An absolutely GORGEOUS place and wonderful day trip! Stunning scenery and an old school steam…read moretrain right next to the site. Perfect little day here and a couple little great pubs to hit up after. A definite must do!

I grew up in a nearby town so have always loved this castle ruin, one of the finest in the country…read more Always a pleasure to visit for its majestic stature and wonderful views! As a new member to the National Trust the staff were very helpful with our questions and enquiries helping us resolve some issues. They were all friendly and polite throughout. The castle is stunning and makes for amazing photos, its a bit of a trek up the hill so be prepared but its always well worth the effort. Once up there you can see the steam train and the village all the way across to Poole and beyond, stunning views summer or winter. The castle inspired Enid Blyton for Kirran castle in the famous five books! If you want to enjoy views of and from a stunning castle setting this is the place for you, if you have been take another look it never fails to impress. If you have never been then the trip will be worthwhile, the town is pretty too and tourists fall in love with it instantly every time. The car parking is a fair distance from the castle but a pretty walk also. Continues to be A real favourite with me time after time!

In the summer this is a nice place to have a walk through the woods and then onto the beach. Plenty…read moreof birds around and deer to see. The beach is quite quiet normally so you are not disturbed too much. Wheelchair access is possible as they have a wooden runway going through the woods and if you get a pass, you can drive most of the way down. There is a steep bit for about 12' if you want to get on the beach with the wheelchair.

For a bird watcher an excellent site. Datford Warblers. Spoonbills etc. However much more than…read morethis. Sika deer in the woods, beaches, heathland. Spent many days here during a recent coastal holiday. One of the best reserves I have ever been in.