With Swanage being the only seaside town in Purbeck, it’s an extremely popular location for holidaymakers from both here in the UK and abroad, so you’ll find a huge range of accommodation to suit any type of beach or countryside holiday.
Browse unique stays in Swanage on Airbnb and choose from coastal cabins with bay views to secluded holiday cottages in areas bursting with intriguing history, and from vast country homes for the whole family to get together to budget-friendly options for a traditional bucket-and-spade experience.
Swanage has built a great reputation for top-class bed & breakfasts and self-catering holidays, so you’ll find several local and national sites listing short stays as well as longer lets if you’re planning on staying longer to explore the Dorset area more. Swanage also has three independently-run hotels: The Pines and The Grand Hotel, which both have fantastic views of Swanage Bay, and the Purbeck House Hotel, in the heart of town.
However, with its popularity and with returning visitors coming to stay for various annual and seasonal events, such as the Swanage Carnival and the Swanage Blues Festival, it can mean that accommodation in Swanage can quickly become booked up, so it’s worth bearing in mind sites such as Airbnb for more options.
Unique Swanage stays with Airbnb
Airbnb also often lists more unusual properties – check out these quirky Swanage stays to use as a base for exploring the Jurassic Coast:
Purbeck Shepherd Huts
For a fun self-catering holiday in a beautiful village not far from Swanage, with fantastic walks and a great pub, try these boutique glamping shepherd huts in Worth Matravers.
The Purbeck Shepherd Huts have been lovingly handcrafted and have a luxurious feel, and are complete with log burners making for a cosy retreat.
- 🛏️ Sleeps two
- 🐾 Dog-friendly
- ℹ️ www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/26880384
The Red Train Carriage
If you’re coming to Swanage to experience the historic Swanage Railway, why not embrace the theme and stay in this fun, renovated 1858 train carriage, set right by the tracks?
- 🛏️ Sleeps five across one bedroom
- 🐾 Dog-friendly (owner’s friendly dog and cats may be present in adjoining garden)
- ℹ️ www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/34535967
Newton Manor House
How about this elegant eight-bed, nine-bathroom manor house dating from the 1600s in the heart of Swanage town?
A luxurious stay for a large family or group of friends, complete with a pool table and within walking distance of Swanage Beach. There’s parking for six cars in the driveway.
- 🛏️ Sleeps 16 (10 beds across eight bedrooms)
- ℹ️ www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/21897498
Durlston Lighthouse
For a unique holiday at a lighthouse on a headland overlooking the sea, Rowena & Veronica Cottages are a great way to get the family together in an unusual setting.
The Anvil Point Lighthouse was built in the 1800s and sits within the grounds of Swanage’s beautiful and diverse Durlston Country Park.
- 🛏️ 5 guests (Rowena Cottage); six guests (Veronica Cottage)
- 🐾 Note that Veronica Cottage is dog-friendly, and Rowena Cottage is pet-free
- ℹ️ www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/16271741
Lifton Ark
An adults-only, Scandinavian-style hidden gem nestled in the countryside between Corfe Castle and Swanage.
The ark is set in a secluded woodland, so it feels like a real escape. Cook up a feast on the BBQ or sit on the decking and watch the sun go down by the log burner.
- 🛏️ Two guests
- 🐾 Dog-friendly (note that the owner’s animals may also be on-site)
- ℹ️ www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/48535807
Lapland Lodge
A Swedish-style log cabin complete with sheepskins to sleep on, fondue/raclette maker and a roaring log burner in the centre of the hut.
Located just outside Swanage in Harman’s Cross, Lapland Lodge is perfect for a summer stay as well as those winter months when you can embrace the Great British weather and have a truly cosy and romantic home to return to.
- 🛏️ Four guests, one bedroom
- 🐾 Dog-friendly
- ℹ️ www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/3096370
Seascape – Hillside lodge & beach hut
This chalet comes with the use of an original Victorian beach hut on Swanage Beach, which is around a 15-minute walk from the lodge.
Visitors also have the benefit of using Swanage Bay View Holiday Park‘s swimming, bar and gym facilities, and you’ll find great coastal walks right from your doorstep. Seascape also benefits from excellent views across Swanage Bay.
- Six guests, across two bedrooms
- ℹ️ www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/18653529
Book your holiday in Swanage
Check out the Swanage ‘superhosts’ along with any new additions, traveller reviews, accommodation and visitor photos on the airbnb website for Swanage: www.airbnb.co.uk/swanage-united-kingdom/stays
Don’t forget that there are many beautiful, interesting and fun locations to stay just outside of Swanage in the wider Purbeck area, such as hotels, B&Bs and holiday cottages, along with some fantastic campsites in and around Corfe Castle, Worth Matravers, Lulworth and Studland.
You’ll also find more unique stays on other websites, such as the beautiful Clavell Tower in nearby Kimmeridge, which is let by the Landmark Trust.