Dorset
Dorset is Thomas Hardy country - an appealing mixture of rolling heathland, secluded valleys, picturesque villages, great houses and estates, and a coastline awash with natural beauty. The spectacular and varied coast has shaped the county’s history - from the rugged Isle of Purbeck and the sweeping Chesil Beach to the quaint charm of Lyme Regis and Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. National Trust properties in Dorset include Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy and Clouds Hill once the cottage retreat of T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).

Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle & Studland
The Isle of Purbeck is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the west of Bournemouth. It is characterised by stone villages, heath and farmland, criss-crossed with minor roads and tracks and dominated by the impressive and dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle. One of our cottages stands below the huge ramparts of the castle, whilst others are on the edge of miles of heathland or close to the Arne Bird Sanctuary. Studland Beach, near Swanage, is a three mile stretch of glorious sandy beach, part of which is designated as a naturist area and behind which is a National Nature Reserve. One of our holiday homes has views across Studland Bay whilst the other two are outside the village with views to Swanage Bay.

National Trust places nearby: Corfe Castle, Brownsea Island, Clouds Hill, Studland Beach. Shop and pub: pub with walking distance of Isolation Cottages, Corfe Castle, Studland, Swanage, Wareham. Tea-room/café/restaurant: Corfe Castle, Studland, Swanage, Wareham. Beach: Studland, Swanage. Railway station: Wareham. Other attractions: South West Coast Path, Swanage steam railway, Corfe Castle Model Village and Gardens and The Ginger Pop Shop, Blue Pool, Poole Harbour. Activities: walking, birdwatching, fishing, watersports, horse riding, golf.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 195