We are fortunate to live in an area that has many good pubs, especially if you like ‘real’ ale and cider. Some of these pubs also serve good food. Below is a list of pubs that we regularly visit, but there are many others in the area worth trying that cater for a wide range tastes.
Square and Compass – Worth Matravers
Located 50 metres from Swallow Cottage, the Square is one of the most famous pubs in the area. The pub has hardly changed over a century and has been in the hands of the same family for many years. It is famous for its character and views across the headland to the coast.
A good selection of ale served ‘straight from the wood’, along with locally made cider is available.
The pub offers some basic snack-type food, e.g. pasties and pies, but not a full range of meals.
In the summer months, at weekends and during the school holidays, the pub can get extremely busy and it is common for people to be queuing up the drive to get served.
Scott Arms – Kingston
The Scott Arms is located in the village of Kingston which is 2 miles from Worth Matravers in the direction of Corfe Castle. The pub has a great garden and is famous for its views of the Corfe Castle ruins and Purbeck Hills.
It serves a good selection of ales as well as tasty, locally sourced food during the lunch and evening periods. The Jerk Shack BBQ, selling Jamaican-style cuisine, is also available during the spring and summer weekends.
If you plan to eat at the Scott Arms, we recommend booking in advance as it can get very busy during the holiday season.
The Fox Inn – Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle has 4 pubs including the 16th-century Fox Inn, which has recently reopened. We mention it here because it serves great food, has a lovely garden with fantastic views, and is generally less busy than the other pubs in the village. The staff are also very friendly. If you’re planning to eat here, it does get booked up fairly quickly, so reserve a table (especially on a Sunday).
https://www.thefoxinncorfecastle.com/
Kings Arms – Langton Matravers
A charming pub serving an interesting selection of real ale and traditional pub fare, the Kings Arms is 2 miles from Swallow Cottage located on the high street of Langton Matravers.
It is an easy walk along the ‘Priests Way’ from Worth Matravers.
It does not currently have its own website, but further information can be found on CAMRA’s “What Pub” link below.
https://whatpub.com/pubs/SED/128/kings-arms-langton-matravers
Black Swan Inn – Swanage
Located 3 miles from Worth Matravers, the Black Swan Inn is a very popular, old-fashioned pub.
It serves a range of beer and cider as well as freshly prepared snacks and evening meals. Children are welcome in the Lounge Bar and in the garden. If you want to eat, it is highly recommended that you book a table.
http://www.blackswanswanage.co.uk
Swanage has many other good pubs which are worth investigating via the “What Pub” website.