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.

Swanage Golf Games

Challenge your friends and family to a round of pitch and putt at Swanage Golf Games. Located close to the centre of Swanage at Kirkwood Park, and right by King George’s playground and skate park, Swanage Golf Games is a handy and fun way to spend an hour or two. Set across a 1,000+ metre plot, Swanage Golf Games offers traditional pitch and putt as well as more unusual ways to play. Golf games: Pitch & putt – Choose from either a nine or 18-hole game for a fun yet challenging round of golf for both children and adults Footgolf – For something a bit different, take up to six friends around the course with a football each and try to get them in the oversized holes Frisbee Golf – See if you can reach the target in the lowest number of throws There is also the option to play a ‘nine and nine combo’ of two different types of golf games. Facilities A variety of basic refreshments is available for purchase from the reception area. Visitors are also invited to bring in their own snacks and drinks to enjoy at the picnic benches and grassed areas. Toilet facilities are available […]

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 […]

Swanage Bay

Swanage is probably most well-known for its superb, sweeping sandy bay, which has been drawing visitors for generations. Being sheltered and with relatively calm waters, Swanage Bay stretches from Ballard Down – the headland to the north – right across to Peveril Point at the south of the bay. Swanage Bay has both lively sections as well as more secluded spots, meaning there is something for everyone. The bay also serves as a vibrant hub for watersports, with a boat park, boat and kayak hire, diving school, and local sailing and sea rowing clubs. And with its sandy beach with varied sections – from lifeguarded, safe-swimming areas to more rugged areas further from town, and from busy boating areas to the grandeur of the Victorian pier, Swanage Beach and bay make the perfect retreat from the bustle of today’s busy world. The bay is also flanked by a promenade, beach huts, a variety of eateries, gifts shops and amusements, giving Swanage that charm we’ve come to expect and love in a seaside town. Walk along the promenade to discover family-friendly fun to sophisticated ‘grown-up’ dining, and dog-friendly cafés to the traditional British fish and chips at the seaside experience. Swanage […]

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 […]

Tilly Whim caves

These caves are what is left over after the area was used to quarry Purbeck stone in the 1800s. Once open to the public, they are now closed due to safety reasons, but you can see parts of the Tilly Whim caves from afar and learn about their history at Durlston Country Park where they are situated. The now fenced off tourist entrance to the cave tunnels can be found along the cliff walk in the park, and the best view of this piece of local history is from the path up toward the Anvil Point lighthouse, where you can look back to see two square-shaped cave entrances and the flat rock ledge above the sea in front of them. Now untouched by human activity, the Tilly Whim caves have become important sanctuaries for colonies of seabirds and bats. The area has long been appreciated for its dramatic scenery: ‘A tremendous sea at times breaks upon the rocks near Durleston Point and Tilly Whim. A visitor on a bright summer’s day, looking upon the tranquil waters idly lapping on the stones below, can scarcely conceive the majesty of the surroundings when, roused by the frenzy of the gale, the sea […]

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 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.

South Beach, Studland

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 offers, but it’s a little more secluded and rugged. South Beach is popular with kayakers and paddle boarders due to its relatively calm, shallow water, and it has increasingly become a popular mooring spot for boats. It also has a designated safe swimming area, café and beach toy hire. South Beach also offers stunning views across to Old Harry Rocks. There is a path that leads up to the iconic chalk stalks directly from the beach – the walk is fairly easy and takes around half an hour. There are also various options nearby for exploring Old Harry Rocks via kayak and horseback. There are also echos of the past – both man-made and natural – here, with a World War II pillbox on the beach itself and easy access to observation bunker Fort Henry, next to the unique red and yellow-coloured sandstone of the cliffs. This family-friendly beach has attracted both visitors and locals alike for many years – in fact, it used to be home to an annual August regatta where […]

Naturist beach

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 […]

Chapman’s Pool

If your idea of a dream day at the beach involves a wild and secluded bay where you can wile away the hours watching the odd passing boat and reading a good book, Chapman’s Pool is hard to beat. Worth Matravers is the cove’s closest village, where you can warm up at the Square and Compass pub with a pasty and pint by the log fire after a blustery day, or cool off with a cider in the beer garden in the summer after the rewarding walk down to Chapman’s Pool and back. Chapman’s Pool is a bit of a walk to get to and can be fairly challenging in places, so children and some dogs might struggle. A good pair of walking boots is also advisable as the steep path down to Chapman’s Pool can be slippery when wet. (There is an alternative, longer route, which is more gentle, that takes you through the valley.) Chapman’s Pool is a good place to see examples of the Jurassic Coast’s Kimmeridge Clay rock formation – named after nearby Kimmeridge Bay, where the clay with its abundant fossils is most famously displayed. Spend some time rock-pooling and fossil-spotting on the shale ledges […]

Studland Bay

Comprised of four miles of sandy beaches and with acres of heathland and sand dunes to explore, Studland Bay and Nature Reserve has something for everyone. A short drive from Swanage, Studland Bay lies just over the headland of Ballard Down at the northern end of Swanage Beach, and is home to a thriving watersports scene as well as important heathland and wetlands habitats, which support an array of wildlife – including all six British reptiles. Studland Bay’s four beaches offer something different for everyone – from family-friendly sections with café and toilet facilities to rugged and unspoilt areas perfect for escaping it all. A unique part of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, with easy access to Old Harry Rocks and the start of the South West Coast Path (England’s longest national walking trail), Studland Bay can be easily reached from Swanage and Wareham, as well as from Poole and Bournemouth via the Sandbanks Ferry. There’s something different to discover each time you visit Studland Bay: explore the ancient woodland, scamper among the dunes, sit quietly at the edge of the freshwater lake Little Sea and look out for wildlife, or spend a lazy day at the beach. Being on the South West coast […]

Purbeck Mineral & Mining Museum

A hidden historical gem in the heart of Purbeck, this is a truly local museum. Telling the story of the area’s ball clay industry, it’s a fascinating way to tunnel into the Isle of Purbeck’s past and learn how industrious clay miners were here, right back to the 17th Century. The Purbeck Mineral & Mining Museum is an interesting little place to stop if you’re having a day out on the Swanage Railway or parking at Norden station for other nearby attractions. The museum is partially housed in an underground mine once used here in Purbeck and is a little hidden gem perfect for an explore while you’re in or passing Corfe, or waiting for your train to Swanage. Grab a snack from the refreshments hut located just by the car park and let the kids reimagine the railways of the past at the play area outside the museum, complete with train-themed climbing frames and equipment. You might also be interested in the Swanage Railway Museum, just down the road at Corfe Castle station, where the mining museum looks after the locomotive Secundus housed there. History The mining of clay was an important industry in Purbeck as far back as the 1600s […]

Kimmeridge Bay

If the Jurassic Coast’s globally-significant geology is what drew you to Dorset, Kimmeridge Bay is the place to visit. Its dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations and abundance of fossils reveal the rich history of this special area of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Kimmeridge Bay is the perfect spot to pick about in rock pools and explore this rugged, fossil-rich part of the Isle of Purbeck. With its calm, shallow waters, the bay is also a popular place for kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing. Geology The history revealed in the cliffs at Kimmeridge is apparent as soon as you step onto the beach. The striking layers of Kimmeridge Clay reach around the bay. These paleontologically-important cliffs are rich in fossils, ammonites and dinosaur bones. Note, however, that fossil-hunting and the use of hammers is not permitted at Kimmeridge Bay. Fossil museum Combine your trip with a visit to the village’s museum and education centre – The Etches Collection. Learn all about the geology and fossils found in the area, and just how important Kimmeridge Bay is to the story of the Jurassic Coast. The Etches Collection: Museum of Jurassic Marine Life is the first port of call for any fossil enthusiast. […]

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 […]

Durdle Door

One of the most-loved natural landmarks of Dorset and a highlight of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Durdle Door attracts thousands of visitors every year. The limestone arch is one of the most iconic and widely-photographed landforms in Britain. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the 200-foot high arch rises from the sea just to the west of the equally famous Lulworth Cove. Other parts of the Purbeck coastline are also renowned for being natural geological wonders, such as the nearby Stair Hole in Lulworth and Old Harry Rocks, which can be found between Swanage and Studland. The beach at Durdle Door is predominantly shingle and not suitable for swimming, however the natural beauty of the area and wealth of walking trails and spectacular views has been drawing visitors for generations. The smaller beach that you’ll see to the east on your approach to Durdle Door is Man O’ War Bay. Safety information Durdle Door can be accessed and enjoyed safely, however there are important warning signs and advice in place. Swimming is not advised in the sea here – the beach shelves suddenly and steeply and there may be strong rip currents. There is also no lifeguard […]

Lulworth Range walks

An intriguing way to explore the Purbeck countryside and Jurassic coastline is via the Lulworth Range walks. The ranges encompass part of the South West Coast Path, and offer some breathtaking views, interesting geology and little-known areas of the Jurassic Coast. With both inland and coastal routes, the Lulworth Range walks open up a wealth of pathways to explore, and include the famous ‘ghost village’ of Tyneham, abandoned in WWII. Situated on land owned by the Ministry of Defence (partially acquired in 1917, and further later on, ahead of D-Day), the ranges are still used by the Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV) Gunnery School. As such, the range walks are only open to the public at certain times. For your safety, the MoD requests that walkers adhere to the restrictions and stick to paths as indicated. Typical opening times Both the range walks and Tyneham village are generally open at weekends and during school holidays. Live firing range timings can change, so it’s always best to check in advance of visiting: www.gov.uk/government/publications/lulworth-firing-notice You can also call the following number for an automated message on the current firing status: 01929 404714. When the Ranges are closed to the public and training is in […]

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 […]

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 […]