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

What makes Swanage really special?

Swanage’s stunning coastal location is what makes it really special. Swanage Bay sweeps from the Old Harry Rocks to the north, round to Peveril Point in the south. It faces east and is protected by Peveril Point 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, fishing, diving and other watersports.

The weather in Swanage is favourably mild, with few frosts and little snow in the winter. During the summer months, there’s usually a pleasant breeze to cool the hottest of days. If you can’t visit but wish to see, then there are a number of Swanage webcams including the one on the RNLI’s boathouse that gives a great view across the sea to the Old Harry Rocks.

Where is Swanage?

Swanage is located on the south coast of England in Dorset. It lies to the west of Poole Harbour and Bournemouth and to the east of Weymouth. From Dorchester, it’s a 25-mile drive in a southeast direction. It’s on the Isle of Purbeck and famous for being part of the Jurassic Coast.

Arrive by car

The most flexible way to arrive is by car but in the summer months, the roads are very busy and so it’s best to avoid traveling at peak times. There are two directions to get to Swanage by car, either via Wareham or take 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. There is also the Swanage Railway, but as a heritage line, it only currently runs from Norden to Swanage.

The local area surrounding Swanage

While a week spending time in Swanage can easily keep a family entertained, there’s so many more activities and places to see across the Isle of Purbeck. Lots of local residents say they still have plenty of things left to do on their wish list.

Jurassic Coast

England’s only natural World Heritage Site The Jurassic Coast needs no introduction: renowned worldwide for its breathtaking scenery and geological importance, this 95 mile stretch of coastline dominates Dorset’s landscape, history and character. With its countless unspoilt beaches, magnificent panoramic views and endless opportunities for exploration, the Jurassic Coast will take you on a literal walk through time, leaving you planning your next trip before this one’s ended. But where to start? Purbeck’s Jurassic Coast Easily explored from Swanage and its surrounding areas, the Purbeck stretch of the Jurassic Coastline boasts some of Britain’s most well-loved landmarks and offers a multitude of memories in the making. The iconic and famous Durdle Door – this natural limestone arch rising from the sea is one of the most photographed landforms in Britain Lulworth Cove – a magnificent sweeping cove that draws thousands of visitors a year can be found at the foot of the picturesque village of West Lulworth Old Harry Rocks – the unique chalk rock formation, known world-wide for its stark white, looming presence, stands boldly off the coast between Studland Bay and Swanage Bay The intriguing and fascinating Kimmeridge Bay – the best place for rock-pooling and fossil hunting in […]

The Agglestone

Some people hike out especially to see it; others happen upon it on their walk, bike or horse ride across Godlinsgton Heath. But whether you’re expecting it or not, the story of this imposing rock that looks like it fell out of the sky is as mysterious as it is big – around 400 tonnes in fact. The legend: Legend has it that the Agglestone was thrown over from The Needles on the Isle of Wight by the devil himself (the ‘Agglestone’ means ‘Devil’s Anvil’ and it once was anvil-shaped but has eroded over many years.) Some say the devil was trying to hit Corfe Castle (luckily he missed!) Do you dare to touch it? One thing is for sure, if you keep walking, once you’ve seen it you can feel it at your back as you go. Luckily the stunning scenery in this area will make you forget even the spookiest story.

Tyneham

The poignant story behind the ‘ghost village’ of Tyneham, abandoned during World War II, will stay with you as you walk around its crumbling homes and forgotten farmland. There is information on each family that lived there and the last pages of schoolwork to be completed in the schoolroom have been carefully preserved in this village that simply stopped in time.

Anvil Point

Home to the Anvil Point Lighthouse, built in the 1800s, this is just one location for stunning seascapes and excellent walking within Durlston Country Park. For a more unusual Swanage stay, complete with breathtaking breakfast views and nature on your doorstep, you can rent one of the cottages here.

Studland

Prepare to get side-tracked on your way to the stunning beaches of Studland Bay as you drive through the charming Studland village. Its back roads meander around thatched cottages and past pretty gardens, and you’ll spot things for your must-do list as you go, whether that’s to spoil yourself with a meal at The Pig on the Beach, to book in a beach ride at Studland Stables or a table at the Bankes for a restorative drink after a day of walking, swimming or kayaking in the bay. There is also a village shop where you can find all your daily and picnic essentials.

Corfe Castle railway station

Whether or not you’re taking a trip on a Swanage Railway steam train, Corfe Castle station is still well worth a visit. You’ll find it down a small road between Corfe Castle Village Stores and the Bankes Arms pub. Once almost demolished, the station has now been restored to its former glory and is a true vintage feature of both Corfe Castle village and the railway. It’s also a great photo opportunity, with its 1950s lounge area, ladies’ waiting room and period paraphernalia throughout.

Things to do in and around Swanage

Both residents and visitors are drawn to Swanage because of its natural beauty and its outstanding sandy bay. Swanage Beach is one of its main attractions and the council-owned central beach has been awarded a Blue Flag, meaning that it meets high standards for its water quality, beach cleanliness, safety and services. However there’s plenty for everyone of all ages to do, in addition to enjoying a day on the beach.

Anvil Point

Studland Bay

On the other side of the headland of Ballard Down at the northern end of Swanage Beach lies the spectacular Studland Bay. Comprised of four sandy beaches, miles of heathland and sand dunes to explore, and a thriving water sports scene, Studland Bay and Nature Reserve has something for everyone.

King George playing fields and skate park

The town’s largest public park is popular with local children and teens with its skate park, graffiti wall and playground equipment. The play equipment caters for very small children to older kids. There are also picnic benches within the playground and a football pitch adjacent to it. It’s also a great way to let your dogs burn off energy while the kids play as it’s in view of the whole playground and your pooch will always tend to comes across a playmate for themselves here. The King George playing field is always worth a return visit for a bit more of an explore. Here are some of the highlights: A wetland area with a wooden walkway has been created to diversify habitats The pathway behind the stream by the car park leads to both the serenity of a cemetery and the sooty excitement of the Swanage Railway – the bridge here is a popular spot for spotting the steam trains as they come in but it is a road, so be vigilant to traffic The nearby pitch n’ putt is within walking distance of the park

Worbarrow Bay

You may discover this beach on a visit to the ‘ghost’ village of Tyneham, but tucked away beneath this abandoned village is a lovely stretch of coastline that is often quiet and secluded. Worbarrow Bay (also sometimes referred to as Tyneham Beach) is great if you have a dog that wants to let off steam or for sitting and admiring the view, but it can shelve quite steeply so isn’t recommended for swimming.

Old Harry Rocks

One of the most iconic landforms in Britain – Old Harry Rocks – is just a stone’s throw from Swanage. There are various walking routes from both Swanage and Studland, and each offer breathtaking views of this unique rock formation. The white chalk ‘stacks’ at Handfast Point that rise from the sea between Swanage Bay and Studland Bay were once connected to The Needles on the Isle of Wight, which you can see on a clear day. Legends in the landscape If you’ve been to see the Agglestone, you’ll be familiar with the local legend associated with the devil – and Old Harry Rocks has its own. ‘Old Harry’ is in fact a humorous name for the devil himself and one story claims that he used the rocks as somewhere to take a nap. Another fable tells of a shipwrecked Viking who, during a fierce storm, was cast into the sea and turned into a pillar of chalk. Or perhaps it’s named after someone a little more local – a pirate from nearby Poole named Harry Paye, who used the rocks to conceal his ship before catching passing merchants to plunder their vessels.

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 and users must adhere to the British Naturism code. It’s quite separate to the more family-oriented Knoll Beach and Shell Bay, situated between the two in its own dedicated and clearly-marked area.

South Beach

If you love Studland’s beaches but would prefer a more ‘local’ vibe head to South Beach. It still benefits from the safe, shallow waters that Knoll Beach offer, but it’s a little more secluded and rugged.

Corfe Castle railway station

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 some handy categories so you can find the right one for your day out. For stunning scenery: Old Harry Rocks Durdle Door Lulworth Cove For unique moments to remember: Tyneham village Corfe Castle The Agglestone at Godlingston Heath For families with little ones: Corfe Castle Model Village and tea room Studland sand dunes Durlston Country Park For following in dinosaurs’ footsteps: Kimmeridge Bay The Fossil Forest at Lulworth Cove Durlston Bay For four-legged visitors: Wareham forest Purbeck Hills Lulworth Range walks The Downs For cake-lovers: Wareham river walks and Wareham Walls Swanage Beach Worth Matravers village For real ale and local cider aficionados: Winspit Corfe Common and Nine Barrow Down Studland For the more adventurous: Dancing Ledge Chapman’s Pool Swyre Head For endless rambles to return to again and again: The South West Coast Path

Swanage Golf Games

A nine or 18-hole pitch and putt locked in Swanage for a fun yet challenging round of golf for both older children and adults in a 1,000 metre plot with views across the Purbeck Hills and a peek through to the steam train as it passes on Swanage Railway. Kirkwood Park also offers foot golf and frisbee golf of you fancy something different. A variety of basic refreshments are available for purchase from the reception area, but guests are invited to bring in their own snacks and drinks to enjoy at the picnic benches and grassed areas. On-site parking is also provided for free and the course is open from 9.30am daily. It can be found just off Victoria Avenue, which is a short walk from Swanage Railway station, buses and the town centre. Camping and clamping is also available at Kirkwood Park.

Purbeck Breezer

The only way to travel in style by bus in Swanage – with an open top and full, breeze in your hair (we see what they did with the name there) and front-row view of everything there is to discover between Swanage and Bournemouth.

Swanage Railway

Take a trip through time on Purbeck’s only heritage railway The historic Swanage Railway has been much-loved by many for generations since its first locomotive took to the tracks in 1885. It draws some 200,000 visitors every year from all over the country and makes a lasting impression on young and old alike. Let a lovingly restored steam train take you on an unforgettable journey beneath the foot of the Purbeck Hills and through the picturesque countryside surrounding Swanage. There is nothing quite like riding on an original steam-powered train to evoke the sentiment of simpler times of bygone days. Stepping into the 1940s-style ticket office and waiting room to be greeted by a soot-stained fire man or waving to the driver in his traditional attire will transport you into the Purbeck of the past in a truly nostalgic experience. There’s plenty to see on your journey too, from grazing ponies in the fields as you pass leisurely by to the stunning and varied views of Corfe Castle as you approach in vintage style – and, if travelling as a family and like Harry and Ron on the Hogwarts Express, you can’t resist a snack as you go there are […]