Swanage.co.uk | Swanage Tourist Information and Local Guide

What makes Swanage special?

Swanage’s stunning coastal location and proximity to many Jurassic Coast gems is what makes it really special.

Swanage Bay, which sweeps from Ballard Down to the north across to Peveril Point in the south, is protected from major southwesterly storms, while the Isle of Wight provides a degree of shelter from easterly storms. As such, the bay is ideal for swimming, sailing, diving and other watersports.

The weather in Swanage is favourably mild, with few frosts and little snow in the winter. During the summer months, the area draws many thousands of visitors for its traditional British seaside feel, and there are numerous festivals, events and things to do throughout the year, making Swanage a year-round destination for families, couples and individual travellers. If you’re a foodie, music fan, or arts and crafts enthusiast, then Swanage is an excellent base to explore the Isle of Purbeck’s culinary and artisan scene from.

Whether you’re just visiting, already live here, or are thinking of relocating to Swanage, there’s a wealth of things to do all year round, so make the most of exploring Purbeck’s many pretty villages, weekend farmers’ markets, delicious restaurants and excellent pubs, as well as the array of annual events they host. There’s also loads going on for kids – from after-school clubs and summer holiday workshops to organised outdoor adventure activities and simply just popping down to the beach for tea after school or a day out exploring.

If you can’t visit but wish to see, then there are a number of webcams including the one on the RNLI’s boathouse that gives a great view across the sea to the iconic Jurassic Coast landform Old Harry Rocks.

Welcome to Swanage sign with Purbeck Hills behind

Where is Swanage?

Swanage is located in Dorset, on the south-west coast of England. It lies to the west of Poole Harbour and Bournemouth and to the east of Weymouth. It is the only town on the Isle of Purbeck and is famous for being part of the world-renowned Jurassic Coast.

Getting to Swanage

Arrive by car

There are two main routes into Swanage by car – via Wareham or via the Sandbanks Ferry from Poole to Studland.

Buses, taxis and Wareham Railway Station

Buses run from Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth and you can also get a bus or taxi from Wareham Railway station – Swanage’s nearest mainline station.

Swanage is also served by the heritage line Swanage Railway, which runs from Norden to Swanage.

From abroad – nearest airports

Bournemouth airport is convenient for Swanage if you are planning to hire a car for your holiday. Southampton Airport has a train that goes straight from the airport (Southampton Airport Parkway) to Swanage’s nearest mainline station, Wareham.

Things to do in and around Swanage

People have been drawn to Swanage for generations because of its location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Dorset AONB) – and especially its beautiful, sandy bay.

Swanage’s Blue Flag beach is one of the town’s main attractions, however there are plenty of other things for visitors of all ages to do both in and around Swanage.

West Lulworth

If you are visiting Lulworth Cove, allow extra time to meander the picture-postcard streets of West Lulworth village, which has thatched cottages and window boxes galore. West Lulworth has a distinct holiday buzz about it in the summer months as visitors use it as a base from which to explore the cove as well as nearby Jurassic Coast gems Durdle Door, Stair Hole, the Lulworth Fossil Forest and Man O’ War Bay. It’s also the perfect spot for a bracing walk and warming meal or drink in winter. Go for a paddle or do some rock-pooling in Lulworth Cove, visit one of the village’s pubs, or grab some fish and chips or an ice cream and meander the village’s pretty streets before stopping in one of the gift shops, where you can find Jurassic Coast-related treasures such as fossils and locally-made souvenirs to take a bit of Dorset home with you. If you’re feeling adventurous, Lulworth Outdoors offers various watersports and land activities – hire a kayak or mountain bike for the afternoon, or book onto a coasteering or snorkelling session. Feeling peckish? There are plenty of places to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner in West Lulworth, as well as the […]

Knoll Beach car park

The most famous and popular of Studland Bay’s beaches has a large car park for exploring everything Knoll Beach has to offer. Knoll Beach car park is open seven days week, all year round, allowing you to return again and again to discover the different aspects of this special area of Studland. There’s a wide stretch of sandy beach and dunes, woodland walks and handy facilities such as loos, a shop and café. There are two main areas of Knoll Beach car park – if you’re looking to stay for a day out at this gloriously long and sandy beach, head to the right as you come in, or if you’re after a ramble through the woodland or sand dunes, or attending an event at the discovery centre, head to the left. The National Trust shop and café is situated directly between these two sides, along with toilet facilities, kayak hire and dog water stations. Car park opening times Whilst the beach is open all day, car park opening hours vary seasonally, typically as follows: Winter/Early Spring – 9am – 5pm Spring (From 1 April) – 8.30am – 6pm Summer (From 1 June) – 8.30 – 8pm (Timings correct as […]

The Mill Pond

Exploring the backstreets of Swanage reveals a surprise at every turn, with many architectural and historical features to discover. One of these is the picture-postcard Mill Pond, hugged by a curving row of cottages with brightly-coloured doors – a little oasis in this busy town. You’ll find the mill pond, created via a dam with the presence of a natural spring here for many years, behind St Mary’s Church (which holds a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year) off Church Hill. The old Purbeck stone water mill, built in 1754, has now been turned into two homes. The walls surrounding the mill pond are Grade-II listed and are thought to date back to the 18th Century. It’s said they were constructed to prevent cattle from entering the stream and thus polluting it. It is believed that this very old part of Swanage (once upon a time called Swanwick) was once something of a community hub, with the mill pond as its centre. These archive images show the mill pond’s history brought to life. The etching was made by a Sir John Charles Robinson, an artist and art curator and collector who lived in Swanage in the early 1900s. Sir […]

Old Harry Rocks

One of the most iconic landforms on the South Coast – Old Harry Rocks – is just a stone’s throw from Swanage and an important feature of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast history. There are various walking routes to Old Harry Rocks from both Swanage and Studland, each offering breathtaking views of this unique rock formation. The white chalk promontory and ‘stacks’ that make up Old Harry rise from the sea between Swanage Bay and Studland Bay at Handfast Point on the headland of Ballard Down. They were once part of a chalk ridge that connected to The Needles on the Isle of Wight. On a clear day you can stand up on the cliff and see across to The Needles – three chalk stacks, similar to Old Harry Rocks, which rise from the sea off the island twenty miles away. From certain angles, and depending on where you are in Purbeck you can also see the stack known as Old Harry’s Wife, as well as further stack and a stump to the west of Old Harry known as the Pinnacles. There is also a now-inaccessible chalk ‘island’ known as No Man’s Land, which has become isolated by the sea. The gap between this […]

Swanage Bandstand

Stop by Swanage Bandstand for a quick bit of truly local history – or plan your visit for when an event is taking place to experience some good, old-fashioned entertainment. The Swanage Town Band often performs at the 1920s bandstand, and local residents and campaigners have worked hard over the years to restore it to its former glory and keep this special piece of Swanage history alive. You can find the charming green and white structure in Recreation Ground, by Horsecliffe Lane and Mermond Place car park, where it overlooks Swanage Bay. There is a children’s play park alongside it, as well as the Sante Fe fun park, which features a Jurassic-themed crazy golf course, small rides for young children and a seasonal bouncy castle. History Swanage Bandstand has a rich history, and has hosted many local events for the town over the years. After storm damage and falling into disrepair, it was recently fully restored, meaning that Swanage residents and visitors can look forward to a varied itinerary of events at this historic community hub for years to come. Construction and installation The Swanage bandstand was first installed in 1923 by Scottish cast iron manufacturers Walter Macfarlane & Co. […]

Swanage Pier

The fully-restored Grade II-listed Victorian pier in Swanage is a must-visit attraction for a sense of the town’s history, as well as giving you a unique perspective of Swanage Bay. Perfect for a stroll with an ice cream and evoking that nostalgic feeling of stepping back in time, Swanage Pier also has a variety of attractions, including a café, a small exhibition and a gift shop. Take time to explore the exhibition space, which explains the pier’s history, and stop for a light bite at the pier’s cafe – the aptly named 1859 (the year the original pier was first built). And, for the more adventurous, you can even book a dive session or training course with the local diving school Divers Down, which is also based here. Nearby is also Swanage Sailing Club and Swanage Sea Rowing Club. Both the new and the old pier can be particularly atmospheric in different weathers and seasons, and you’ll often find artists or photographers catching the sun rising or setting behind them. Walking to the end of Swanage Pier gives you a panoramic view of the town and bay, which reaches from Peveril Point around to Ballard Down, as well as the […]

The local area surrounding Swanage

While a week spending time in Swanage can easily keep a family entertained, there are many more activities and places to discover.

Make Swanage your base to explore the hidden gems of the Isle of Purbeck.

Sports & activities

Whether you’re coming to Swanage for its watersports, coasteering and biking opportunities, or just want to keep up your normal exercise routine, Swanage and the surrounding landscape and coastline of the Isle of Purbeck are guaranteed to keep you active and out in the fresh air whatever the weather. Head out into the Purbeck Hills or explore the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, or book on to an organised activity with one of the local outdoor adventure companies. Watersports and outdoor adventure There are as many ways to explore the Isle of Purbeck as there are beautiful locations. Various local companies allow you to discover land and sea from unique perspectives – from boat and kayak hire to rock-climbing and coasteering. Swanage Bay and Studland Bay are home to excellent watersports and outdoor adventure facilities. You can book a diving session off Swanage Pier, join an organised coasteering group at Dancing Ledge, or hire a kayak at Swanage Beach or one of Studland’s beaches such as Knoll Beach or Middle Beach. Take a boat trip from Swanage to explore the beautiful bay and coastline from a different perspective. If you have your own boat there are various options for storing and […]

Walks & hiking

We are spoilt for choice in Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck with so many wonderful places to explore. To make it easier for you to plan your visit we’ve broken up some of the best walks into handy categories, so you can find the right one for your day out. For stunning scenery Perfect for both shorter walks and packing a picnic and making a day of it, these special spots are a short drive from Swanage and boast some of the most beautiful views to be found in the South of England. Durdle Door – The walk to the iconic limestone arch, synonymous with Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, encompasses beautiful cliff walks and shingle beach. Nearest car park: BH20 5PU Lulworth Cove – This beautiful cove has various walking options, from a village stroll to a hike up to Durdle Door or exploring the cliff walks of the Lulworth Ranges. Park in West Lulworth: BH20 5RQ Old Harry Rocks – One of the Jurassic Coast‘s most famous landmarks is a gentle half-hour walk from Studland village. Park at South Beach Car Park: BH19 3AU Swyre Head – Despite being the highest point in Purbeck, the walk to Swyre Head is mostly flat. With breathtaking views […]

Lulworth Cove

Nestled at the foot of the picturesque village of West Lulworth, Lulworth Cove is one of the most photographed beauty spots in Britain and an important geological area of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. With its distinctive horseshoe shape and being surrounded by stunning cliff walks and rich geological history, a visit to Lulworth Cove makes for a full and memorable day out, with many unique places to explore, including Stair Hole, the Fossil Forest, the Lulworth Crumple and the nearby equally famous Durdle Door. Start your day at Lulworth Cove with a stop at the visitor centre for the lowdown on the fascinating history of this special part of the Jurassic Coast, and for tips on where to explore first You’ll discover plenty of places to grab a quick bite to eat or to laze over a long lunch whilst taking in the incredible views just a short walk from Lulworth Cove. Or, if you’re feeling active, Lulworth Outdoors, situated right by the car park, provides an array of beach-related activities from kayaking to snorkel tours in the cove. Round your day off with an ice cream from one of the various ice cream parlours, or a drink at one of […]

Winspit

The disused quarry at Winspit is a fantastic place to explore, with its craggy rocks, echoing cave tunnels, and wide, expansive sea views. Once famously used as a Doctor Who filming location, the area has retained its almost other-worldly atmosphere, with its sense of the past in the abandoned caves of this relatively remote place. A pleasant walk down from the village of Worth Matravers, Winspit makes for a good family day out, but take water and snacks (the walk back up the hill may be more challenging for little legs). Or stop at the quaint village tea room or cosy pub, The Square and Compass, on your way back up to refuel. The curious lines in the hills you’ll spot on the way down are medieval ‘strip lynchets’ – earth terraces which were part of an ancient agricultural system. It’s thought the ‘terraces’ were a way of maximising farming and the cultivation of the land. Safety at Winspit Visitors to Winspit explore at their own risk and common sense should be applied at all times. There are sheer, unfenced cliff edges above the sea, so children should be closely supervised and dogs kept on a short lead. Keep well away […]

Naturist beach

Around 1km of Studland Bay has been set aside for naturism. It’s one of the UK’s most well-known official naturist spots. Although part of Knoll Beach, it is quite separate to the family-oriented main stretch of beach and dunes, and a half an hour walk from either Knoll Beach car park or Shell Bay car park. It is also accessible from Ferry Road, where parking may be available. The naturist beach has its own dedicated and clearly-marked area and is regularly monitored by National Trust rangers. Users of this long-established naturist beach must adhere to the British Naturism beach code: nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/studland-beach/documents/british-naturism-beach-code.pdf There are obvious signs on the approach from both Knoll Beach and Shell Bay, as well as from the heather and sand dune approaches. Facilities There are limited facilities at the naturist beach, however Studland village and bay do have various options nearby: A refreshment van operates at the naturist beach during the summer months The nearest public toilets are at Knoll Beach or at Shell Bay car park Studland village has a pub, restaurant, hotels and a convenience store Points of interest As well as a vast area of sandy beach there are various walking trails through the sand dunes, which […]

Agglestone Rock

The Agglestone is one of Purbeck’s curious and quirky landmarks that have been delighting – and puzzling – people for generations. Located in the middle of the vast Godlingston Heath, this imposing presence on the landscape has wide-reaching views down to Studland Bay and across to Little Sea and Poole Harbour. It is not known how the huge, iron-rich sandstone came to be sitting in its solitary way on its small hill in the Purbeck landscape, but its presence has been shrouded in mystery for generations. There are many myths and legends surrounding Agglestone Rock. Mythology, geology & human intervention The story of this imposing rock that looks like it fell out of the sky is as mysterious as it is large – estimated to be around 400 tonnes. Whilst the true origins of Agglestone Rock may be lost in the depths of history, there are some favoured stories that have prevailed over the years, as well as some evidence that it was important to humans at various points. The “Devil’s Anvil” Legend has it that the Agglestone was thrown over from The Needles on the Isle of Wight by the devil himself (‘Agglestone’ taken to mean “Devil’s Anvil”). The rock […]

Anvil Point

Home to the Anvil Point Lighthouse, built in the 1800s, the headland of Anvil Point is just one location for stunning seascapes and excellent walking within Durlston Country Park. Comprising part of the Jurassic Coast and the Isle of Purbeck, Anvil Point makes for an interesting explore and a fantastic spot for a quiet picnic overlooking uninterrupted sea views. The lighthouse The lighthouse at Anvil Point serves as a navigation aid and waypoint for vessels passing along the English Channel and was installed following a number of shipwrecks here. It became fully automated in 1991 and its light, which flashes every ten seconds with its rotating lens, reaches nine nautical miles out to sea. The original light would have been a paraffin burner. The twelve-metre-tall lighthouse was built in 1881 from locally-quarried stone stands 45m above sea level. It used to have a fog signal – a small cannon – that sounded every five minutes in low-visibility weather conditions, however this was discontinued in the 1980s. The lighthouse at Durlston is not accessible to the general public, although you can stay in its cottages, which have been converted into two holiday homes. How to get there You can walk to Anvil Point […]

Corfe Castle (attraction)

Standing watch over the village of the same name, Corfe Castle is an iconic and striking ruin, synonymous with the Isle of Purbeck. Explore the history hidden in the walls of this famous castle ruin that is over a thousand years old and has survived sieges, treachery and conspiracy. Built on top of a natural mound, or ‘motte’, Corfe Castle would have been ideally situated to defend from all angles. Its name is also believed to have been derived from the ’cutting’, or ‘gap’, between the two Purbeck hills where it is situated (which are also fantastic walking routes). Today, you can soak up the stories of betrayal, battles and bargaining as you walk around the impressive Purbeck stone de fences, gatehouses and baileys of the castle that was once home to royalty – as far back as King Alfred the Great’s time, when he defended the Kingdom of Wessex against the Vikings. Learn how various future kings adapted and upgraded Corfe Castle to suit their defence (as well as interior design) requirements, and walk the path where the revered young King Edward the Martyr fled after being stabbed in the back by a servant on the order of his […]

Stair Hole

This intriguing landform and small cove can be easily missed on your trip to Lulworth Cove, but making your way up the short path to see Stair Hole is well worth it. The view from Stair Hole gives a new perspective to this stunning part of the Jurassic Coast with its impressive, commanding vistas of the coastline and down over Lulworth Cove itself. If you have budding geologists with you, or if you want to bring those Geography lessons to life, this is the place to go to really see first-hand the effects of erosion on our coastline. It’s also a brilliant spot to see the limestone strata and folds of the ‘Lulworth Crumple’, just to the left of Stair Hole. Safety and walking information Visitors must keep to the path so as not to contribute to the erosion of the area and, as with all areas of the coastline, it is advised to keep away from cliff edges at all times. Adders may also be present in the grassy cliff at certain times of the year – typically spring and summer. There is a dedicated viewing point at the top of the path from which the features of Stair Hole […]

Swanage Beach

The jewel in Swanage’s crown is its beautiful beach that sweeps around the curve of its sheltered bay. Despite being one, long stretch of golden sand, the beach in Swanage has a different feel to it depending on where you are along it – meaning you can have a different day out each time you visit. The busy hubbub nearest to town – with its coffee shops, restaurants and traditional amusement arcade – has that typical British seaside buzz that gets you queueing up for a 99 ice cream and digging out the buckets and spades. You can also hire a deck chair, sun lounger or windbreak for the day – the friendly team located on the beach opposite the Swanage Information Centre will come and collect the fee once you’re settled. Slightly further along is a more active scene, with various watersports on offer. Hire a pedalo for some shallow-water fun, or a sea kayak to get out on the waves. You can also book a diving lesson off Swanage Pier. For a more relaxed, sophisticated seaside experience, sit on the deck with a drink at The Watering Hole or outside the Cellar Bar, or sample some seafood at Gee […]

The Downs, Swanage

The open, clifftop grasslands of The Downs are just a stone’s throw from Swanage town and give some of the best views across Swanage Bay. The Downs is popular with local dog walkers for its open space and exceptional views over Swanage and across the bay toward Ballard Down and Old Harry Rocks, as well as across Durlston Bay toward Durlston Head. Located at the southern end of Swanage, just behind Prince Albert Gardens, with its amphitheatre and handy proximity to Swanage’s restored Victorian pier, the grassy hills of The Downs and its dramatic cliffs give you a sense of the wild and tranquility, just moments from the bustling town. Both locals and visitors use The Downs as a spot to watch the sun setting over the bay with some fish and chips, and as a fantastic spot to view the annual fireworks of Swanage Carnival, held annually in the summer. You can also walk from The Downs over the hills to Durlston Country Park in under half an hour by following the South West Coast Path. The Downs are also another way to reach Peveril Point – the most southerly point of Swanage Bay. The Downs and its nearby cliff […]

Knoll Beach

Knoll Beach is the largest and most well-known beach at Studland Bay. Popular with families and watersports enthusiasts, Knoll Beach is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, with its sand dune, wetland and woodland habitats backing the stunning sandy beach. With its National Trust café, Discovery Centre, walking trails and beach-side activities, Knoll Beach has everything for an entire day out. Note that, during the summer there is a dedicated swimmers’ area at Knoll Beach, however lifeguards are not on duty at any of Studland Bay‘s beaches. Watersports Knoll Beach offers a range of water-based activities throughout the year round (weather and sea state dependent). Studland Watersports activities Primarily operating in the summer months through to September, and across Easter school holidays, activities at Studland Watersports offers something for the whole family across a range of ages including: Kayaking and paddle boarding Sailing and windsurfing Paddle board yoga sessions Banana Boat rides Studland Watersports also hires out deckchairs and sun loungers in the summer. To find out more check out Studland Watersports’ Facebook page: en-gb.facebook.com/pages/category/Outdoor-Recreation/Studland-Watersports Contact Studland Watersports: 📞 07980 559143 Summer fun activities If you prefer your beach-side fun to be land-based, there are plenty of other ways to […]