4 of the Best Pub Walks in Dorset

Treat yourself to a cool, refreshing pint after a long day of exploring on one of these pub walks in Dorset. There is no better way of resting those weary legs than relaxing in one of the local pubs.

With so many historical sights, Dorset is a beautiful place to explore. From Durdle Door to Old Harry Rocks, there are many places to discover throughout the South West.

After a day of walking, there is no better way to relax than spending an evening in the local Dorset pub. Whether you love trying local ales or filling up on a Sunday lunch, choosing one of these pub walks gives you the best of both worlds.

Carry on reading to find out more about 4 of our favourite pub walks in Dorset…

The Bankes Arms – Old Harry Rocks

When visiting Dorset, Old Harry Rocks is one of the must-visit attractions along the way. If you are visiting the area, why not plan your trip around the local Bankes Arms pub.

Next to the South Beach Car Park, the Bankes Arms is perfectly situated for the start of your walk. However, to make the most of the nightlife, you may want to spend the night in one of these unique Studland cottages.

Starting from the Bankes Arms, this Dorset pub walk heads down to the stunning sights of Old Harry Rocks. You can then follow the coast along to the neighbouring town of Swanage. If you are not driving and making a day of it, look for the Crows Nest Inn along the way and try some of your favourite local ales.

After a stop at the Crows Nest, you can carry on along the route inland towards Studland Hill and back towards the Bankes Arms. However, if you want to add an extra pub to your journey, The Pig is a great choice.

Directions

1 – Starting at the Bankes Arms, turn right on to Manor Road. Passing the public toilets, take an immediate left and follow the coast all the way to Old Harry Rocks.

2 – Once you have taken your photographs and embraced the sights, follow the coast, keeping the sea on your left. Continue walking until you reach Swanage Beach. When you see Ulwell Road, turn right and keep going past The Crows Nest Inn onto Redcliffe Road. Take another right onto Hill Road, and at the corner, follow the public walkway through the houses.

3 – As you follow this path, you will come across two crossroads. Go straight at both of these. When you reach a small housing estate, follow the road until you reach School Lane. 

4 – Once on School Lane, take the immediate right onto Church Road and follow past St Nicholas Church. You can then head right towards the South Beach Car Park and back to the Bankes Arms. 

5 – After your pub walk in Dorset, enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the local bars.

Distance: 6 Miles
Level: Intermediate
Parking: Manor Road, Swanage BH19 3AU

The Greyhound Inn – Corfe Castle

In the stunning town of Corfe Castle, The Greyhound Inn is just a short walk away from the train station. With the historic Corfe Castle at the forefront of this walk, a mix of rolling landscapes and historical ruins will greet you.

The Greyhound Innis in a central location, perfect if you want to spend the weekend in one of these Dorset Cottages perfect for a short break. Plus, during your visit to Corfe Castle, you can enjoy the delights of the independent shops and eateries.

The walk starts with discovery around Corfe Castle Ruins and heads towards the picture-perfect Kilwood Coppice Nature Reserve. Along the way, you can experience ancient ruins, woodland and open greenways. No matter what your reason for visiting, this pub walk in Dorset is one of the best things to do.

If you need some more inspiration for your stay, take a look at our 9 favourite things to do in Corfe Castle.

Directions

1 – Starting at The Greyhound Inn, turn right and head towards the National Trust shop. Take another right and follow West Street up to the Corfe Castle Ruins. Spend some time taking pictures and marvelling at the 1000-year-old castle.

2 – Head back along the path towards the gate. Just before the castle gate, you will notice a small footpath to the left. Follow this footpath to the end until you reach the A351. Stay on the A351 until you come to the Norden Farm Campsite.

3 – Follow the road to the right (stopping by the Norden Farm Shop on your way past). As you approach the camping area, keep right, and you will see a footpath to the right. Follow the treeline and keep following the path through the Kilwood Nature Reserve.

4 – Once you reach Furzebrook Road, turn left and follow the road until you come across the Dorset Wildlife Trust Sign. Take the left footpath until you get to a T junction. Turn left and stay on this footpath to Tyneham Road. 

5 – Turn left and follow the river on your right, back into the town centre. That will bring you back to the National Trust Shop, where you can head back to The Greyhound Inn or stop by the Bankes Arms Hotel close by (not the same Bankes Arms pub as above).

Distance: 4.5 Miles
Level: Intermediate
Parking: Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EE

The World’s End – Blandford Forum

Located in the quaint villages of Mapperton and Almer, The World’s End is a family-friendly pub full of atmosphere. With many footpaths and hikes surrounding the pub, The World’s End is perfectly situated.

The green landscape, quaint village and friendly locals make this walk one of the best pub walks in Dorset. Along the way, you can meet other travellers, birdwatchers, cyclists or even some of the local wildlife.

Following the 5 mile walk, you head across the wide-open countryside through the fields, enjoy the sights of Winterborne Zelston before looping around the fields and heading back towards The World’s End. 

Directions

1 – Starting at The World’s End, turn right towards the B3075. When you get to the main road, turn left and carefully cross the A31. Take the first left, and you will immediately see the public footpath.

2 – Keep following the route past the Green Island Holiday Trust. As you get to the road, follow the right path, and the footpath will carry on at the next corner. Follow the bush line and the river past St Mary’s Church. When you come to The Street, turn right and go left at The Old Rectory.

3 – At the end of the road, follow the signs for the footpath and keep following it past the farm. Turn right onto the farm path and keep following it until you reach the T junction. Take a right turn and follow the lane until you reach the row of trees on your right.

4 – Take a right and follow these trees until the path turns right. Keep following the hedged path until you come to a farmhouse. Follow the lane back down until you reach The Street. 

5 – Retrace your steps on the way back, following the path until you reach the A31. At this point, cross over again and head back towards The World’s End. Take the weight off and enjoy a nice warm meal after one of the best pub walks in Dorset.

Distance: 4.9 Miles
Level: Intermediate
Parking: Almer, Blandford Forum DT11 9EW (Opposite The World’s End entrance)

Castle Inn – West Lulworth

Only a stone’s throw away from Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, The Castle Inn is in a central location for your walk. You can spend your day visiting two of the Jurassic Coast’s most famous landmarks followed by a relaxing evening with a local ale.

In the town of West Lulworth, The Castle Inn has a traditional thatched roof and is perfect if you want a locally sourced pub meal and refreshing drinks from the famous Butcombe Brewing Co. 

If you want to make the most of your visit to the area, you may want to consider staying in one of these Lulworth holiday homes. Plus, if you enjoy this walk and want to explore more of the coastal paths, discovering one of these 4 Jurassic Coast walks is a good choice for the whole family.

Direction

1 – Starting from The Castle Inn car park, turn right onto School Lane, and you will eventually come to a field on your right. Follow the footpath here until you reach the South West Coast Path. Follow the path left and take the steps down onto Lulworth Cove Beach.

2 – As you follow the beach along, you will come to The Boat Shed Cafe. Turn right onto the coastal path, passing the Stair Hole and then turn left onto Britwell Drive. While walking through the trees, there will be a path on your right. Follow this, and you will come back to the South West Coast Path. 

3 – This path is well-trodden and is relatively easy to follow all the way to Durdle Door. After a bit of exploration around the area, keep following the path and just before the Durdle Door Cliff Lookout, turn right towards the gate. Go through this gate and take the first left. This path should lead you straight to the Durdle Door Car Park.

4 – Head through the overflow car park and follow the tree line until the path starts to fork right. Take the left path past the farmyard and at Main Road turn left. Stay on Main Road all the way back to The Castle Inn and enjoy a delicious pub meal curled up next to the fire.

Distance: 4.3 Miles
Level: Easy
Parking: School Lane, West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5SE

With so many stunning walks and historic inns, it would be a shame to miss out on any of these pub walks in Dorset. Take the family, friends or even the dog and explore Dorset with a local pub close at hand. Book a stay in one of these Dorset Holiday Cottages, and make the most of your pub walks in Dorset.

Image Credits – Maigheach-gheal – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Nilfanion – (CC BY-SA 4.0)