144 Pages | over 100 colour illustrations

214x230mm, Hardback

9780857040916

Whilst Bournemouth is a relatively modern town with a history dating back only 200 years, the history of Poole dates from much earlier times, as do all of the villages mentioned in this book.

Poole itself has many interesting ancient buildings on and around the quay and villas built at the height of the town’s wealth. From the quay, boats leave to Brownsea Island, Wareham and along the Purbeck coast to the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast. Poole’s beaches are amongst the best in the country, whilst the shallow harbour is ideal for water sports.

The chain ferry from the Haven Hotel offers an interesting introduction to the Isle of Purbeck where there are excellent country, cliff and beach walks suitable for both beginners and experienced walkers. The old villages of Langton Matravers, Worth Matravers and Kingston retain much of the charm of past eras, as does the ghost village of Tyneham.

Not to be missed is a visit to the village of Corfe Castle - its castle was one of the finest in England until blown up by the Parliamentarians during the Civil War and now offers an imposing ruin. Wareham with the remains of its earth walls and its Saxon church is fascinating and well worth a visit.

Lawrence of Arabia’s connection to the town is much in evidence and a trip to the area would not be complete without a visit to Clouds Hill Cottage, the beautiful church at Moreton and the world famous Tank Museum at Bovington.

To the north of the Purbeck Peninsula is the town of Wimborne Minster with its historical church. Nearby is Kingston Lacy House with its outstanding collection of paintings and beautiful grounds. The entire area is fascinating with beautiful countryside, charming villages and old churches.

In this volume in Halsgrove’s colourful Discover series, Rod Cooper explores the highways and byways of the town and its environs to produce a fascinating picture and indispensable guide to one of the most popular locations in the British Isles.