Worth Matravers is a quintessential Dorset stone village perched on the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, steeped in centuries of stone quarrying heritage. This charming settlement features traditional Purbeck stone cottages, narrow lanes, and the famous Square and Compass pub – a wonderfully unspoilt traditional inn renowned for its cider, pasties, and fossil collection. The village has been a center of Purbeck marble and limestone quarrying since medieval times, and old quarries scar the surrounding landscape. St Nicholas Church contains fine Norman architecture and a moving memorial to quarrymen lost at sea. Worth Matravers serves as an excellent base for spectacular coastal walks to Dancing Ledge (a man-made tidal swimming pool), Chapman’s Pool, and the South West Coast Path. The village maintains an authentic, timeless character with local craftspeople continuing traditional skills. Village events include the annual stone festival celebrating quarrying heritage.
Photo by Jim Champion from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Worth Matravers
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more places within 10km
Dancing Ledge
Unique tidal swimming pool hewn from coastal rock by Victorian quarrymen - wild swimming paradise.
Langton Matravers Museum
Village museum celebrating Purbeck stone quarrying heritage and local history.
Chapman's Pool
Remote, dramatically beautiful cove accessible only by footpath - secluded swimming paradise.
Bramble Bush Bay
Remote, dramatic shingle beach accessible only by steep footpath - pristine secluded bay.
Blue Pool Nature Reserve
Enchanting turquoise former clay pit lake surrounded by heathland and woodland nature trails.
Corfe Castle
Majestic ruined castle with over 1,000 years of dramatic history.