Purbeck forms the most accessible eastern end of 'The Jurassic Coast' and is internationally renowned for its geology and geomorphology. The coast is designated a World Heritage Site and is one of the most significant earth science sites in the world, displaying a remarkable combination of internationally renowned features. www.jurassiccoast.com The landscape and wildlife of Purbeck are shaped by interaction between the geology, natural processes and human influence, resulting in an environment of exceptional quality and unrivalled diversity.

Purbeck has one of the highest concentrations of protected habitats of any area in Britain with over 30 habitats identified and protected by national and international conservation designations.

Purbeck also has a rich human history with over 512 listed archaeological sites including Neolithic and Iron Age hill forts, medieval castles and field systems, a Victorian tourist town, steam railway and WW2 defences. Stone quarrying has operated in Purbeck since Roman times and continues to this day. The famous Purbeck stone has been used in many buildings including Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral. Purbeck also has a fascinating history of smuggling and was the centre for this illicit trade during the 1700s. 

Such a beautiful region has been the inspiration for some well known authors including Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, PD James and Enid Blyton. Lawrence of Arabia also made his home in Purbeck.

The Purbeck area offers numerous opportunities for adventure activities including dragon boat racing, rock climbing and abseiling, orienteering, kayaking, sailing, high ropes, survival training, team building and many more. 

120,000 students visit Purbeck each year. The following pages in this guide will give you a taste of their experiences and examples of the topics being studied. Each visiting group has unique requirements, the experienced staff at the educational centres will help you plan a visit to meet all your objectives.

• Set clear objectives for your trip and prioritise these
• Check your school and LEA policies on educational visits
• Liaise with your school's EVC (Educational Visits Coordinator) and colleagues for additional advice
• Use the Teachers’ Guide to find a suitably located centre for your visit
• Involve your students in the planning of the visit where possible
• Contact the Purbeck educational centres to explain your objectives, receive advice and begin to plan your visit in detail
• Arrange a pre-visit with the centres to confirm your objectives will be met and prepare written risk assessments with support from the education centre staff

• Consider and develop contingency planning with the education centre staff
• Consider competence of staff from your school and enquire about the qualifications of the staff at the education centres
• Ask the educational centres for pre-visit information and activities to prepare your students for their visit and also ask about follow-up activities for when you return from Purbeck
• Review and evaluate with your students if the visit met your objectives and give this feedback to the Purbeck educational centres