Beaches, Castles and Other Things to Do

The Lindens is set in a beautiful valley just inland from the coast, with plenty to amuse all ages when you are able to tear yourself away from the house and gardens.

Lulworth Cove

You can happily spend an entire holiday at Lulworth Cove - part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Head to the beach, which is shingle, not sandy, but still fun to play on. Paddle, swim, or just enjoy the amazing view. Go crabbing in the rock pools (buy a net in the village - and bring some bacon with you). Walk or climb up to the cliff top and marvel at amazing geology of the Stair Hole. Hunt for fossils. Clamber over the rocks and find a sea cave. Walk around the cove. Enjoy a Dorset cream tea.

Sandy beaches

For miles of sandy beach head over to Studland Bay - or for a wonderul, rocky, seaside nature reserve visit Kimmeridge Bay - both a short drive from the house.

Lulworth Castle

Take a walk down the road to Lulworth Castle & Park, a great castle with lots to do. There are events during most school holidays, including jousting and a medieval village in the summer, Circus skills, a Dragon Egg hunt, Spooky Fun for Halloween and Christmas Entertainment. There is a children's play area, Animal Farm and a Cafe. The Castle is open all year round, Sunday to Friday. (closed 24 and 25 December).

Other Attractions for Children

Corfe Castle. For a very different castle visit Corfe Castle, a romantic ruin dating from the time of William the Conqueror. Let you children's imaginations run wild while they explore the ruins - and there are events throughout the year. At the foot of the castle The Tea Rooms is a good spot for a break, with a summer garden and winter log fires.

Swanage Railway. Swanage Railway runs steam and diesel trains from Norden and Corfe Castle into Swanage and back. Norden park and ride offers the simplest parking option.

Bovington Tank Museum. The Tank Museum houses the world's broadest and best collection of tanks. Follow the Tank Story, take a look at almost 150 tanks in the Discovery Centre, check out Tank Displays.

Monkey World.  This internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, in 65 acres of beautiful Dorset woodland, is home to over 230 primates – including the largest group of chimps outside Africa. Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. The park is imaginatively laid out and has food and drink outlets, picnic areas, a woodland walk, and a lot of monkey and ape antics to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. 

Farmer Palmers Farm Park. An award visiting Farm Park for the under 8s.

Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. Take the ferry from Studland into Poole. From there you can catch a boat trip around the harbour, or take a boat to Brownsea Island, where there are woodland walks, children's adventure trails and children's wildlife tracker packs.

For the Grown Ups

Country pursuits can be arranged close by to the house, including clay pigeon shooting, quad biking or even deer stalking.  Or relax and be pampered in the  house by a team of beauty therapists.  Horse riding, cycle hire and watersports can also be arranged for you during your stay.