A 3 day getaway in Swanage offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and cultural exploration.
Swanage is a charming seaside town located in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. With beautiful beaches, historic sites, natural beauty and a vibrant local scene, Swanage promises an unforgettable short break or long weekend.
Here's our 3 day itinerary for making the most of your time in this picturesque coastal town.
Day one
Arrival and a seafront walk: No matter how you’ve travelled to Swanage, you’ll no doubt want to get some fresh air after your journey. Get to know the town and enjoy the scenic views by taking a leisurely stroll along the seafront to Swanage Pier.
If the weather is nice you might want to stop at the golden sand beach to soak up the views and relax after your journey. If you have children with you who are itching to build a sandcastle, you can borrow buckets, spades and other beach toys from Swanage Information Centre opposite the beach. Inside the Centre there's lots of information, as well as leaflets and maps that you might want to pick up.
Continue your walk past The Mowlem (you’ll go there this evening), stopping at Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre which tells the story of the town's history. A few minutes’ walk away is Swanage Pier. This historic Victorian pier has 360° panoramic views of Swanage Bay, as well as Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight in the distance.
Lunch: There are lots of options for places to eat on or near Swanage Pier including 1859 Pier Café & Bistro, Pier Head Restaurant, Smoke On The Water and Gee Whites.
Afternoon: After lunch, hop on a train for a scenic ride on the Swanage Railway. This heritage railway offers a nostalgic journey through the stunning countryside, passing by the iconic Corfe Castle. If you have time, you can get off the train at Corfe Castle station to explore the picturesque village (also called Corfe Castle) and the medieval castle ruins.
Dinner: Choose to eat dinner at one of the restaurants or pubs in Swanage or nearby. There's lots of places to eat out depending on your budget and tastes - posh nosh, seafood bistros, traditional pubs, restaurants with sea views, fine dining and more.
Evening: Take in a show or watch a movie at The Mowlem - Swanage’s independent theatre and cinema. You can enjoy a pre-show drink in their Showbar which has unrivalled views of the beach and bay.
Day two
Morning: Start your second day with a visit to Durlston Castle and Country Park which is FREE to enter. You can either drive up (there’s a pay & display car park) or walk, which involves a 20-30 minute hike along the South West Coast Path. Quite a bit of the walk is uphill, but there’s places to stop for a rest and the views are definitely worth the effort!
This expansive Country Park has stunning coastal views, a huge variety of wildlife and picturesque walking trails. Don't miss exploring inside the Castle, which has a Visitor Centre, art gallery and gift shop.
Lunch: The Seventh Wave Café inside the castle has both inside and outside seating. If the weather is nice we’d definitely recommend sitting out on the terrace with amazing views of the Jurassic Coast. There are also picnic benches outside the Castle if you’re brought your own food and drink with you.
Afternoon: For those of you who like to be active on holiday, there are lots of watersports to try in Swanage, such as kayaking, coasteering and paddleboarding. If you’re seeking something a little less energetic, you could hire a pedalo from the beach, take a self-drive motor boat around Swanage Bay or relax in Swanage Bay Sauna on the seafront.
Evening and dinner: No seaside holiday is complete without fish and chips and the beach is a great place to eat them. There’s also a number of eat-in fish and chip restaurants along the seafront if you don’t fancy eating outdoors. Afterwards, spend your pennies in the amusement arcades, go for a drink in one of the many local pubs or watch the sunset from Peveril Point.
Wellington Clock Tower © Paul Dimarco Photography
Day three
Morning: Check out of your accommodation and join a 4 hour guided tour in a customised 4X4 jeep with Dorset Safari. You'll get to see views not possible from your own car, with the added luxury of travelling in a comfortable Land Rover Defender with air conditioning, leather seats and panoramic windows. During the tour you'll visit the best that the Isle of Purbeck and Jurassic Coast has to offer including Corfe Castle, Tyneham Village, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Lunch: You'll arrive back in Swanage at 12:30pm, and will no doubt be hungry for some food. Head up to Station Road (the road leading up to the railway station) or the lanes off Commercial Road where you'll find lots of cafés, some have outside seating if the weather is nice.
Afternoon: Before you leave Swanage for the journey home, why not head to Santa Fe Fun Park for a round of crazy golf Jurassic style, and of course enjoy a delicious ice-cream - the perfect ending to your short break in Swanage.
Accommodation Options
Swanage offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. For hotels with sea views, you might like to book the Grand Hotel or The Pines Hotel, which have stunning views and excellent facilities. For a more budget-friendly option, try the Swanage Youth Hostel, which provides comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
There's also B&Bs, guesthouses, self catering cottages and apartments, holiday park and campsites, so whatever your requirements, Swanage has the perfect place to stay overnight.
Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with family, this charming town has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of Swanage!
