Markets and Shopping in Swanage

Swanage town centre has a bustling high street filled with small, independent shops as well as well-known brands. There's also an outdoor town market every Friday.

From boutiques and art galleries to chocolate makers and delicatessens, you’ll find everything you need in Swanage. So there’s no need to worry if you’ve forgotten to pack a beach towel or sunglasses, as the friendly shopkeepers will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. 

There are also two supermarkets in the centre of Swanage if you're seeking a larger range of items.

Swanage Town Centre

The main shopping streets in Swanage are Station Road, Institute Road, Kings Road East and High Street.  

You’ll also find a great selection of shops tucked away on the pedestrianised Commercial Road which leads into Commercial Lane.  

The retail areas provide a fantastic connection between the nostalgic Swanage Railway Station and Victorian pier which makes for a lovely day out browsing the shops and stopping for coffee or lunch in one of the streetside cafes or seafront bistros. 

Because the majority of Swanage’s shops are independent retailers, the purchases you make here are more unique and different to what you would find on any other high street.  

Swanage Friday Market

The weekly Swanage Market is held every Friday from 8am until 1pm at the Main Beach car park on Victoria Avenue. 

From pasties and pies to cheese and clothing, there’s lots on offer from the friendly local traders. 

The market often has a coffee van and street food stalls, so it’s a great place to grab a takeaway picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach or during your day out in Swanage. 

Local produce and sustainable shopping in Swanage

If you’re a fan of chocolate you’re in luck, because Swanage is the original home of award-winning Chococo handmade chocolates. They use single-origin chocolate and local, fresh produce in their artisan handcrafted chocolates, bars, gelato and hot chocolate which you can buy from their Chocolate House on Commercial Road. 

Swanage is lucky to have a butcher and fishmonger in the town centre. Plus, Country Foods Health Store stock fresh fruit and veg and is a refill shop too!  

Swanage Supermarkets

There’s no need to do a food shop before you arrive because there are two supermarkets in Swanage. 

You’ll find Budgens on Station Road and just a few minutes walk away near the railway station is the Co-Op, which has a small pay & display car park outside.