Don’t let a bit of bad weather dampen your spirits when visiting Swanage - embrace the opportunity to discover the indoor delights of this charming seaside resort.
The town offers plenty of rainy day attractions and activities for all ages to enjoy, such as a museum, castle, cinema, spa, saunas and much more.
Here’s our ideas for things to do inside on wet weather days.
Visit a museum
Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre is a small but fascinating museum giving insight into the town’s past, and telling the story of Swanage’s maritime history.
You’ll also find out about local entrepreneurs and developers John Mowlem and George Burt, both of which rescued architectural relics from London and re-located them to Swanage. Wellington Clock Tower opposite Swanage Pier is just one example of this – it used to be at London Bridge!
At the back of the museum there are traditional shop fronts like the type you’d find during the war years. Children will love seeing what life used to be like and grandparents will love the nostalgia of it all.
The museum is free to enter and is open seasonally.
Enjoy a movie at The Mowlem Theatre and Cinema
The Mowlem is perfect for a rainy day - you can catch the latest films or enjoy a live performance. They also have an upstairs bar with panoramic views of Swanage Bay, which sells a variety of hot and cold drinks.
Plus, there are café’s and ice-cream parlours right next door to The Mowlem, so you don’t have to risk getting caught out in the rain if you’re feeling hungry.
Get Crafty
If you’re feeling creative, why not spend some time at a local craft workshop? The Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre located near Swanage offers stone carving workshops where you can create your own masterpiece. They also have courses to learn drawing, creative writing and geology too.
There’s a range of 2 hour or day stone carving sessions suitable for adults and children (minimum 8 years old). Not only do you get to learn something new with views of the gorgeous countryside, but you get to take home your own piece of artwork as well.
Relax at a spa or beachside sauna
The new Swanage Bay Sauna is positioned right opposite Swanage Beach, so as you sit inside in the hot, dry sauna, you can gaze out to sea and even take a dip if you’re feeling brave!
You’ll also find Burlington Health Spa at the Grand Hotel, which is free to hotel guests and a small charge for visitors. There’s an indoor heated plunge pool, jacuzzi, sauna, plus they offer treatments too.
Take a boat trip or steam train ride
No matter the weather, you can always do some sightseeing of our wonderful coastline or countryside.
The nostalgic Swanage Railway will transport you not only back in time, but also 5 and a half miles through the countryside to the pretty village of Corfe Castle and the end of the branch line at Norden. At Norden there’s an indoor claying mining museum to explore, and in Corfe Castle village, you’ll find souvenir shops, and quaint cafés and pubs to while away a few hours.
Coastal Cruises departs from Swanage Pier between April and end of October. The 1 hour cruise will take you to Poole Quay passing the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks along the way. The on-board commentary will tell you about the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. At Poole there are lots of pubs, restaurants and cafés to enjoy something to eat or drink before returning to Swanage.
Visit Durlston Castle
Step into Durlston Castle to learn about nature and the Jurassic Coast, as well as see the gorgeous views of Swanage Bay.
The Castle dates back to Victorian times and has a visitor centre, art gallery, gift shop and café. If you’ve got a head for heights, you can climb the spiral staircase (or take the lift) up to the highest room in the Castle – The Belvedere. From here you can amazing views of the coastline.
In the Fine Foundation Gallery there is an everchanging display of artwork and in the Rock Room, you can find out about Durlston’s Jurassic past.
The Castle is free to enter, welcomes dogs on leads and is fully accessible. Parking charges apply.
Find out more about Durlston Castle and Country Park.
Jump into a world of soft play
Suitable for children aged 0 to 10, let them go wild on the giant indoor soft play area at Putlake Adventure Park, located on the outskirts of Swanage.
There’s slides, tunnels, ball pits and more for the kids and a café for the parents. If the weather perks up, head outside to explore the farm, feed the animals or jump on a pedal go-kart.
Shop for Souvenirs
Finally, take some time to explore the local shops and boutiques in Swanage. You’ll find a variety of unique items, from handmade crafts to local produce. It’s a great way to support local businesses and find special gifts for yourself or loved ones.
