The best cycling routes around Worth Matravers

St Nicholas ChurchClick to open side panel for more information is a remarkably well-preserved Norman building, often cited as one of the oldest churches in Dorset. Its sturdy limestone exterior reflects the rugged character of the surrounding Purbeck landscape. Ancient Architecture: Dating back to around 1100, the church features a distinct Norman nave and chancel, with a notable carved doorway and a hauntingly beautiful interior. Unique Details: Inside, you can find a 13th-century font and a stone floor that has been smoothed by centuries of footsteps. Maritime Connection: Given its proximity to the coast, it has long served as a spiritual sanctuary for local fishermen and quarrymen.

Worth MatraversClick to open side panel for more information is a quintessential Dorset village of limestone cottages and duck ponds. Steeped in history, it features the Norman St. Nicholas Church. The Square and Compass pub is famous for its cider and fossil museum. It serves as a gateway to the rugged Jurassic Coast paths.

St. James | Kingston 1880 | Victorian Gothic Revival | Architect : George Street | Grade I The tiny hilltop village of Kingston is remarkable for having two churches. The later of the two with it's dominating position overlooking Corfe Castle is the more famous, having acquired the nickname of the 'Cathedral of the Purbecks’ because of its enormous proportions and lavish decorations The 3rd Earl of Eldon decided it was his Christian duty to provide the village with another church (the 1st Earl who became the Lord Chancellor had provided the village with a new church in the 1830's ) It took six years to build and cost £70,000 – the equivalent of at least £8 million today and became a private chapel for the Eldon estate until 1921 The Earl went to George Street, who had become one of the supreme proponents of what is now known as the 'High Victorian' movement who had designed the Royal Courts of Justice. This commission gave him the opportunity for the 'grandest church in the country'. Street's designs seem to have been influenced by 13th century French models, in particular a church in Norrey-en-Bassin, just outside Caen (Normandy). The stair turret on the north transept is a replica of that at Christchurch priory. The exterior of the church is from broken shell limestone - from the Earls own estate at Blashenwell Farm - hich has now got a pink hue caused by algae. The inteior is from two type of stone, both from Purbeck quarries: The columns and pillars are from polished Purbeck marble and the greater part of the interior from Portland stone. The chancel steps are from crinoidial Limestone from the the Peak District and the altar stands on Carrara marble from Tuscany

Lovely little village only briefly logged through but a nice hilly little place

St. Nicholas' Church dating back to the 12th century, with some parts of the building dating back to the 11th century, a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. **Unique Tower**: The church's tower is particularly notable, with a distinctive "helter-skelter" shape. **St. Nicholas' Connection**: The church is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and children. 4. **Wall Paintings**: Inside the church, you can find some well-preserved medieval wall paintings, which date back to the 14th century. These paintings depict various biblical scenes and are considered to be of great historical significance. **Monuments and Memorials**: The church contains several interesting monuments and memorials, including a 14th-century effigy of a knight and a memorial to a local family who died in the 17th century.

From here you get a peek of Corfe Castle in the distance, a medieval fortress set against a backdrop of the picturesque Purbeck Hills.

Saint NICHOLAS, Bishop of Myra, to whom the church in Worth Matravers is dedicated, is – alongside Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours in France – one of the most popular saints of all. His feast day in the calendar of saints, December 6th, is probably known to almost every child. On the eve of this day, children used to put their shoes or boots – which had of course been carefully polished – outside the door so that Saint Nicholas could fill them with gifts during the night. In more agricultural areas, it was also customary for children to put out a small gift of food for the donkey, Saint Nicholas's mount (according to another tradition, it was a white horse).

Great little back path between Worth Matravers and Swanage. Plenty of dog walkers though, so watch out on the corners!