Visit Swanage

The coastal town of Swanage is pure nostalgia. Ride a steam train through the countryside to this seaside resort, walk along the Victorian pier and gaze out over Swanage Bay from Durlston Castle.

Situated on the Isle of Purbeck, this fun family resort is ideal for relaxing breaks, walking and exploring the Jurassic Coast.

Enjoy exploring the nearby picturesque villages of Corfe Castle, Studland and Worth Matravers during your visit to Swanage.

Know before you go

If you are planning to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic, things will be a little different in Swanage this year but the businesses of Swanage and the community will offer you the friendly welcome that we are known for.

Looking for a family friendly beach? The gently sloping, golden sand and clear water are just some of the great reasons that Swanage Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag and Seaside Award. RNLI lifeguards are situated within the bathing zone which is the ideal location for your family swim.

Experience some of the south coast’s best weather while strolling along the promenade or why not hire one of the colourful beach huts to make your short break extra relaxing. Paddling in the water, collecting sea shells and building sandcastles is something that children will remember for years to come.

Active Swanage

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Swanage. Why not join one of our outdoor adventure specialists and have a go at coasteering, abseiling, climbing, paddle-boarding or kayaking?

Or perhaps scuba diving is your hobby? Swanage Bay is a popular dive site for all standards of diver and has several diving schools and boat charter companies for both diving and seafishing.

Take a day cruise from Swanage Pier to Poole Quay with City Cruises for a scenic tour of the Jurassic Coast along the way. The Dorset Belle will also be cruising to Bournemouth Pier from Swanage Pier this year.

Swanage Sea Fishing offer day trips for all ages and abilities. If you've never fished before they'll show you the ropes, plus rod and tackle hire is included in the price, so all you need to bring along with you is your sea legs!

If walking is want you want, the numerous local walking trails are celebrated during the annual Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival. But if you can’t wait until Festival time, you can join a guided walk or let one of our experts plan a walking holiday for you at any time of year.

Our cycle routes cover a variety of distances and abilities, both on and off-road. Bring your own bike or hire one from one of our cycle hire experts.

Whatever the weather Swanage Beach Gardens Sports Park is great fun and value with putting green, tennis & outdoor bowls. Equipment is available to hire.

Attractions galore

Catch the picture postcard railway to the seaside with Swanage Railway. Steam trains run through the beautiful Purbeck countryside and past Corfe Castle to the sandy beach of Swanage. Swanage Railway runs mostly thanks to volunteers; it is no longer connected to the main national network; however there is a local lobby to reconnect it.

Durlston Castle and Country Park is a countryside paradise just 30 minutes walk from Swanage Town Centre (or summer bus service)  with coastal walking, stunning views and amazing wildlife. Don’t miss Durlston Castle Visitor Centre for events and exhibitions.

Swanage Pier is an integral part of the character of Swanage, reflecting its Victorian splendour and rich heritage. Enjoy a stroll with the finest views of Swanage.

Uncover the story of Swanage at Swanage Museum - from Dinosaurs and the Jurassic Coast to Seaside Resort, stone trade and the Second World War.

Flavours of Swanage

Sample the local fare in the quality bistros, seaview restaurants, traditional pubs and tearooms. You’ll find something for every taste.

A firm favourite for visitors is our scrumptious traditional fish and chips.

If you are self-catering or day visiting, Swanage offers a range of takeaway food and drink outlets from around the world - offering the best of locally caught fish and fresh Dorset produce.

Make sure you try our freshly caught seafood, our handmade fresh chocolate and a scoop or two of ice cream for dessert. Don’t miss the Swanage Fish Festival which takes place every year in June.

Markets and local produce

There’s no need to stock up before arriving as Swanage has independent butchers, bakers, fishmongers and farm shops and well known supermarkets.

There is always a local convenience store or campsite shop just round the corner but remember to try some of the locally produced food including: chocolate, ice cream, beer and cider and cheese. You won’t be disappointed!

Look out for Dorset Food and Drink and Purbeck Produce logos, so you know that it's been grown or made in Dorset.

 Swanage Markets:

• Town Market – Every Friday

• Purbeck Produce Market – 2nd Saturday of the month

Entertainment day and night

Whatever time of year you visit you will fine great entertainment, events and festivals.

For music lovers, the town has a fantastic range of festivals which everyone can enjoy, including Blues and Folk.

The Regatta and Carnival Week offers the lively atmosphere of a Caribbean-style carnival plus spectacular fireworks, music and dancing. The Fish Festival and Pirate Festival are also popular with locals and visitors alike.

Swanage has become a popular destination for sporting events, including marathons, triathlons and walking challenges because of the dramatic scenery. 

Exploring the coast and countryside

No visit to Swanage is complete without walking a stretch of the Jurassic Coast. Recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding geology, our coastline is part of England’s only natural World Heritage Site.

See spectacular geological features like nearby Old Harry Rocks.

Durlston Country Park is a National Nature Reserve and has been voted one of Britain’s favourites. It has spectacular cliff top walks and a Visitor Centre inside the Castle to help you discover the geology of 185 million years of Earth’s history. The Park was established by William Burt who called the area “Nature’s Open Book” - note the stone globe in the Park which has a particular perspective on the size of nations!  It can be enjoyed 365 days of the year and highlights include wild flowers, migrating birds and a breath-taking walk to the lighthouse. 

Arts by the sea

Many Artisans live and work in and around Swanage selling their creations in the studios, gift shops, galleries and workshops. Art lovers will find quality sculpture, photography, paintings, pottery, glass jewellery and more. Immerse yourself in a range of creative festivals including the open studios of Purbeck and Dorset Arts Weeks.

The town has a central Theatre and Cinema offering a variety of plays, shows and pantomimes throughout the year. Don’t miss the autumn Purbeck Film Festival.

Follow the Swanage Seen Art Trail and learn about artists who were inspired by their surroundings. There are nine locations to visit, each showing a painting from the Isle of Purbeck by a different artist. Alternatively follow the Swanage and Purbeck Sculpture Trail, a new and enjoyable way to discover the stone heritage of Swanage and Purbeck.

Swanage's history

Up to the early 19th Century, Swanage was a small fishing port. However the arrival of the railway meant it developed as a seaside resort and it retains much of its Victorian character to this day.

The Town Hall dates from 1872 and the façade was taken from the Mercere’s Hall in Cheapside London. Swanage became known as ‘little London’ thanks to this and other 'imports' from London made by George Burt, a local business man. Behind the Town Hall is a tiny lock-up of 1802, inscribed “For the Prevention of Vice and Immorality by the Friends of Religion and Good Order”.

The Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre has displays about the town’s quarrying history and about the Jurassic Coast.

Book your stay in Swanage

Whether you’re looking for a quaint cottage, farm stay, hostel, traditional B&B, posh hotel, lively holiday park or a rustic campsite, we have it covered in Swanage. Check availability and book online or contact our Tourist Information Centres for help finding your perfect accommodation.

If camping is more your style, pitch your tent in one of the family friendly campsites in and around Swanage or hire a camping pod or shepherd hut. Most sites also cater for caravans and motorhomes.

Can’t bear to leave your canine friend at home? That’s not a problem as we have many places for you to stay, eat and visit which will welcome your faithful companion.

Download our Visitor Guide

For further information and inspiration, you can download the Swanage Essential Visitor Guide (please contact us for an accessible version of this Guide).