Enid Blyton was one of the most successful British authors in the 20th century and loved to visit Dorset with her husband and daughters.
She wrote around 800 books and stories over 40 years, the most famous being The Famous Five.
This series follows the mysteries and adventures of brothers Julian and Dick, their sister Anne, their cousin George (Georgina Kirrin), and George’s dog Timmy.
Other notable books include The Secret Seven, The Magic Faraway Tree and the Noddy series.
Her first visit to Dorset was in 1931 when she fell in love with the Isle of Purbeck. Many of Blyton’s characters and locations were inspired by people and places in Dorset.
Today, you can take a self-guided tour to visit the locations that inspired Enid Blyton. Each location is a beautiful part of Dorset, offering an exciting adventure and a chance to relive your childhood.
The day can be full of wonder, mystery and excitement. It’s a great day out for the family and is a brilliant tour for Blyton fans and anyone wanting to explore the Isle of Purbeck.
Here are the places you’ll explore during The Enid Blyton Self-Guided Tour.
Swanage
Swanage is a beautiful Victorian seaside town; it’s a wonderful place to visit, it was a favourite for Blyton and her family; for over 20 years, she stayed there at least 3 times a year.
The hotels where she stayed in and around Swanage include The Ship Hotel (now The Ship Inn), The Grand Hotel, and The Grosvenor Hotel.
She also often liked to swim around the pier with her husband during her visits.
💡 If you fancy a trip to Corfe Castle, you can trip on the vintage steam train that departs from Swanage, which will be an exciting way to travel.
Kimmeridge
Kimmeridge is a stunning place and is an exciting place to visit with children, famous for the rock pools and fossil hunting around the bay.
The beach is featured in ‘Five Fall into Adventure’ when the children are ‘frolicking in the rock pools,’ enjoying a picnic by the sea and sailing around the coastline.
The Clavell Tower (on the clifftop) is also featured in the book: “dour, grey stone building….. a little like a castle. It brooded over the sea with one square tower overlooking the waves.”
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is an iconic Dorset landmark and is the inspiration for Kirrin Castle in the Famous Five books.
The thousand year old castle featured in the first book ‘Five on a Treasure Island,’ where gold was discovered in the castle dungeon.
Blyton first visited Corfe Castle in 1931 when she arrived via the Swanage steam train.
The National Trust owns Corfe Castle and is open to visitors daily for adventures around the ruins.
Blue Pool
The Blue Pool is a nature reserve and tea room; it’s a fantastic place to spend the day and explore the beautiful woodlands.
It is featured in the book ‘Five Go Off in a Caravan’ “An enormous blue lake that lay glittering in the August sunshine”.
Stoborough Heath
‘Five Go to Mystery Moor’ is based around Stoborough Heath. It is a woodland and a nature reserve.
Open to the public to explore. Stoborough is a tiny village with a pub, garage and convenience store; it’s a short drive to Wareham, which offers a few more amenities.
Stair Hole
The Stair Hole is like the whirlpool rocks described in ‘The Rubadub Mystery’: “One of the finest whirlpools I
ever did see…the rock that gives the name of Rubadub – it’s like a scrubbing board.”
The story is set in a small seaside village. The beach is full of mystery and adventure with its caves, rockpools and coves to explore.
Lulworth is an outstandingly beautiful place to visit and is a place that children will be fond of and make lots of memories exploring the rocky beach.
Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club has amazing views over Poole Harbour and was a favourite writing spot for Enid.
Her husband bought the club in 1951. It is said that her character Lucas is based on the greenkeeper and caddie Gordon Johnny James.
Studland
Studland was a favourite spot for Enid, who frequently stayed at Knoll House. She always stayed in room 40 with views of the sea and Old Harry Rocks.
Studland Beach is a short walk away, and the village of Studland is said to be the inspiration for Toy Town in the Noddy series.
Mr Plod, the policeman, was based on a local Studland policeman, PC Christopher Rone.
Brownsea Island
Owned by The National Trust, Brownsea Island is a magical island that visitors have the freedom to explore for the day, travelling to it by boat.
Back when Blyton wrote about Brownsea Island, the public wasn’t allowed to visit, and she named it ‘Keep Away Island’.
It is said to be the inspiration for ‘Whispering Island’ in ‘Five Have a Mystery to Solve.’
This trail does require transport as some of the locations aren’t walking distance from one another.
There are a number of buses that take you around the area, however travelling by car is best.
To get to Brownsea you’ll need to get a boat from Poole Harbour. The steam train between Swanage and Corfe Castle is a brilliant way to travel when exploring the world of Enid Blyton.
Have fun on your adventure in Dorset, and don’t forget to pack your ginger beer!
To find out more about the trail and map, click here.
