If you are planning a summer holiday along Dorset’s beautiful coast, the seaside resort of Swanage has everything you could wish for. An award-winning sandy beach, clifftop castle, beach huts for hire and ice-creams aplenty await you!
Swanage’s unique microclimate means that even when other parts of the county are cloudy, the sun is shining on Swanage, thanks to its sheltered position next to the Purbeck Ridge.
The warm summer evenings will give you more time to explore the town. You can listen to live music at the local pubs, chance your luck in the amusement arcades, enjoy fish and chips on the beach or watch the sunset from Swanage Pier.
Beach days in Swanage
A summer’s day at the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beach.
Swanage’s beautiful award-winning sandy beach has a shallow slope into the sea, as well as a designated swimming zone during the summer months – perfect for families and those wanting to cool off during the heat of the day.
You’ll find a Punch and Judy show on the central beach from mid July to early September and you can also hire pedalos to get a bit of gentle exercise as you explore Swanage Bay.
There’s no need to bring everything with you as deckchairs, sun loungers, windbreaks and parasols are available to hire. There’s also a beach toy library outside the Information Centre, where you can borrow children’s toys for the day for free.
Swanage Carnival week and summer fireworks
The biggest event of Swanage’s summer season is without doubt the Carnival and Regatta.
The 8 day long event takes place from Saturday 26 July to Sunday 2 August 2025 and sees thousands of visitors flock to the town.
One of the UK’s largest charitable events, Swanage Carnival provides 8 days of fun filled entertainment with more than 100 different events throughout the week.
Listen to live music, take part in sporting events and games, gaze at the dazzling fireworks and watch the amazing Carnival Procession along the seafront.
Swanage's bird watching boat trips
During late spring and early summer, local sightseeing boats take visitors to see the nesting seabirds on the nearby limestone cliffs at Dancing Ledge. You’ll get the chance to see Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Puffins, Peregrine Falcons and more.
Marsh’s Boats departs from the Stone Quay and Coastal Cruises depart from Swanage Pier.
With City Cruises you’ll be accompanied by the Rangers from Durlston Country Park who will give you a commentary about the wildlife you’ll see on the cruise, as well as learning about the geology and history of Durlston. The boat trips run on Friday evenings between mid May and early July.
Just don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Diving and fishing in Swanage
As the sea warms up during the summer months, the sparkling blue waters will entice visitors to explore the underwater world at Swanage Pier or head out for a day of sea fishing.
Whether you’re a novice or experienced diver, you can join Swanage Boat Charters on a diving trip. They offer daily diving and visit wrecks, reef, scenic and drift dive sites.
If you prefer to be on the water, hop on board one of the Swanage Sea Fishing boats to see what you can catch for your dinner. Suitable for those with fishing experience as well as beginners, including children, they offer mackerel fishing trips, as well as inshore, wreck and deep sea fishing.
Crazy golf in Swanage
For the young and young at heart, a game of mini golf is a must.
With views over the beach, the Santa Fe Fun Park has two outdoor adventure golf courses to choose from – Shipwreck Island and Jurassic Golf. Compete against your friends or family to see who will be victorious as you take aim amongst smugglers and velociraptors!
Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach you’ll find an 18 hole putting green at Beach Gardens Sports Park. Set in amongst mature pine trees, this is a great low cost activity, and the Tea On The Green café sells drinks and light refreshments.
For something a little different, Kirkwood Park has an 18 hole course for pitch and putt, football golf and frisbee golf. Dogs are welcome and there are views of the Swanage Railway and Ballard Down to enjoy while you play.
Open air cinema and outdoor theatre in Swanage
Warm summer evenings are the perfect time to enjoy some outdoor theatre or open air cinema under the stars in Swanage.
Part of the Purbeck Film Festival, there is open air cinema every August at Durlston Country Park and nearby Corfe Castle.
Book your summer break to Swanage
Now that you've got lots of ideas of what to see and do during summer in Swanage, the next step is to book somewhere to stay.
No matter your budget or requirements, there's lot of accommodation options to choose from in Swanage. B&B's, hotels, holiday parks, guest houses, self catering properties, caravan sites and campsites are all available to book for your next summer getaway. So what are you waiting for?
sea swimming
