Kingston - Tourist Guide to the Isle of Purbeck

Isle of Purbeck. Welcome to the Isle of Purbeck Visitors Guide. Corfe Castle Accommodation, Swanage, Wareham

Kingston sits on top of Kingston Hill looking down on Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island and Poole Harbour in the distance. Its built almost entirely from Purbeck stone most of the cottages are 19th century. It is dominated by the new church of St James, with its large tower, built by the well-known Victorian architect G.E. Street, for the 3rd Earl of Eldon from 1873-1880. At the top of Kingston sits St James Church which is know as the cathedral of the Purbeck. You wont find a better view of the
Isle of Purbeck from the top of the steeple which is opened to the public every year.

The local pub, in fact the only in the village is called The Scott Arms but was once called the

Eldon Arms. South of the village, and visible from its valley from the footpath to Houns-tout cliff, is the big house Encombe. Huge, long and low, 18th century with later alterations, in a glorious setting with man-made lakes to the south. Obelisk of 1835 put up by Lord Eldon, owner of the house, in honour of his brother, Lord Stowell. There are many good walks from Kingston, there are walks leading to Chapmans Pool, Kimmeridge Bay, Corfe Castle and all the coastal paths with great views and wildlife to be seen.