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  1. Explore Durlston Country Park
    Explore Durlston Country Park
  2. The shelter at the end of Swanage Pier
    Feel the nostalgia at Swanage Pier © Richard Murgatroyd
  3. Take ride on the Swanage Railway © Ian Dixon
    Take ride on the Swanage Railway © Ian Dixon

You are here: Explore > Areas To Visit > Swanage > Things to see and do in Swanage

Things to see and do in Swanage

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Fore Adventure

Adventures include: kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, foraging, fishing, wild…

Fore Adventure - kayaking and fishing

Cumulus Outdoor Adventure

Activities include: Coasteering, Kayaking, Climbing & Abseiling and Bushcraft amongst other things,…

Kayaking along the River Frome with Cumulus Outdoors

Brownsea Island

A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds,…

Red Squirrel on Brownsea Island

Swanage Railway

Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Steam trains run for most of the year -…

Swanage Railway - photo taken by Andrew P.M. Wright

Andy Knill Art @The Courtyard Studio

Andy is a self-taught artist based in Purbeck. He started his work as an artist in early 2017. In…

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  • 1Fore Adventure
  • 2Cumulus Outdoor Adventure
  • 3Brownsea Island
  • 4Swanage Railway
  • 5Andy Knill Art @The Courtyard Studio
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Beaches galore

Looking to soak up the sun on a fabulous sandy beach, or enjoy an invigorating swim with a fantastic view? You are spoilt for choice. 

Swanage beach is one of the main attractions of the town and backed by a promenade lined with amusements and attractions. You can hire a deck chair, pedalo, kayak or sun bed or enjoy a drink or ice cream. Why not hire a beach hut? – you won’t need to take all your gear down to the beach each day! Sit back and relax.

With four miles of golden, sandy beaches and gently sloping waters, nearby Studland B each offers views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. To escape the crowds, venture into the heathland nature reserve behind the beach – in summer the heather forms a purple haze and you might be lucky enough to spot one of our six British reptiles – they all live here!

History and heritage

Did you know that local quarried stone was shipped from Swanage seafront to London, where it was used in the rebuilding of the city after the Great Fire of London?

Why not visit Swanage Heritage Centre and Museum to find out more about this fascinating town which Thomas Hardy named Knollsea. Uncover the story of Swanage from Dinosaurs and the Jurassic Coast to Seaside Resort and the Second World War. If you have ancestors from Swanage, the Museum can also help you to research your family tree.

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.

Experience a unique journey on Swanage Railway which offers you a chance to go back in time to the days of glorious steam and is a picture postcard branch-line to the seaside. Steam trains run for 6 miles, weaving their way through the beautiful Purbeck countryside and past the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle, with stations en-route to enable you explore this unique and historic area.  If you are coming for the day, why not park at Purbeck Park and let the train take the strain as you travel to Swanage?

Wonderful wildlife

If you want to see meadows of cowslips, hear the noise from nesting seabirds, or have the chance of spotting a dolphin swimming past, Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve is the place to go! Find out more at the Durlston Castle Visitor Centre.

Durlston Castle located within Durlston Country Park is an extraordinary Victorian building, featuring rooftop views of the coast, a gallery of changing exhibitions, displays for adults and kids, and a café.

Life on the Ocean waves?

Why not admire the stunning countryside, cliffs, beaches and harbour from a boat? For the adventurous, try dingy sailing with the Shell Bay Sailing Centre. Or relax and take a cruise from Swanage Pier along the Jurassic Coast with City Cruises.

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. 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!

Pedal around Purbeck

Burn some calories and enjoy the view as you cycle around the countryside!

Bring your own bike or hire bikes from Cycle Experience at Purbeck Park and get out and explore.

The waymarked Rempstone Ride offers a 12 mile, mainly off-road circular route which is great for all the family, and gives glimpses of Poole Harbour and purple heather in the summer. If you want something more challenging, other routes on quiet roads include hills and provide spectacular views!

Adventure holidays

If you want to join with friends for an action-packed adventure holiday, Swanage is a perfect place to come.

Choose from a variety of residential activity centres, and let their experienced staff provide activity days to celebrate that special occasion, or just go for fun!

Try climbing, bushcraft or a high ropes course – the choice is yours! If you are bringing a school group, there are some great accommodation options.

If you enjoy the adrenalin rush of extreme sports, contact one of our many outdoor adventure specialists for coasteering, abseiling, climbing, paddle-boarding or kayaking.

Travel a Trail

Walking is a great way to see the scenery and heritage, and Purbeck has a variety of routes to suit all tastes and ages.

Swanage Seen Art Trail follows the trail of paintings of Swanage by famous artists, while the 3 mile circular Smugglers’ Ways walk explores spectacular sea cliffs and a secretive cove.

The Purbeck Way is a longer route linking Swanage with Corfe Castle and Wareham. Why not walk the Purbeck Way along the chalk ridge, enjoy afternoon tea in Corfe Castle, and catch a bus or steam train back?

If you want a local perspective on the area, why not try a professional guided walk or tour? You will learn more about the world famous coastline and have an experience to remember! Or go Nordic Walking to combine a workout with amazing scenery!

Get active

Enjoy an afternoon at the Swanage Beach Gardens Sports Park, where you can play tennis or basketball or have a go at putting or bowling. All equipment can be hired so you don’t need to bring it on holiday with you!

The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club offers 2 courses with stunning views over Poole Harbour. The Club dates back to 1892 and once owned by Enid Blyton and her husband Dr Darrell-Waters. The courses are set within a nature reserve where many rare plants can be seen as well as rare birds.

If you would rather try your hand at pitch and putt or crazy golf you will also find options to play in Swanage.

Try your hand at carving a stone animal, flower or sculpture at Burngate Stone Carving Centre in nearby Langton Matravers. They offer 2 hour course for adults and children and longer courses for adults.

Beautiful Brownsea

Keen for a day’s adventure on an island close by?

Catch a boat from Poole Quay or Sandbanks and spend a magical day on Brownsea Island, home to red squirrels and a huge variety of birds. Visit the birthplace of the Scouting and Guiding movement, and set the children to work making dens in the natural play area!

Find out more about Swanage

Now you know about things to do, find out where to stay, where to eat, events and festivals and interesting shops to discover.

You can also download the Swanage Visitor Guide which inlcudes a town map.

Need extra advice? Contact our Tourist Information Centre for helpful information.

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Number of results: 30

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  1. Corfe Castle, Dorset

    Add Corfe Castle & the Purbeck Ridge - Dorset Pedal to your Itinerary

    Corfe Castle & the Purbeck Ridge - Dorset Pedal

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle Route

    Pedal around Purbeck to the Jurassic Coast and make the most of the local farm shops and village stores to stock up on supplies.

  2. Brenscombe Outdoor Centre - rock climbing

    Add Brenscombe Outdoor Centre to your Itinerary

    Brenscombe Outdoor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

    CORFE CASTLE

    Activities include: High ropes course, power boating, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking and so much more. The Centre is located in spectacular surroundings close to Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour. Experienced, qualified instructors provide…

    Price £24.00 to £45.00 Activity
  3. Worth Matravers duck pond

    Add Smugglers' Ways to your Itinerary

    Smugglers' Ways

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Worth Matravers, Nr SWANAGE

    A 3 mile circular trail starting at Worth Matravers travels to Winspit Quarry and along the South West Coast Path to Seacombe. There are spectacular sea cliffs and a secretive cove along the way.

  4. Kayaking at Old Harry Rocks on the Jurassic Coast

    Add Old Harry Rocks to your Itinerary

    Old Harry Rocks

    Type

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    National Trust Property

    STUDLAND

    Standing tall on Handfast Point at the southern end of Studland Bay is one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast – Old Harry. The chalk formations are popularly know as Old Harry Rocks, but the name actually refers to the single stack of…

    Free
  5. Swanage Beach Dorset

    Add Swanage Beach to your Itinerary

    Swanage Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    SWANAGE

    Swanage has a gently sloping white sand beach which is sheltered and generally calm. The award winning beach is well served by local businesses providing refreshments and services.

  6. View from Acton to the Purbeck Ridge

    Add Quarrymans' Ways to your Itinerary

    Quarrymans' Ways

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Acton, Nr SWANAGE

    A 1.5 mile circular trail starting in Acton provides a unique chance to see old quarries and imagine what Purbeck must have been like 100 years ago.

  7. Kayaking

    Add Land and Wave to your Itinerary

    Land and Wave

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Sport Centre

    SWANAGE

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    Climbing, Coasteering, Sea Kayaking, Bushcraft, Raft Building, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & more in Swanage and The Purbecks. Excellent instructors, top notch kit and passion for the Great Outdoors.

    Price £25.00 to £137.00 Per Ticket
  8. Dancing Ledge near Spyway - copyright National Trust

    Add Spyway to your Itinerary

    Spyway

    Type

    Type:

    National Trust Property

    SWANAGE

    Towering sea cliffs and grasslands rich in wild flowers. A distinctive limestone landscape on the South Coast where sea birds soar and rare orchids hide among rich grasslands. Centuries of stone quarrying have left their mark in the form of sea…

    Free
  9. Sandbanks beach with message overlay: #RespectProtectEnjoy #LeaveOnlyFootprints

    Add Sandbanks Beach to your Itinerary

    Sandbanks Beach

    Type

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    Beach

    Sandbanks, POOLE

    Winner of the prestigious Blue Flag award for over 30 years and with its soft golden sands and breathtaking views, it is no wonder that Sandbanks is considered one of the best beaches in Britain. Facilities include a crazy golf course, children’s…

    Free
  10. Burngate Stone Carving Centre

    Add Burngate Stone Carving Centre to your Itinerary

    Burngate Stone Carving Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Activity Centre

    SWANAGE

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    We will reopen from Easter 2021 with our usual courses: stone carving, sculpture, letter carving, family sessions - as well as new workshops. Sale of locally produced items including headgear, hosiery, jewellery, candles, cards and artwork. Tea…

    Price £20.00 to £95.00 Course
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