St Aldhelm's Chapel

The squat stone tower of St Aldhelm's Chapel sits at the far end of a proper headland walk, commanding the cliffs near Worth Matravers between Wareham and Swanage. It's not much to look at from a distance - a stubby Norman structure barely taller than two storeys - but that's rather the point. Built around 1100 on this exposed ridge, it would have served as both a lighthouse and a place of worship for monks, two jobs rolled into one.

The real reward isn't the chapel itself but the journey there. From Worth Matravers you're looking at a coastal walk of about two miles each way, with the English Channel spreading out below and the sort of views that make you forget why you bothered with that gym membership. On a clear day you can see across to France. The approach takes you past old quarry workings and over grass so close to the edge it feels reckless.

Walkers will absolutely get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll - the paths are uneven and the wind can be fierce - but the effort rewards itself. Families with younger kids might find the exposed terrain a bit much, though determined children aged ten-plus will manage it fine. There's no admission charge or facilities to speak of, just the chapel and the sea.

If you're based at one of the local campsites around Swanage Bay View or Norden Farm, this slots nicely into a day exploring the Purbeck coastline. Go early, bring water, and wear proper shoes. The weather out here changes quickly.