Enid Blyton, one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors, had a deep connection to Dorset, and the region played a significant role in inspiring many of her famous works. Blyton often visited Dorset, particularly the Isle of Purbeck, where its picturesque landscapes, rugged coastline, and quaint villages provided the perfect backdrop for her stories.
The area influenced her popular “Famous Five” series, with locations like Corfe Castle inspiring Kirrin Castle, and the Jurassic Coast serving as a setting for the adventurous tales of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog. Blyton’s vivid descriptions of Dorset’s countryside, cliffs, and islands captured the imagination of readers, transporting them to a world of mystery and adventure.
Blyton’s love for the region led her to spend much time there with her family, cementing Dorset’s place in literary history. Today, fans can explore the very landscapes that inspired her books, with local landmarks and walking trails dedicated to celebrating Blyton’s lasting legacy in Dorset.
Take a trip to the Victorian Seaside town of Swanage on a Coastal Cruises Poole boat from Poole Quay and visit the stunning Corfe Castle by taking a Heritage train with Swanage Railway. En route you will see the landscape of the Purbeck Isles that inspired Enid Blyton to write her famous novels. See www.coastalcruisespoole.co.uk and look up The Sea Train Adventure for more information.
