With the weather warming up and the scent of spring in the air, a break to Swanage this Easter is just the tonic you need.
This charming seaside town has plenty to entertain families with children of all ages. Little ones can take part in Easter Egg Hunts while teenagers play adventure golf or have fun at the amusement arcades.
And there’s lots to keep adults and grandparents happy too – strolls along the Pier or beautiful sandy beach, art galleries, a Museum and Heritage Centre and lots of seaside cafes to enjoy the views of Swanage Bay.
Egg-cellent events
At Swanage Pier, the Easter Bunny has hidden some eggs. Find them all, solve the Easter saying and discover what’s hidden inside the eggs to earn your reward. There’s even a chance to win an eggcellent Easter hamper! Children under 14 get free entry to the Pier.
Hop on up to Durlston Country Park to take part in the Bonkers Bunnies Easter Trail. The trail will take you on a trip around the park and it costs just £3.50 per trail pack.
Can you help the Easter Bunny hunt for eggs as you travel on the Swanage Railway? The railway runs full-size steam and diesel trains along the five and a half miles from Swanage to Corfe Castle and Norden.
The fun-filled Easter Holiday Club with Cumulus Outdoor Adventure is suitable for 5-16 year olds. As well as outdoor activities and a hot lunch, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt, Marshmallow Bunnies and Chocolate Nest Building.
See the What’s On calendar for a full list of events taking place this Easter School Holidays.
New arrivals
There’s lots of family fun to be had at Putlake Adventure Farm this Easter.
Just a short drive from Swanage and easily reached by bus, there’s animals to meet, a giant indoor soft play area, pedal go-karts, a café, picnic areas and more.
During your day out you can bottle feed the lambs and goats, groom the pony and handle the guinea pigs!
It’s open daily from 25th March until end of October from 10am until 4:30pm.
Budget friendly days out
The Beach Gardens Sports Park will be opening for the season from 29th March and offers great value fun for children and adults alike. With tennis courts, outdoor bowls, a putting green and basketball court, you’ll spend quality time with family and friends. There’s even a café where you can get refreshments too.
A stroll along Swanage’s Victorian Pier is pure nostalgia. You’ll get fantastic views across the Bay and towards Old Harry Rocks, and there are lots of benches and a covered shelter to sit down and admire the scenery. It costs £2 per adult and is free for children under 14.
Art For Fun with Andy Knill is a free family-friendly activity for all that allows some relaxation time and a chance to chat.
Swanage is known for it’s unique microclimate which could mean a day on the beach is in order. You can borrow beach toys from the toy library at the Swanage Information Centre or even rent a beach hut for the day!
Rainy day ideas
If the April Showers try to put a dampener on your visit, fear not. We’ve got some great indoor ideas.
Durlston Castle is set on the clifftop at nearby Durlston Country Park. You might recognise the beautiful scenery and Great Globe from a recent episode of Channel 4’s Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey. There’s also a visitor centre and café, plus it’s free entry.
The journey with Swanage Railway to Corfe Castle is wonderfully nostalgic and great fun for kids and adults. You can buy tickets online or from Swanage Station.
The Mowlem is Swanage’s theatre and cinema. There are cinema screenings throughout the Easter holidays of Kung Fu Panda 4, The Colour Purple and Dune Part Two. Their upstairs Showbar is open Monday to Saturday from 5:30pm until 9:30pm and has unrivalled views of Swanage Bay.
If you’re feeling artistic, Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre is just a short drive away. With views over glorious rolling hills down to the sea, you can carve your own piece of stone art to take home as a memento of your holiday to Swanage.
Where to stay
Swanage has a fantastic range of places to stay suiting a variety of budgets and requirements.
Many of them are family friendly or welcome dogs, and for a real treat, choose to stay at one of the accommodation choices with an indoor pool or jacuzzi.
Whether you’re looking to stay at a hotel with lots of amenities, a homely B&B, cosy cottage, seafront apartment or holiday park, we’re sure you’ll find your perfect place for an Easter Break to Swanage.
Egg-tastic special offers
The Purbeck House Hotel are offering a 5% discount for 3 night stays throughout the Easter holidays.
For those of you seeking a mid-week break, The Pines Hotel have a special offer for bookings from Monday to Thursday until 28th March on a bed and breakfast basis. It’s £64.50 per person per night for an inland facing room and £79.50 per person per night for a sea facing room.
