If you are planning a trip to Swanage with your loved one, here's our top 10 things to see and do for couples.
No matter your age, budget or abilities, there are lots of days out to enjoy with your significant other. From romantic spas and theatre shows to picnics in the park and exploring castles, there's plenty of choice for how to spend your time together in Swanage
Jump on a heritage steam train
Photo credit: Diana Jarvis
Take a nostalgic steam train ride on the Swanage Railway.
Starting from Swanage Station, you’ll journey through the Isle of Purbeck countryside before reaching the picturesque village of Corfe Castle with it’s romantic castle ruins.
The end of the line is at Norden, where you can jump off the train to explore the Mining Museum or grab a cup of tea at the café.
Stroll along Swanage Pier
Taking a stroll along the pier is a must when visiting Swanage.
This charming Victorian pier has been restored to it’s former glory with plenty of seats to sit and admire the views of Swanage Bay and Old Harry Rocks.
There’s a café near the pier which offers fantastic views of the bay, and it also has a small free museum inside to learn more about the pier.
Go on safari
Enjoy a guided 4x4 safari across the stunning Purbeck Hills or Jurassic Coast in a customised Land Rover Defender with Dorset Safari.
You’ll reach places inaccessible by private cars, travelling along off-road byways, permitted farm tracks and country roads.
The 4 hour tour will travel from Swanage over the hills towards Corfe Castle and then on towards Kimmeridge, Tyneham Village, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Have a meal out
Enjoying a meal out with your loved one is a major part of any holiday or short break.
Whether you choose somewhere that's super romantic or has more of a laid back style, be sure to try out the local flavours and fresh seafood.
Don’t think that eating out has to cost a fortune though, because there are some great options to enjoy traditional fish and chips on the beach or you could get some tasty treats for a picnic in Prince Albert Gardens.
Take a boat trip
For those of you who love sitting back and enjoying the view, there’s a couple of sightseeing boat trips from Swanage.
Coastal Cruises depart from Swanage Pier for a day trip to Poole Quay passing Old Harry Rocks. Or you could hop on a boat trip with Marsh’s Boats to Durlston Bay and Anvil Point. During the summer both offer birdwatching boat trips.
If you’d rather be a bit more active, you could book onto a diving boat trip or sea fishing trip and get up close to what lies beneath the water.
Go to see a show or watch a movie
Swanage is lucky to have its own independent theatre and cinema called The Mowlem.
There are lots of restaurants and pubs nearby where you can enjoy a pre-dinner meal, and The Mowlem even has their own showbar with panoramic views across Swanage Bay – it’s a real hidden gem.
Visit Durlston Castle
Free to enter and fantastic to visit at any time of the year, Durlston Castle and Country Park is just a 20 minute walk uphill from Swanage town centre, or a few minutes drive in the car (parking charges apply).
There’s a visitor centre, gift shop and café here too – if the weather is warm be sure to head out onto the café’s terrace to soak in the stunning views along the Jurassic Coast or enjoy a picnic at one of the wooden benches.
Join a group activity
If you love being active on holiday, there are lots of land or water based activities to choose from in Swanage.
Join a walking tour, go kayaking, try stand-up paddleboarding, learn bushcraft skills, have a go at coasteering, find out how to forage for food, create your own stone carving, learn how to sail…the list goes on!
Sometimes you’ll be joining a larger group for the day or at other times you’ll be able to book a private session for just the two of you.
Book a spa session
Get the chance to relax and reconnect with your other half at a sauna or spa session.
The Burlington Spa at the Grand Hotel is free for hotel guests or just a small charge for day use. It includes a heated indoor plunge pool, sauna and jacuzzi, and you can book massages and beauty treatments as well.
At Studland, if you want to try the latest craze of enjoying a seaside sauna you’re in luck. The sauna is right on the beach which means its perfect for enjoying a quick dip in the sea to refresh and reinvigorate your mind, body and soul.
Also at Studland is the new Sae Seaweed Spa, offering seaweed bathing in the comfort of a rolltop bath with views of the coast. You’ll also get a seaweed foot scrub and face mask to add to your experience.
Go on a bike ride
A great way to explore the local area and surrounding villages is by pedal power. If you’ve brought your own bike with you, you can pick up local cycling route leaflets at Swanage Information Centre.
Or if you need to hire a bike, you can catch the train to Norden Station and then hire a bike from Cyclexperience. They will give you everything you need for a day of adventure, and they even have electric bikes to rent too, so you won’t need to worry about the hills if you’re new to cycling.
Book your romantic escape to Swanage
Now that we've given you the inspiration for days out in the local area, the next step is to find somewhere to stay in Swanage.
With options including hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks, glamping, camping and self-catering cottages and apartments, there's lots to choose from. If you really want to treat yourselves, why not book somewhere with a seaview or private hot tub?
