Winspit Quarry has to be one of our top finds. A famous filming location, Winspit Quarry is rich in history. The eerie cold, dark of the winspit caves stands in stark contrast to the stunning ocean views you see from almost every entrance. The perfect circular coast walk.
We set off to Dorest for a summer van life road trip and found ourselves in the Isle of Purbeck. Opened up Google Maps to see what was around and we found this place. We found the Worth Matravers Car Park so we had a plan. Upon arriving at the car park, it's a 30-minute walk to this epic quarry and caves.
Once you get to the disused quarry it's insane. There's a network of caves that go far into the rock. It seems like it's something out of the movies and that is because it is. It's been featured in a whole host of films and TV series.
Part of us also couldn't understand how a place like this in England was open to the public. Knowing how health and safety mad we are lol. The caves or whatever they should be called are so cool to go in and look around. There are points when you look around and 'how is this all held up? And other points where you go so far into the caves that your torch on your phone doesn't work any more. It's just too dark and open. Fun and scary all at the same time.
It was worth the trip to Winspit Quarry in Worth Matravers to experience such a place. Also if you are a Sci-Fi fan you'll love it here. We had no idea at first of its fame. Until we chatted with some Blake 7 fans.
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Winspit Quarry is inaccessible by vehicle and requires a 20-minute walk from the closest parking place. This can be found in the village of Worth Matravers (which is accessed via the A35, A351 and off the B3069) for £2 a day in the carpark at the top of the village. From the car park, you will be able to see the stunning Woodhenge.
Following the road down from the car park and through the village with a red phone box, walk the road next to it. Further up the road you pass a play area to your right and take the left signposted turning. Follow this path and the signs down towards the coast and it will open out into the Quarry. You can’t miss it.
Winspit Quarry is open 24 hours a day, all year round. However, be aware the quarry is on the cliff edge surrounded by loose stone so would be dangerous in bad weather.
The only parking for Winspit Quarry is in the village of Worth Matravers. The local council run the car park, with toilets and bins provided. the charge is £2 a day. There are CCTV cameras also to ensure the safety of your vehicle. As we understand it, the charges are re-invested into the local village. This car park is also the viewing point for the locally famous Woodhenge.
This is a moderate coastal walk, taking you to and back from the coast, lined with Quarry caves along the route. If you go on a sunny day the sight of the blue ocean view from the height of the Quarry is simply breathtaking.
Solid underfoot but with a slight decline on the way down, coming back does require a moderate effort. A walk for everyone.
At the Worth Matravers car park, the nearest and only parking in the area.
The walk takes you too and back from the Quarry with a few alternative routes for a complete loop. To walk directly to and back from the Winspit Quarry would take approximately an hour.
Winspit Quarry has a famous history.
The location of the Quarry has been the stage of filming locations over the years. Both Doctor Who and Blake 7 have been filmed at this location.
In the 18th century mining was plentiful with stone mined from the cliff's edge and transported through a maze of tunnels. However in the 1940’s Winspit Quarry ceased operations and naval and air base during the World War Two. The privately owned caves were opened not only to the public after the war, but to film sets also.
Woodhenge was built by the local landlord, a stunning tribute replica of Stonehenge. However, the local council didn't agree and initially ordered it to be dismantled. The public loved Woodhenge and therefore joined forces to petition the bill. The people won and the sculpture still stands for all to be enjoyed.
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