Things To Do & See
Swanage, The Gateway to Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast ...
Swanage is the perfect choice for a traditional seaside holiday
and the perfect base from which to explore Dorset's newly
designated World Heritage Coastline. Swanage boasts a fine
selection of Hotels, Guest Houses, B & B's and self catering
holiday cottages and apartments. Around the town you'll also find
plenty of quality caravan and camping parks.
This compact, friendly resort, picturesquely set in a broad,
gently curving bay, is the gem of the Purbeck coast. With its
award-winning beach, safe bathing, lots of leisure activities,
fascinating all-weather attractions and good all-round family
entertainment Swanage offers a warm welcome for everyone! Swanage
beach with its gently shelving, golden, sandy shore and clear,
unpolluted water has won the prestigious European 'Blue Flag' award
on many occasions as well as the Tidy Britain Group's 'Seaside
Award'.
Here you can hire canoes and pedaloes, enjoy the timeless antics of Punch and Judy, or simply laze away sunny days. And when the sandcastles have been built and ice creams eaten, children will find lots more to do in the beachside Recreation Ground where, on Sunday afternoons in summer, open-air band concerts also take place. Should lazing on the warm sandy beach prove just too tiring, within minutes' walk you will find a refreshing change of scene in the lively attractive town centre with its many interesting shops, boutiques and restaurants. Or maybe you could while away some time in the nearby parks and gardens. Spectacular floral displays adorn the gardens during spring and summer and the town is truly deserving of its 'Southern England in Bloom' award.
Travelling just a short distance along the coast from Swanage
you find very different contrasts in the coastline depending on
whether you head east or west. Three miles or so east of Swanage
you'll find Studland beach one of the most beautiful long sandy
beaches in the area backed with sand dunes and heathland. The whole
area is managed by the National Trust and is a joy to visit. From
Studland a car ferry takes you some 200 metres across the mouth of
Poole Harbour to Sandbanks from where you can travel on to Poole
and Bournemouth. You'll find a totally different coastline though
when you travel west for now you are travelling along the Jurassic
Coast with its beautiful craggy cliffs and small bays and inlets.
Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Kimmeridge are some of the easiest
visited beaches in this area and should not be missed. Travel
inland a short way and you'll reach Corfe Castle and Wareham.
With so many places to eat and drink, you certainly won't go
hungry! Choose from seafood specialities and traditional fish and
chips to cosy tearooms serving Dorset cream teas. Traditional local
pubs beckon with hearty pub-grub; stylish bistros offer continental
cuisine and take-away restaurants cater for all tastes. You can be
sure of a comfortable and relaxing stay too, with such a wide
variety of quality accommodation available, ranging from small,
family-run guest houses to luxury hotels providing every amenity.
Many are conveniently located within a short walk of both the town
and beach. There is also ample choice of self-catering properties
and well specified camping and caravan sites.
Places to visit in and around Swanage
Swanage & Purbeck has a wealth of beautiful unspoiled countryside & beaches to explore. Many days can be spent walking the area's stunning coastline and playing on the beautiful sandy beaches.
For those looking for family attractions there are an abundance of activities to be found in the surrounding area from an historical day out on the steam railway to the world famous Monkey World & Tank Museum.
Local farm parks provide plenty of activities on sunny & wet days where children can get close to the animals.
Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 280 acre countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, hay meadows, hedgerows and woodland. With stunning views, walking trails, the historic Great Globe, superb geology and fascinating wildlife there is always something different to see.
The historic Durlston Castle is now open following a multi million pound conservation project and includes the new visitor centre. Exhibits include:
-
A fossil room
-
Audio-visual room
-
Live wildlife cameras
-
Monthly displays
-
A Daily Diary detailing the latest sightings
-
A rooftop terrace
Swanage Steam Railway
Visitors can experience a unique journey through six miles of beautiful scenery passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle.
Monkey World
Ape Rescue Centre - home to over 240 rescued & endangered primates - as seen on TVs Monkey Business & Monkey Life.
Tank Museum
The Tank Museum brings the history of tanks and tank crew to
life…
Supported by the world's best collection of tanks & action
packed live displays.
Putlake Adventure Farm
Why not visit a family run adventure farm set in the beautiful Purbeck countryside, at Langton Matravers only 2 miles from Swanage town centre.
Swanage Pier
Walk along Swanage Pier and you'll be walking in the footsteps of generations. Whether you're diving, sailing, fishing or simply strolling, Swanage Pier offers something for everyone including, of course, the finest views of Swanage.
Marsh's Boats
Marsh's Boats offers a wide range of boat and fishing trips from the stone quay at Swanage.
Corfe Castle
The village of Corfe Castle, dominated by the ruined castle, is a visitor's delight, at any time of year.
Purbeck Cycle Hire
Cycle hire in The Isle of Purbeck
