Swanage Beach

About

The sandy beach is one of the main attractions of the town. The waters are clean, and the beach has won many European Blue Flag Awards, as well as the Seaside Award. Swanage beach has a well earned reputation for being a good place to soak up the sun and play in the sand and sea.

Deck chairs are available for hire, as are pedaloes, kayaks and sun beds. The beach runs the length of the town and is backed by a promenade lined with amusements and attractions. It is found on the South West Coast Path.

Diver training and excursions run regularly from Swanage. Other water sports include sailing, water-skiing and wind surfing.

An attractive promenade (which is partly pedestrianised during the summer months) runs along a stretch of the beach.

Hire a beach hut as the perfect base for your days out with friends and family. Book a beach hut online.

Toilets and beach shower are available.

Dogs are welcome on Swanage beach between 1st October - 30th April each year. From the 1st May - 30th September, dogs are not permitted on the Council-owned Central Beach, however, pet owners are welcome to use 'Monkey Beach' which is located by the old stone quay, close to the pier.

The resort of Swanage started to become popular soon after the opening of the railway in 1885, which saw the Victorians arriving in Swanage to enjoy the clean air and the new fashion of ‘sea bathing’ and soon became known as one of the sunniest towns on the south coast.

Website

Telephone: +44 01929 766018

Awards

Beach Awards Seaside Awards - 2019 2019
Beach Awards Blue Flag Awards 2019 2019

Facilities

Accessibility

Disabled toilets
Easy access from main roads/good public transport links
Guide Dogs Permitted
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - along the seafront past the clock tower with Blue badge displayed. Also several disabled bays within the town centre.
Ramp/Level Access
Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Attraction Facilities

Amusements
Beach Hut hire available from the Tourist Information Centre
Deckchairs
Lifeguards (May - September)
Pleasure boat cruises
Shop
Shower facilities
Toilets
Tourist Information (may be seasonal)
Watersports equipment hire

Catering

Beach side refreshment kiosk
Cafes/Licensed Family Restaurants/Refreshments

Establishment Features

Open All Year

Event Facilities

Free Entry

Key Features

Outdoor Attraction

Parking & Transport

Parking (charge) - The main beach car and coach park is found on Victoria Avenue

Map & Directions

View Map

Road Directions

Route 1: If you are coming from the North or Midlands go south on the A34 and take the M3 going west. If from the South East of England pick up the M3 and go west. Leave the M3 at Exit 13 onto the M27 West which later becomes the A31. Immediately after Ringwood turn left on the A338 to Bournemouth. Follow signs to Poole, then Sandbanks. Follow signs for the car ferry* which goes on the hour and every 20 minutes between Sandbanks and Studland. After driving off the ferry, drive straight on through Studland then fork left to Swanage. Follow signs to the main beach car park.

Route 2: If are coming from the West of England take the A352 from Dorchester via Wool to Wareham, then the A351 for Swanage. From the North West take the A350 around Blandford Forum and then turn right at Spetisbury on the B3075. When it joins the busy A31 turn right and then left back onto the B3075. Keep going until you reach the A351 towards Swanage.

*Please check that the ferry is operating before choosing this route. If the ferry is not in service please use alternative route via Wareham.

Public Transport Directions

By Train & Bus:

From The West: The nearest mainline railway station is Wareham (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line). Catch the number 40 bus from Wareham Railway Station to Swanage Bus/Railway Station. At times when the Swanage Railway is running: Travel on the number 40 bus to Corfe Castle (East Street stop) then catch the steam train from Corfe Castle Station to Swanage. Tel: 01929 425800 or visit their website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk

From The East: Catch the train to Bournemouth Railway Station then transfer to the number 50 bus to Swanage Bus/Railway Station.

Journey planning: To plan your journey by public transport, visit the Traveline website: www.travelinesw.com