Things to see and do in Kingston

The pretty rural village of Kingston sits in the middle of the Isle of Purbeck on the southern Dorset coast. Only ten minutes away from the glorious sandy beaches of the Jurassic Coast, it is also just under two miles to the enchanting Corfe Castle, one of Britain’s most iconic survivors of the English Civil War. Not only can you see the castle in the distance from Kingston, it is also a lovely thirty-minute walk if you have the time.

Kingston is a short drive from the lovely village of Worth Matravers with its rocky Winspit Bay. It is glorious walking country as a short walk will lead you to the beach at Chapmans Pool, as well as to Hounds Tout with its breathtaking views of the Purbeck coast. The village is dotted with traditional cottages built with the famous Purbeck Stone, as well as having a beautiful church and village pub, perfect to rest weary feet after a day exploring the area.

Things to do in Kingston

Chapmans Pool

One of the lesser known beaches and possibly one of the prettiest, Chapmans Pool is only a short drive from Kingston. Soft shingle with patches of sand form a lovely crescent shaped bay, perfect for a day messing about in the water. There are some great fossils to be found, so this beach is perfect for mini-explorers or for those who want to add some Purbeck fossils to their collection!

Walk to Swyre Head

This lovely walk from the village to the headland of Swyre Head makes for a lovely afternoon in the countryside. Stroll across farmland and tracks up to the headland where you will be met with breathtaking views all along the beautiful Purbeck coast.

Corfe Castle

Without doubt the highlight of any visit to the Isle of Purbeck, the magnificent ruins of this castle set above the village of the same name is a great day out for all the family. You can explore the ruins, have a picnic out on the lawns and enjoy a scrumptious cream tea afterwards in one of the village tea rooms. You can actually walk to Corfe Castle from Kingston but if you prefer to go by car, it is only a five-minute drive away.

St. James’ Church

This lovely gothic-style church looks over the village and is very interesting from an architectural perspective. It is lovely to hear the bells ringing out during bell ringing practice and on special occasions, you are allowed to climb the tower which gives delightful views across the whole of Purbeck.

Walking trails and Cream Teas

Just to the south of Kingston are the villages of Worth Matravers and Langton Matravers, both hugely popular with walkers and hikers. There are a number of great walking trails which pass through or near these villages such as the Smugglers Ways which visits the site where smugglers were known to bring their bounty ashore, as well as the Commoners Ways and the Purbeck Way. If you need to stop off on the way for a bite to eat, there is a lovely vintage tea rooms in Worth Matravers as well as a pub and fossil museum to explore.

Around Kingston

Kingston is situated towards the south of the Isle of Purbeck, between Corfe Castle and Worth Matravers. Only 15 minutes by car to both Swanage and Studland, you can also get to it via the Sandbacks Ferry from Poole or Bournemouth via Swanage.

Stay in Kingston

If we have inspired you to visit the pretty village of Kingston, why not have a look at our selection of cottages in Kingston? They offer the perfect base to visit all of the surrounding villages and beaches of the area as well as the National Nature Reserve.