Spring Breaks in Swanage

With winter a distant memory, there’s a real buzz in the air as spring arrives in Swanage.

As colourful flowers pop up all over the place and warm sunshine peeps through the clouds, you’ll feel a spring in your step with a short break or day trip to the seaside.

At the end of March the clocks go forward, which means lighter evenings and longer days to enjoy more of your time in this charming coastal town.

Swanage's orchids and wildflowers

As well as a huge variety of birds and butterflies, you’ll find beautiful and colourful wildflowers at Durlston Country Park.

During the springtime, bluebells, cowslips, early purple orchids and green-winged orchids can all be seen at this National Nature Reserve. There are numerous walking trails to follow or you can join a guided walk with one of the Park Rangers who will tell you all about the wildlife which surrounds you.

If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a café with amazing views of Swanage Bay which has an outdoor terrace for when the weather is nice.

Entry to the Park, Castle and Art Gallery is free, with a small charge for guided walks. Parking fees apply.

A life on the ocean waves in Swanage

For those of you who love being out on the water, there are sightseeing boats that depart from Swanage to Poole or along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

From 1 April through to the end of October Coastal Cruises offer boat trips to Poole Quay passing Old Harry Rocks, the beaches at Studland and Brownsea Island along the way. All cruises depart from Swanage Pier.

From early April to late September, Marsh’s Boats depart from the Stone Quay offering boat trips to Old Harry Rocks, Durlston Bay, Anvil Point or Dancing Ledge.

Learn about Swanage’s history

If spring showers try to put a damper on your day out, why not head indoors to Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre. This small but interesting attraction is open daily from the end of March to end of October. The Museum is located right on the waters edge, so when the rain stops you can go for a seaside stroll to the beach or pier.

Admission to Swanage Museum is free and well-behaved dogs are welcome. You’ll see displays about local heritage and the stone trade, and get to find out more about the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Spring events and festivals in Swanage

Swanage Railway’s Spring Steam Gala takes place this year from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 March 2025. Travel by heritage steam train from Swanage Station passing by the iconic Corfe Castle on the way to Norden.

Avast me hearties, it’s a pirate’s life in Swanage on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May 2025. The Pirate Festival will be coming to town along with a pirate village on Sandpit Field, re-enactments and pirate parade.

Celebrate all things magical at The Fairy Festival on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 May 2025. See mermaids swimming, watch the fairy parade and magic shows, dance at the bubble disco, learn some circus skills and lots more. The festival is located on Sandpit Field with beautiful views across Swanage Bay.

For lots more events and festivals, take a look at our What's On calendar.

Get active in Swanage

Just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront you’ll find the Beach Gardens. With lots of budget friendly activities for children and adults, you can while away a few hours and even enjoy some refreshments at Tea On The Green café.

Surrounded by tall pine trees you can test your skills on the 18 hole Putting Green, have a game of tennis or table tennis, or shoot some hoops on the Basketball Court.

All equipment can be hired or you can bring your own. The basketball court and table tennis are free to use and there is a small charge for the putting green and tennis courts. Beach Gardens is open from Easter until the end of September.

Swanage Pier

For a unique and unrivalled view of Swanage, go for a springtime stroll along Swanage Pier.

Looking out to sea towards Poole, you’ll see the cliffs of Ballard Down and the white chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks. In the other direction are the remains of the old pier and Wellington Clock Tower beyond.

It’s a great place to watch the boats come and go or enjoy some fish and chips from one of the nearby takeaways. There’s plenty of seating all along the pier to soak up the sunshine, and just in case it rains there’s a covered shelter as well. It costs just £2, with children under 14 accompanied by a paying adult getting free entry.