The Best of Arts, Culture and History in Swanage
Arts Development Company’s Communications Intern Tazmin Richings shares her favourite cultural and historical places in and around her hometown, Swanage.
Swanage is a much-loved coastal town in South-East Dorset, and my home for 24 years. It offers more than just beautiful beaches and stunning views. It has a rich history, vibrant arts scene, and a variety of creative experiences that make it a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for something different to do, Swanage has something to offer everyone.
Swanage Pier
Swanage Pier is an essential part of Swanage’s Victorian heritage, and the pier you see today was opened in 1897. From the pier you can do an array of activities, including a stroll through their digital tour which includes old images, videos, games, and a virtual trip along the old Pier.
The pier is home to Britain's oldest diving school, Divers Down, which opened in 1958 which offers a range of diving trips, including wreck dives, reef dives, and pier dives catering to all skill levels. There are daily boat trips over to Poole with Coastal Cruises, and there are special event boat trips such as the Waverley Paddle Steamer, which offers trips across to the Isle of Wight and the Jurassic Coast.
Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park is a clifftop nature reserve, home to over 2,000 species of wildlife and over 500 types of wildflowers. There is also a renovated Victorian castle with an art gallery, gift shop, café and visitor centre, where you can pick up a walking trail of the area.
In the country park grounds there is The Great Globe, which is one of the largest stone spheres in the world, weighing 40 tons and measuring 10 feet in diameter. The globe was moved from Greenwich, London in 15 pieces, then travelled by boat and horse and cart, and then reassembled at Durlston. There are also the remnants of a stone quarry at Tilly Whims Caves, Anvil Point lighthouse and the wild play trail.
Swanage Museum
In the heart of the town is Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre. Here you can discover the town’s rich history, from its origins as a small fishing village and the importance of the stone trade, to the transition to a successful Victorian seaside resort. There is also information about the geography and geology of the town.
There are three heritage trails that take you around the town, available from the museum for just 10p. One shows you where unique Victorian buildings can be seen, including old London relics that were saved from destruction.
The Mowlem
Right on Swanage seafront is The Mowlem. Its a multi-purpose venue which hosts a diverse range of events with over 200 film performances and up to 100 nights of live performances each year. Book tickets for concerts, comedy shows, and theatre and community events. They frequently showcase local talent through live community performances.
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The Showbar, in The Mowlem building open daily, offers spectacular views of Swanage bay and Old Harry Rocks. They also put on regular events such as after parties after live music performances and events linked to local festivals such as Swanage Carnival and Swanage Folk Festival.
Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway is a heritage railway running both steam and diesel engines. What you see today is the work of several generations of dedicated railway and community volunteers. After the mainline closed in 1972, volunteers started working to reopen the tracks from 1976. The first passenger train journey took place in 1979, and the full five and a half miles through the Purbeck countryside was restored in 1995 with stations in Swanage, Harmans Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden.
Swanage Railways also puts on many special events throughout the year. You can enjoy a cream tea or fish and chips service, footplate experience, railway photography day, steam galas or the Polar Express Christmas experience.
