This small seaside town has loads of fun things to do for teenagers holidaying in Swanage.
From skateparks, paddleboarding and adventure golf to basketball, coasteering and of course sunbathing, your teens won’t get bored here.
Here’s 10 ideas for a family friendly holiday in Swanage.
1. The beach
Swanage Beach is a great spot for teenagers to relax and have fun. They can enjoy swimming and sunbathing, or why not hire a pedalo or paddleboard right off the beach. For those interested in marine life, they can go snorkelling around Swanage Pier – as well as lots of fish, they might even see a diver or two!
2. Rock climbing and coasteering
For those who love a challenge, rock climbing and coasteering are fantastic options.
The cliffs close to Swanage provide excellent climbing opportunities, and coasteering offers a mix of climbing, swimming, and cliff jumping – great for energetic thrill-seeking teens.
There are a number of outdoor adventure specialists which have guided half day activities suitable for families and groups. Contact Cumulus Outdoor Adventure or Land and Wave to find out more.
3. Swanage Skate Park
© Lyons Photography
The Skate Park at King George’s Field is open all year and is free to use. Used by skateboarders, BMXers, and roller bladers, there’s ramps, quarter pipes and a back and fourth course to have a go at.
4. Amusement arcades
It wouldn’t be a seaside holiday without a trip to the amusement arcades. Along with traditional 2p machines, there’s video games, shoot the hoop, racing simulators, and of course lots of chances to win prizes on the grab claws!
There’s two amusement arcades in town - Funworld Amusements is near The Mowlem Cinema and Playland is by the Stone Quay.
5. Watersports, sailing and sea fishing
© Harbour Media
Swanage and nearby Studland are excellent places for teenagers to have a go lots of types of watersports, like sailing, sea fishing, paddleboarding or kayaking.
Calm waters make it ideal for beginners and they can even have watersport lessons or a guided tour to make the most of their time on the water.
Or why not have a go at catching Mackerel for dinner with Swanage Sea Fishing?
6. Basketball and table tennis
If you’re teenagers like shooting hoops or playing ping pong, the basketball court and table tennis at Swanage Beach Gardens are free to use all year.
Balls and rackets are available to hire from Tea On The Green between Easter and the end of September or you can bring your own. Tea On The Green also serves food, drink and snacks to keep hungry teens fuelled up.
7. Adventure activities
For adrenaline seekers, there are several adventure activities available nearby. Dorset Adventure Park which is a 10 minute drive away offers a water park with inflatable obstacles and a mud trail, providing hours of fun and excitement.
With a revival of the Karate Kid films and Cobra Kai on Netflix, your teens might be keen to learn some martial arts during their holiday. On Saturday mornings why not join a class with Swanage Martial Arts to learn a mix of Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kali Escrima, Jeet Kune Do and more.
8. Cycling and mountain biking
The Purbeck Ridge above Swanage has fantastic mountain biking trails for experienced riders. If you’re teens don’t have their own bikes, mountain bikes can be hired from The Bike Shop Swanage or Cyclexperience.
One of the best routes along the Purbeck Ridge is from Corfe Castle to Swanage. Jump on a train from Swanage to Corfe Castle Station (or Norden Station if you’re collecting a bike from Cyclexperience). Join the cycle path up onto the Ridge from Sandy Hills Lane towards Ballard Down and Ulwell. It’s a bit of a climb but the views are worth it! Follow the path all the way along the Ridge until you come down the other side at Ulwell. You’ll then be on roads until you reach Swanage seafront and the town centre.
9. Adventure golf
Overlooking the seafront, Santa Fe Fun Park has two 18 hole mini-golf themed courses – Pirates or Dinosaurs! The sound effects and moving animatronics adds to the game, and you can get something to eat or drink at The Hungry Shark cafe right next door.
For crazy golf with a difference, why not have a go at footgolf at Kirkwood Park. Not as easy as it looks, you’ll get to test your skills as you kick your ball around the 18 hole course and see how many holes you can sink.
10. The cinema
Swanage is lucky to have its own independent cinema – The Mowlem. Showing a range of films for all ages, during the school holidays they have lots more films suited for youngsters and families.
Book somewhere to stay
Now that we've given you lots of ideas for a family friendly holiday, you'll need somewhere to stay.
Swanage has many different options for families depending on budget and requirements - choose from holiday parks, camping, hotels, self-catering cottages and B&Bs. We look forward to seeing you soon!
