forgiveness" Window: Look for the window with a small Judas tree; it’s a subtle, beautiful nod to the idea of redemption. While the church is a work of art, many people visit specifically to pay respects to T.E. Lawrence. The Connection: Lawrence lived nearby at his tiny cottage, Clouds Hill (which is also worth a visit). He was a local figure who loved speeding through the Dorset lanes on his Brough Superior motorcycle—which, sadly, is how he met his end in a crash just down the road in 1935. The Gravesite: He isn’t buried inside the church, but in the separate cemetery just a short, signposted walk across the road. The Vibe: His grave is surprisingly humble for a man of such global fame. It’s a simple stone slab with a carved effigy of a knight's shield and the words "The Hour is Coming." You’ll often find small tributes left there—sometimes coins, sometimes desert sand, or even sprigs of local heather.

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.

Godlingston Heath is a significant area of lowland heathland located near the village of Studland in Dorset, England. It is a key part of the larger Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve, and more recently, has been incorporated into the UK's first "super" nature reserve, the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve. A Fragment of a Vanishing Landscape Lowland heathland is a rare and threatened habitat in the UK, with a significant amount having been lost over the past two centuries. Godlingston Heath is one of the largest and most important remaining tracts of this habitat. It's not a "natural" landscape in the sense of a primeval forest; its current form is the result of thousands of years of human activity, including woodland clearance for farming and the use of the land for grazing and fuel. This has created an acidic, nutrient-poor soil that is perfect for the specialized plant life found there. A Haven for Wildlife Godlingston Heath is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its remarkable biodiversity. The mosaic of dry and wet heath, acid grassland, and small patches of woodland provides a home for a wide variety of species, many of which are rare or endangered. It is particularly renowned for being a stronghold for all six of the UK's native reptile species: Sand lizard: This is a particularly important site for the sand lizard, which is one of the UK's rarest reptiles. Smooth snake: This elusive and rare reptile also thrives in the heathland environment. Common lizard Slow worm Grass snake Adder

also known as the "Devil's Anvil," is a large, distinctive sandstone block located on a conical hill on Godlingston Heath near the village of Studland in south Dorset, England. This impressive rock, weighing approximately 400 tonnes, is a popular landmark and a local curiosity. Local legends offer a more dramatic explanation for the rock's existence. The most famous myth says the Devil, standing on The Needles on the Isle of Wight, hurled the massive rock with the intention of hitting Corfe Castle, Bindon Abbey, or Salisbury Cathedral. However, his aim was poor, and the rock landed short of its target, where it now sits. Before it toppled over in 1970, the rock had a flat top and an anvil-like shape, which led to its nickname "the Devil's Anvil." Some folklore also suggests that the rock was a holy stone or a Druidical altar.