The beautiful Isle of Purbeck has a wealth of footpaths and bridleways to explore, including the fantastic South West Coast Path for hours of stunning coastal walks. Fancy exploring on two wheels or trying something a little different? We’ve got some outdoor activity inspiration for you, to make the most of your holiday in Purbeck!
Cycle Hire in Purbeck
The are many miles of well maintained cycles routes across Purbeck, with terrain to suit all members of the family and all levels of ability. All of Swanage Railway trains have cycle accommodation too.
Cyclexperience
Centrally located within Purbeck, Cyclexperience in Norden Car Park, near Corfe Castle offer cycle hire in an ideal location to get on your bike and explore. Booking is highly recommended, especially during busy times. A delivery service is also available on request – just get in touch to discuss your plans. The staff are also on hand to suggest routes from a one hour ride to a full day touring.
Cyclexperience has just released a handy App which has GPS routes to take the stress out of exploring! Get it here on Google Play and the App Store.
Information
Prices:
Booking: recommended. Book online or call 01929 481606
Opening Times: See current opening times here.
Website: www.purbeckcyclehire.co.uk
Be Adventurous
Cumulus Outdoors
Why not let outdoor activity specialists guide you on an adventure to remember? With Cumulus Outdoors you can get involved in coasteering, climbing, bushcraft courses, kayaking, guided mountain biking, tag archery and even a high ropes course!
Coasteering has got to be one of the best ways to explore the Dorset Coast. You’ll discover hidden coastal secrets by swimming, walking, scrambling and jumping into the sea. All equipment is provided but you need to be able to swim 50m. There are always two professional guides on hand for your enjoyment and safety. This is an exhilarating experience you won’t forget!
Or you could learn some new skills to take home from your holiday with a bushcraft course in Dorset… Great for family bonding – enjoy each other’s company in an outdoor environment, learn new skills, explore the wilderness, laugh and have fun together.
Information
Prices: Vary per activity.
Booking: Call 01929 555 111 or book online.
Other activities: See all the adventure experiences on offer!
Website: www.cumulusoutdoors.com
Take it Easy…
Rowing Boat Hire
Looking for an adventure at a slower pace? Pack up a picnic and head to Wareham Quay. From here you can hire a rowing boat and pootle along the River Frome in either direction. Head upstream to spot local wildlife or downstream past the Quay to see all the boats and yachts moored along the banks.
You can hire by the half hour up to a full day and all buoyancy aids are included. Wareham Boat Hire also offers kayaks, canoes paddle boards and even motor boats (if you really want to cheat!). Once you’ve honed your rowing skills, why not treat yourself to some local fish and chips to replenish the energy stores?
Information
Prices: Hire cost start at £15 for half hour on a rowing boat or £25 for a motor boat.
Booking: Not necessary but can book by phone 01929 550688
Opening Times: March – September 7 days a week weather & tide permitting. Bookings only out of season.
Other activities: Wareham Boat Hire also offer kayaks, canoes and paddle board.
Website: www.warehamboathire.co.uk
Something Different
Dorset Waterpark
Just a few miles down the road from Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park is the hugely popular Dorset Waterpark. Featuring two lakes with views of the magnificent Corfe Castle, spend an hour of pure fun jumping and splashing around the inflatable obstacles. Advance booking is highly recommended, as the waterpark gets very busy!
Information
Prices: from £12.50 per person
Booking: Book online or call 01929 505030
Opening Times: Weekends 10:00 until 18:00 and School Holidays 7 days a week 10:00 until 18:00.
Other activities: Get well and truly stuck in with the Dorset Mud Trail!
Website: dorsetwaterpark.co.uk
Snorkelling
You may not immediately think of the Dorset coast as a good spot for snorkelling. The mild and shallow waters of Kimmeridge Bay are the perfect place to see a rich array of marine life. The marked trail is open from May to September. Pop into the Fine Foundation Marine Centre near the slipway for more advice, hire of masks and snorkels and to purchase your trail guide. This little centre is a treasure trove of marine goodies – be sure to visit if you’re passing by.
Information
Prices: The trail costs £3 inc. postage. You can also buy a copy online. Masks and snorkels can be hired at a cost of £5 per set with a refundable deposit of £20 per set.
Booking: Not necessary.
Opening Times: The trail is only in place from May to September each year. DWT wardens at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, by the slipway in the bay are only available April – October, open daily 10.30am until 5pm.
Other activities: Kimmeridge Bay is the perfect base to do a spot of rockpooling or venture onto the South West Coast Path.
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/snorkelling_trail.html
Segway Hire
We know it’s not in Purbeck but Upton Country Park is a great day out. They also offer something a little different for some holiday fun. Why not explore the grounds by Segway? Using only your balance and two wheels you will adventure through miles of off-road pathways, woodland and along the shores of Poole Harbour, before returning to the café at Upton House for a well earned piece of cake!
Information
Prices: from £15
Booking: Pre booking is essential during holiday periods and weekends. Call 0118 334 1807
Website: www.dorsetsegways.co.uk
