The best running trails in Dorset AONB

The Experience Today Standing next to it today, you realize it’s more than just a pillar; it’s a monument to the connection between London and the Dorset coast. It’s a bit of a "geographic hug"—on one side you have the sweep of Swanage Bay, and on the other, the massive expanse of Poole Harbour. It’s the perfect place to lean against the cold stone, catch your breath, and realise you’re touching a piece of 19th-century London history that just happened to find a better view in Dorset.

The "Why" Behind the Hill Burt didn't just put it there because it looked nice. He dedicated it to his uncle and mentor, John Mowlem (another massive figure in Swanage history). But there was a practical side, too: A Landmark: It served as a waypoint for ships navigating the tricky waters around Old Harry Rocks. The View: Burt was obsessed with showing off the beauty of his hometown. By placing it on the ridge, he essentially gave people a reason to climb the hill and look down at the town he was helping to build. The Great Disappearing Act (WWII) If you look closely at the obelisk today, it looks remarkably "clean." That’s because the one you see now is a reconstruction. During World War II, the original stone obelisk was considered a "navigational hazard." The British military was worried that German pilots would use the tall, white stone pillar as a landmark to help them find their bearings for bombing raids on nearby Bournemouth or Poole. So, in 1941, they knocked it down. For decades, it lay in pieces in the grass. It wasn't until 1973 that the Encombe Estate and local residents gathered the resources to rebuild it (using a mix of the original stone and some fresh Purbeck masonry) to celebrate "Plant a Tree in '73"—though ironic, as there isn't a tree in sight on that windy ridge!

If you’ve been hiking those ridges, that lone stone pillar standing guard over Swanage has likely caught your eye. It’s officially known as the Ballard Down Obelisk (or the Burt Memorial), and the story behind it is a classic tale of Victorian pride, a bit of eccentricity, and some very literal "re-gifting." The "Stolen" Monument The obelisk wasn't originally built for the Purbeck Hills. It actually started its life in London. In the mid-1800s, it served as a monument to a man named James Thompson, standing near the entrance to the Vauxhall Bridge. However, when the bridge was being rebuilt in the late 19th century, the obelisk became an "obstruction" and was destined for the scrap heap. Enter George Burt: The Man Who Moved London Swanage looks the way it does today largely because of George Burt, a local businessman who ran a massive masonry firm in London. He had a habit of taking "architectural leftovers" from London and shipping them back to Swanage as ballast on his empty stone boats. When he saw the obelisk was going to be demolished in 1892, he stepped in. He didn't just save it; he dismantled it, shipped it down the coast, and hauled it all the way to the top of Ballard Down.

A wonderful area. Breathtaking views of the cliffs and the sea; it's worth coming here for hiking and, in the summer, definitely for swimming. I recommend staying at the nearby Durdle Door Holiday Park.

Kayakers often drive through the small cave. It is beautiful to look at and the colorful kayaks with the turquoise sea make a beautiful photo opportunity

Studland Bay is dominated by one of the south coast's most famous landmarks - Old Harry. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is managed by the National Trust. The chalk formations are popularly known as Old Harry Rocks, but the name Old Harry actually refers to the single chalk rock that stands furthest out to sea. Until 1896 there was another boulder called Old Harry's Wife, but erosion caused it to collapse into the sea, leaving only a stump. https://www.visit-dorset.com/listing/old-harry-rocks/130693301/

The shop sells seasonal gifts, children’s toys, books and sustainable homewares, as well as outdoor and walking equipment for both you and your four-legged friend. There is an information and visitor reception point next to the shop, where a member of the National Trust team is generally on-hand to assist with any enquiries.

afraid of heights? don't look over the edge at the point. woooo it's a shear drop to the rocks. Gets the old ticker going that's for sure.