From Corfe, one can reach the town of Swanage by steam train from the village station. Swanage Railway, Dorset’s premier steam railway, runs from Norden park-and-ride station, along six miles of track to Swanage town centre. Alternatively, by road, one of the prettiest drives is along the B3069 leaving from Corfe, which rises quickly and provides some of the best viewpoints back to the castle you can find. On your way, do take time to follow signs to the picturesque stone village of Worth Matravers. Situated in beautiful rolling countryside three hundred feet above sea level, it is a rambler’s paradise of superb views and walks.
As you descend from the tranquil countryside you arrive at the town of Swanage, where a settlement existed as long ago as 877 and was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 as Swanwick and Swanic. One of the oldest parts of the town you can visit today is the spring fed Mill Pond with a Mill House boasting a superb date stone of 1734.
The Victorian era saw Swanage come alive and transform from a small quarrying town to a popular seaside resort. This was helped by the Three Gentlemen of Swanage, William Morton Pitt, John Mowlem and George Burt.
In particular, George Burt, made an ever lasting impression in the Durlston area, when he planned and built a large housing development complete with roads, shops and a church. For recreation he created woods, paths, seating, an aviary and, as the centrepiece of his kingdom, a castle. He was fascinated by the natural world around him and 1887 The Great Globe located here was constructed. It is 10ft in diameter it weighs 40 tons and consists of 15 segments of Portland stone. It is now part of the Durlston Country Park, which offers 263 acres of cliff-top countryside, internationally important wildlife, and an exquisite array of flora. At the Park Centre you can learn about the fascinating local ecology and wildlife and maybe catch a glimpse of the bottle-nosed dolphins that frequent Durlston Bay in the spring and autumn.
North of Swanage, and adjoining Poole Harbour, is Studland. This area is a nature reserve and has an excellent unspoilt beach which is perfect for sunbathing. The area is also full of rare fauna and is therefore of interest to botanists.
There are not many places today where you can escape the pressures of everyday modern life.
The Manor House Hotel, however, is a testament to the traditional values of old fashioned charm and graceful service from days long past; truly a haven of fine dining, relaxation and comfort.
The hotel is a beautiful 18th century building that lies within 20 acres of private grounds, offering the most wonderful sea views across the famous Studland Bay and out towards Old Harry Rocks. All bedrooms feature the amenities you would expect from an award winning hotel and some are furnished with elegant four-poster beds. Guests can relax next to an open fire in the sitting room, spend an afternoon in the conservatory or meet friends in the separate bar lounge area. For the more active, why not take advantage of the hotel’s tennis courts or alternatively you can experience some of the most stunning beach riding available in the UK.
To complete the perfect experience enjoy a meal prepared by the hotel’s Head Chef, served in a grand oak panelled dining room. Using the finest local ingredients, it is renowned for its excellent menu, fresh preparation and superb service.
The Manor House Hotel is, undoubtedly, a luxurious refuge of relaxation, but without the extravagant price tag!

Visit the Swanage Website for more information.