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Worth Matravers BH20 
The village lies appropriately 4 miles west of Swanage and 3 miles south of Corfe Castle.
This small village is one of the most beautiful in the Purbecks with a long history dating back to the Cretaceous era when many dinosaurs left their footprints in the local cliffs.
Population. 644.
341 limestone cottages and farm houses,
Second homes approx. 18%
Average House Prices £625,000. (Jan. 2007.)
"Worth" means the enclosure.
Farming, stone quarrying and fishing were the mainstay of the local economy and although these industries still continue today they are much smaller than in days gone by. Any new houses built in the village must be constructed of the local stone, ensuring that the quarries to the east of the village are kept working.
The Church of St Nicholas dates back to Norman times and is one of the oldest in Dorset. In the churchyard is the grave of local farmer Benjamen Jesty who, in 1774, developed a smallpox vaccine based on cowpox inoculations, which he used to protect his family from the disease. This was prior to the pioneering Dr Edward Jenner developing a successful vaccine some 25 years later.
In the village centre the green, with its pretty duck pond and picturesque cottages is a favourite place to sit and eat an ice cream bought at the local stores.
Winspit, Seacombe and Chapman's Pool situated within walking distance. To the north of the village are the chalk Purbeck Hills, while to the south are the limestone cliffs of the English Channel.
A monument on St Aldhelm's head, about a mile from the village, commemorates the development of radar at RAF Worth Matravers during World War II, which proved decisive in the allied victory of that war.
Amenities include;
Post Office, stores, daily bus route, pub.
Our View.
One of the most sought after villages in Dorset. The cottages are built using the local stone and retain the character of the village. Used as a starting point for the many visitors walking the coastal path, a small car park is available with an honesty box. The village pond is a nice place to sit and the craft centre worth a visit. The Square and Compass pub is a unique place to visit with a collection of fossils. An annual week long stone carving festival is held during the summer. The village is fairly high and is subject to the many winter storms. The high prices of the properties mean that competition is fierce and many are sold privately. If you are looking for a property here then you will pay a premium and you need to be in the know!
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