Local Areas

The coastal town of Swanage has attracted people for centuries, and it still does so to this day, and for good reason. Neighboring with Poole and Dorchester, this civil parish lies at the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck which has a long history dating back millions of years, sandy beaches, stunning views, and temperate climates, what’s not to love?

In the summer season, Swanage is bustling with life, bars and restaurants are full of tourists and the beaches are alive with the sounds of kids laughing and water splashing. Although one cannot deny the appeal of Swanage in Summer, this town can be enjoyed all year round. Multiple attractions do not require sunscreen and flipflops such as a visit to the impressive Corfe Castle, hiking up Agglestone Rock or exploring the magnificent Jurassic coast and all it’s amazing beaches, caves, and landscapes.

Nature lovers have an unlimited amount options when it comes to planning their visit to Swanage, hikes and walks along the numerous coasts, visiting the Arne Nature reserve which is lively with wildlife all year round and if you’re into geology an afternoon spent checking out the million-year-old pebbles for fossils from the Jurassic Era should be a treat. Swanage is also a great place for visitors who like to get their adrenaline pumping, coasteering, abseiling, climbing, paddle-boarding and kayaking are some of the water-based activities you can do in Swanage.

Shopping & Dining In Swanage

On the other hand, nature isn’t the only interesting thing going on in this town. Shopping Centres and even a Fun Park are close by which means all members of the family have a guarantee their visit to Swanage will be a memorable one. Your tastebuds are also in for a treat as the local cuisine that you can easily find in the family-run restaurants, bistros, traditional pubs, and tearooms is tasty and will leave you wanting more each visit. The cuisine is flavourful and varied, however, an all-time favourite is a finger-licking fish and chips that this area is especially known for. If you enjoy eating fish, it is extremely easy to find freshly caught seafood and there is also a festival held here dedicated to Fish! This is organized annually in June and it encaptures the flavor and the vibe of this seaside town perfectly.

The vast range of available accommodation in Swanage will also enable you to purchase your own Swanage produce and cook yourself up a Swanage inspired meal. Local butchers, bakers, farmers, and fishmongers always put out the freshest and tastiest ingredients available during that season.

Music lovers will also have a variety of great events and festivals that happen throughout the year, however, they are concentrated during the summer season. Blues and Folk music are a big hit with the locals and tourists alike and you’re likely to hear it wafting through the old cobbled streets.

When it comes to beautiful things, one would think that the locals would leave that to nature, with its stark white cliffs, deep blue seas and bright green countryside however Swanage is home to many artisans that sell their handmade creations in the numerous studios, gift shops, galleries and workshops that you can find in the center. A Theatre and a Cinema offer a range of plays, shows, and pantomimes to keep you entertained and if you’re visiting in Autumn you might be lucky enough to experience the Purbeck Film Festival that showcases local and foreign filmmakers.

There is plenty of breathtaking scenery and geological locations surrounding Swanage which can make fantastic places to visit. The following are just a few of the options.

Brownsea Island

Situated in the middle of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is a wildlife sanctuary that is easy to get to and will make you feel like you are in another world. It’s a beautiful location full of wildlife, both plants, and animals. The island is full of history waiting to be discovered with plenty of activities and a free guided tour available too.

Old Harry Rocks

Take a stroll to see the breathtaking Old Harry Rocks, a chalk rock formation which is located at Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck. They mark the most eastern point of the Jurassic Coast. There is parking from the national trust nearby, but if you are feeling adventurous, there are a number of walking paths from other locations such as Studland Village.

Swanage Railway

See the historical buildings and railway that is full of history, decommissions in 1975, it was restored to its former glory and opened again in 2002. You can see both diesel and steam trains as well as read up on the rich history.

Swanage is a lovely place to visit with an unlimited list of sights, adventures, shops, tastes, and moments to experience with your loved ones.

Arne Village

Local Areas

Arne is a small village, with a population of fewer than 2000 residents located 4 miles east of Wareham.…

Agglestone Rock

Agglestone Rock which is also known as Devil’s Anvil is a rock made out of Sandstone which weighs about 400 tonnes. The rock…

Corfe Castle

The Corfe Castle, or rather what’s left of it today, sits boldly on top of a 55-meter-high hill surrounded by the bright green of the surrounding…

Anvil Point

The Anvil Point Lighthouse is a beautiful, twelve-meter tall Lighthouse that was constructed from quarried stone in 1891 to…

Harmans Cross

Local Areas

The small village of Harmans Cross can be found on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England. It…

Durlston

Local Areas

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Langton Matravers

Local Areas

Langton Matravers is a village and civil parish located on the Isle of…

Lulworth

Local Areas

Lulworth is an area near Swanage that consists of East and West Lulworth, along with the popular tourist destination Lulworth Cove. In East Lulworth,…

Worth Matravers

Local Areas

Worth Matravers us a village and civil parish that is located in Dorset, England, the village is positioned on the cliffs west of Swanage and is made up of…

Isle Of Purbeck

Local Areas

The Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula that can be found in Dorset, England. It is surrounded by water on three wised with the…

Tyneham

Local Areas

Tyneham, the village that stopped in 1943, that is the saying that the locals say, it is also known as Dorset’s ‘lost’ village. In 1943, all villagers who…