The English summer brought another overcast day, and Sally kindly took me to see the Isle of Purbeck. Much is in an area designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rather than an island it is really a peninsula, but still – it is sea on 3 sides. The area is famed for scenery, and the limestone there has been extensively quarried. One form is very hard, polishing well, and is used in many cathedrals as “Purbeck Marble”.

The Knoll, Studland Beach, rated as one of England’s best beaches

First stop was Studland Beach and Nature Reserve. The heathland nature reserve protects an area of special scientific area. The beach is rated as one of the best in England, featuring 4 unbroken miles of sand. The overcast had broken and the sun shone brightly. The locals were on the sandy beach, but we headed for the nature walk. Did the sign say naturist? It seems the north end of the beach is a naturist area. We got about 1 km from the carpark into the heathland nature reserve before a large, fast-moving black cloud drenched us. Sans clothes might have been a good option.

Corfe Castle

Then, on to Corfe castle, a fantastic ruin on a hill above a small town of the same name. Initially established in the 11th century, it had a mixed history with a series of owners. The owners on 1645 were on the losing side of the English civil war, and after the castle fell it was destroyed by undermining and gunpowder. Today the National Trust hosts reconstructions and demonstrations to bring the times of the castle to life. On the day of our visit we had ale-makers, bakers, musicians and armourers among others, with a strong tudor feel. Rather well done, I thought.

Corfe Castle, musician

Corfe Castle

I’ve put more photos in a gallery at https://goo.gl/photos/EvmZdPosiKvcXB8p9.