Purbek to Studland bay Most people choose to take their vacations abroad, in the search of the sunnier climates, not like here in the UK, especially this summer of 2008.
The seaside is a relaxing, informal escape from the pressures of the daily grind. Most people choose the abroad option. I would like to let you in to a special secret. It is possible to find paradise on our diminutive island. Seek and you will find.
No. Not Alabama or Louisiana; Purbek the Deep South is the place to be and as far south as you can get; Well almost. The coastal region of Purbek is full of unspoilt, sun-drenched, sandy beaches and natural splendours.
This is the place to be. You can't get any closer to the Mediterranean than the isle of Purbeck. For
short, the Jurassic coast. at these times, dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures lived in the region.
Purbek was much further south and was made up primarily of muddy swamps and lagoons.
There are several legends attached to the rocks and how they got their name. Some believe that they are named after the mediaeval pirate Henry Payne but another popular theory is that Harry was none other than the devil himself.
The chalk sea-stacks of Old Harry rocks are the most easterly point of Purbeck. The cliffs that lead to the stacks are known as Handfast Point, and they are nearly vertical cliffs of some 100 - 180 feet high.
Old Harry was widowed in 1896 when Old Harry's Wife succumbed to erosion and collapsed into the sea during the same storm that destroyed the chain pier at Brighton.
Parson's Barn is a large sea-level cavern below the main cliff and the waves have cut arches through the base of the stacks and this result in the ghostly pealing of bells still being heard in severe gales.
Locals say this eerie noise is from a ship carrying bells for a church in Poole that sank on account of the crew's blasphemy, The gap between the headland and the stacks is called St. Lucas Leap, reportedly after a greyhound that went over the cliff chasing a rabbit.
The coast walk from Studland gives magnificent views across Poole Harbour and the sight of the white rocks on a bright day is stunning. The Isle of White is clearly visible from this vantage point and in the very distance past, Old Harry would have been joined to the Needles, where then it was just a mere river flowing between the rocks.
There are several stunning hot spots within the area of Purbek, Swanage with its beaches and steam railway will give you a good start for this stunning location. This small town surrounds a beautiful curved bay and offers a seaside experience with a difference. Enjoy the soft sand and the award winning beaches.
Whether you are visiting Purbeck's Market Towns of Wareham or Swanage, the coastal villages of Lulworth and Kimmeridge, historic Corfe Castle or Bovington and Wool, the Isle of Purbeck' is truly spectacular. The scenery around the area is stunning and boasts some of the most dramatic characteristics of Purbeck and forms part of the Jurassic Coast.
Durdle door with its magnificent arch, Lulworth Cove with its perfectly rounded bay, these are just the start.
I finish off with Studland bay, Studland a large spit of sand with grass covered dunes forming the southern part of the entrance to Poole Harbour, just like all the other mentioned places.
Studland has got to be one of my favourites' The Sandy beaches (Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach) owned and managed by the National Trust. Travel towards the ferry terminal, taking you towards sandbanks and then the beach location turns to paradise, from sandbanks to Studland bay. The bay side is sheltered from the coastal breeze, but if you like your beaches to be on the huge size, then the coastal side is for you.
Sand that`s accumulated at Studland Bay, did in fact, very simplistically create a lagoon out of marshland in roughly the 17th-19th century and it is now known as Little Sea. Either way it's only 500yards between them both. seperated by one single road. Access to Studland is from Poole and Bournemouth via the Sandbanks Ferry or via road through Wareham and Corfe and there's even a section of beach for naturist close by. http://www.shellbay.net http://www.knollhouse.co.uk/ferry.htm
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Advantages: Less fuss than holidays abroad, plenty to do, suitable for all ages, you can take your pet Disadvantages: British weather may spoil your fun, but not the kids fun.
Elffriend 08.05.2005 (08.05.2005)
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