With the rush of the school summer holidays behind us, now is the time for a more relaxed and quiet holiday to Swanage.
As summer fades and the colours of autumn begin to appear, there’s still lots of sunny days to enjoy on the south coast. September is a fantastic month for enjoying time at the beach without the crowds and the seas are at their warmest in autumn – perfect for sea swimming, coasteering or diving.
During late autumn, look forward to pubs with roaring log fires, delicious Sunday roast dinners and perhaps even a trip to a seaside sauna!
Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway’s heritage steam and diesel trains travel between Swanage and Norden, passing the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle along the way.
The unmistakable sounds of the chugging locomotives and puffs of steam filling the air will evoke feelings of nostalgia of days gone by.
Jump on a train for a 11 mile return trip. Alternatively, you could catch the train one-way to Corfe Castle and walk back along the Purbeck Way, or get off the train at Herston Halt and walk to Durlston Country Park.
Don’t miss the Classic Steam and Vehicle Show near Harman’s Cross Railway Station from the 6 to 8 September 2024. As well as getting the chance to arrive by heritage train, you’ll see vintage, modern and custom motorbikes, classic cars, tractors and much more. There’ll be food and drink stalls as well as a beer tent.
The Waverley paddle steamer
In Swanage it’s not just about vintage railways, but also vintage boats too.
The Waverley is the world's last seagoing paddle steamer and every year offers day trips from Swanage Pier to destinations along the south coast.
You can join one of the boat trips to the Isle of Wight on 2, 4, 11 and 17 September, a Jurassic Coast cruise on 5, 8, 15, 19, 22 or 25 September, or a day trip to Portsmouth on 18 September.
Even if you don’t have your sea legs, just watching The Waverley arrive into Swanage is a wonderful sight, and there are plenty of chances to see this magnificent vessel before it heads to it’s next destination of London and the River Thames.
Bird migration along the Swanage coast
Autumn sees many bird species flying south for the winter to the warmer climates of Africa or South America.
Durlston Country Park is a great location for birdwatching during this seasonal spectacle, and on their website they have a month by month wildlife spotting guide so you know what to look out for during September, October and November.
And it’s not just birds which will be flying about, you might see butterflies or bats, and down on the ground look out for Autumn Lady’s Tresses, Golden Samphire or Autumn Gentian.
Kayaking and paddleboarding in Swanage
If you love being on the water and enjoy a gentler pace of life, kayaking or paddleboarding could be your kind of activity.
Beginners can join a guided tour with Cumulus Outdoor Adventure, Fore Adventure or Land & Wave. Group and private sessions start from 2 hours, and they will provide all the equipment and buoyancy aids (some also provide wetsuits too).
Intermediate and experienced paddlers can hire a kayak or paddleboard straight off the beach. You’ll find the kiosk opposite Swanage Information Centre.
Go on a scenic safari in Swanage
Jump in a customised Land Rover Defender for a half day Purbeck Hills and Jurassic Coast safari – getting to see views and landscapes not possible from your own vehicle. You’ll be travelling in style with air conditioning, panoramic windows and leather seats.
Starting from Swanage, you’ll travel to Corfe Castle, Heaven’s Gate, Tyneham Village, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, accessing country roads, off-road byways and permitted landowners farm tracks.
Explore Swanage on foot
Walking and hiking is much more pleasant when the weather is cooler, so the autumn months are perfect for exploring Swanage and the surrounding area on foot.
Whether you’re seeking a hilltop hike, a countryside ramble or coastal stroll, there are many walks and trails to choose from depending on your ability and time.
There are 10 walking routes and trails to choose from including the South West Coast Path, Sculpture Trails and walks about the history of the Isle of Purbeck.
Swanage's Autumn festivals
Swanage Folk Festival dances its way into town from the 6 to 8 September 2024. There’ll be music, ceilidhs and children’s activities to enjoy, as well as colourful and energetic folk dancers too. At Sandpit Field you can watch over 20 top Folk Bands from across Europe, with performances also taking place at lots of venues across the town.
The autumn Swanage Blues Festival takes place from 3 to 6 October 2024. Expect top class acts, gigs, open mic and jam sessions at 15 indoor venues. Enjoy music, dancing, eating, drinking, fun and laughter across the town and beyond, starting on Thursday evening and going on till late on Sunday.
Running every year during the last two weeks of October, the Purbeck Film Festival this year takes place from 18 October to 3 November 2024. The screenings are shown at wonderful independent cinemas like The Mowlem in Swanage as well as castles, walled gardens, village halls, stately homes, churches, sports clubs, hotels and restaurants across Swanage, the Isle of Purbeck and beyond.
Coasteering in Swanage
The sea temperature on England’s south coast is at it’s warmest during autumn, following the heat of summer. So, it’s a brilliant time of year to dive into something new – quite literally.
Coasteering sessions are run from April to October by a number of local outdoor pursuit companies, including Cumulus Outdoor Adventure, Fore Adventure and Land & Wave.
During the half-day session you’ll scramble and climb nearby coastal cliffs at Dancing Ledge and then get to jump into the sea below for an exhilarating rush. You’ll be provided with a wetsuit and safety gear, and will be supervised by professional instructors.
This adventurous activity is suitable from children aged 8 and up, and is great for families and groups. Couples and solo travellers can join group sessions or book a private session.
Book an autumn break to Swanage
Now that you've been inspired to visit Swanage during September, October or November, choose where to stay from our wide range of accommodation options.
From historic hotels to cosy B&Bs, self-catering cottages and apartments with sea views, there is something for all budgets and requirements.
