Categories
Services

Vets

Swanage has one vet clinic, conveniently located on the outskirts of town, which is linked with its partner vet in nearby Wareham (Lynwood Veterinary Group), where the veterinary group’s main surgery is based.

There is also a second veterinary centre in Wareham (Pet Health Partnership), and a Medivet in nearby Wool.

Lynwood Veterinary Group Swanage

The Swanage branch of Lynwood Vets is closely linked to the larger practice in Wareham, and vets work across both sites, providing great continuity of care for your pets.

Compassionate vet care for Dorset’s pets

Lynwood vet clinic in Swanage
Lynwood Swanage

Lynwood offers all the usual veterinary care and services such as neutering, flea, tick & worming treatments, booster vaccinations, microchipping, surgery and dental care.

Black lab wearing red collar
Black Labrador

Additional services include:

  • Pet health plan available for dogs, cats and rabbits
  • Dental x-ray
  • Diagnostic ultrasound & endoscopy
  • Nurse clinics
  • Ophthalmology
  • In-house lab
  • End of life care
  • Foreign travel preparation

On-site parking is available at both sites.

You’ll find a small selection of food, toys and pet essentials available to purchase in the waiting area, and there’s a green space outside for your dog to stretch its legs while you wait.

The Lynwood Group has been caring for Dorset’s pets since 1849 and has expanded from its first practice in Wimborne to benches in Swanage, Wareham, Verwood and Bournemouth.

Bournemouth is the only veterinary-led rehabilitation service in the county, where pets can benefit from PetFit Hydrotherapy, physio, acupuncture treatments and more.

Explore Lynwood’s facilities and full range of services on their website: www.lynwoodvets.co.uk

Lynwood vets on Ulwell Road in Swanage
Lynwood Veterinary Group on Ulwell Road

Opening hours

  • Monday – Friday – 8am – 6.30pm
  • Saturday – Appointments at Wareham only
  • Sunday – Closed

Contact

For all general enquiries and appointments:

  • 📞 01929 422213
  • 📥 purbeck@lynwoodvets.co.uk

Location

📍87 Ulwell Rd, Swanage BH19 1QU

Lynwood Vets is located in the Ulwell area of Swanage, close to countryside paths, dog-friendly parks and the beach, so you can reward your dog  with a good walk after their routine vet visit.

From the direction of town, simply follow Ulwell Road till you reach the clinic, or from the Studland direction, Lynwood will be on your right just after the lay-by with its Welcome to Swanage sign.

Lynwood Vet location in Swanage (image credit: Google Maps)

Emergency contact

In case of an urgent injury or illness, telephone your normal Lynwood branch to speak to a member of the team.

If it’s out of hours, you’ll be transferred to the team at Lynwood’s Wimborne branch, where there is a VetNow team on-hand to cover urgent pet care at evenings and weekends.

Lynwood Wareham details

  • 📍Leanne Business Centre, 9 Sandford Lane, Wareham BH20 4DY
  • 📞01929 552692
  • ℹ️ Open as per Swanage hours, with the addition of Saturday appointments between 8am – 12.30pm

The Pet Health Partnership – Wareham

The Pet Health Partnership offers veterinary care to pets in and around Wareham and Purbeck.

Services include a full range of procedures, routine and exploratory health checks, booster vaccinations, orthopaedic surgery and treatment plans for chronic illness.

Wareham Vets, The Pet Health Partnership
Pet Health Partnership

Pet health plans are available, and a home visit/pet ambulance service is available where appropriate.

The PHP also has a practice in Upton in Poole.

Opening hours

  • Mon, Tues, Weds & Fri – 9am – 6pm
  • Thursday – 9am – 7pm
  • Saturday – Closed (Upton surgery open 9am – 12pm Saturdays)
  • Sunday– Closed (Emergencies only, Upton)

Contact

  • 📍17 East Street, Wareham, BH20 4NN
  • 📞 01929 552599
  • 📞 Emergencies/out-of-hours number – 01202 382843

Medivet – Wool

Whilst just outside the Purbeck boundary, many pet patients from Swanage and surrounds are also served by the Wool branch of nationwide Medivet.

Offering all the usual veterinary services, pet care and health plans, Medivet is located just outside Wareham toward Dorchester.

Cat visiting the vet
Kitten vet visit

Opening hours

  • Monday – Friday – 8.30am – 7pm
  • Saturday – 9am – 11.30am

Contact

  • 📍Dorchester Road, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, DT2 8DD
  • 📞 01929 462535
  • 📞 Emergencies – 24-hour emergency vet practice at Dorchester, DT1 1DU. Phone number: 01305 262913
  • www.medivet.co.uk
Categories
Hairdressers Services

Hairdressers

Swanage has a range of hairdressers and barbershops for your regular trim, new style or special occasion up-do.

All conveniently located in town, Swanage’s hairdressers cater for ladies’, mens’ and children’s haircuts.

Whether you want to treat yourself to a wash, cut & blow-dry, have a restyle consultation for fresh, new look, or book in to retouch your roots, have a beauty treatment, or find a walk-in barbers, one of Swanage’s hairdressers have got you covered.

The Salon at 53

The team at The Salon at 53 cover all aspects of hairdressing – from basic trim-ups and haircuts, to restyling, colouring and clip-in hair extensions.

The Salon also offers bridal packages for your party’s wedding hair, which you can explore on their website: salonat53.co.uk

Salon at 53 hairdressers on Swanage high street
Salon at 53

Ladies’ prices start at £25, with colour from £38, and mens’ cuts are from £18.50.

Kids’ cuts are £7 for under age 2, or £9 for children under 12.

The Salon at 53 also has a stand-up sun booth, with loyalty programme.

Opening hours

  • Monday – Friday – 8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Saturday – 8.30am – 1.30pm
  • Sunday – Closed

Contact details

    • 📍53 High Street, BH19 2LT
    • 📞 01929 423113

Innovation

Innovation offers ladies’, men’s and children’s hair cutting and colouring, as well as occasion and bridal services.

The salon also offers a range of beauty treatments, such as eyelash & eyebrow tinting, lash lifts and facial waxing.

Outside Innovation Hairdresser in Swanage
Innovation, Swanage

Innovation also offers ear, nose and helix piercing.

Prices start from £24 (ladies) or £14 (men) or (9.50 (children).

Visit Innovation’s website for full details on hair cutting, treatments and bridal packages: www.innovationswanage.com

(pictures credit: Innovation)

Opening hours

  • Monday – Thursday – 8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Friday – 5.30pm – 7pm
  • Saturday – 8am – 2pm
  • Sundays – Closed

Contact details

  • 📍63 Kings Road West, BH19 1HQ
  • 📞 01929 423294
  • 📥 nicky.innovation@btinternet.com

Fusion

You’ll find Fusion on High Street right opposite Swanage Methodist Church.

There’s on-street parking right outside – pop in or phone to make an appointment, or find out more on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/@Fusion-Hairdressing

Fusion Hairdressing

Opening hours

  • Tuesday & Wednesday – 9am – 6pm
  • Thursday – 9am – 8pm
  • Friday – 9am – 1pm
  • Saturday – Monday – Closed

Contact details

  • 📍86A High Street, BH19 2NY
  • 📞 01929 422700

Sandie’s Barbershop

Sandie’s is a friendly, traditional barbershop at the top end of Swanage High Street.

It offers walk-in appointments – check for the latest news and updates, including seasonal opening hours on Sandie’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SandiesBS

Sandie’s Barbershop

Opening hours

  • Monday – Friday – 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday – 9am – 3pm
  • Sunday – Closed

Contact details

  • 📍191 High Street, BH19 2NE
  • 📞 Mobile – 07816 970374 & 07398 637117

Barber Shack

Pop into Barber Shack on High Street for gents’ hair cutting and beard trims, as well as kids’ and ladies’ trims.

Prices are £10 for a gent’s cut, and £13 for ladies, with discounts for single-grade clipper cuts and pensioners.

Kids’ cuts for children aged 5 – 15 are £9.

Opening hours

The Barber Shack is open every day as follows:

  • Monday, Wednesday & Thursday – 9am – 1pm
  • Tuesday & Friday – 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday 10am – 2pm
  • Sunday – 10am -1pm

Contact details

Mr H Traditional Barber

Mr H offers a walk-in service at its prominent location on Institute Road.

You’ll find this barbershop between The Cornish Bakery and Wimpy in the centre of town.

Mr H barbers in Swanage
Mr H Traditional Barber Shop

Opening hours

Mr H is open seven days a week as follows:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9am – 6pm
  • Sunday – 10am – 4pm

Contact

JC Barbering

JC Barbering is in the heart of Swanage in Tilly Mead, just opposite Java Independent Coffee House.

It offers walk-in men’s and ladies’ cuts – check out a gallery of haircuts on JC’s Instagram page: www.instagram.com/jcbarbering_swanage/

Outside JC Barbering in Tilly Whim arcade, Swanage
JC Barbering

Opening hours

  • Tuesday – Wednesday – 9 am–5 pm
  • Thursday – Friday – 10 am–6 pm
  • Saturday – 9 am–3 pm
  • Sunday & Monday – Closed

Contact

  • 📍 Unit 3, Tilly Mead, Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
  • 📞 07957 326381

Mobile Hairdressers

Kellie Westoll

Have your hair done in the comfort of your own home by Swanage-based Kellie.

Kellie is experienced in hair-cutting and colouring and can also style your hair for your wedding day, prom or other occasion.

Visit Kellie’s Facebook page for more info and to see her work: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030703372334

(pictures credit: Kellie’s Mobile Hairdresser Swanage)

Contact details

  • 📞 07980 738832
  • 📥 kelliewestoll@hotmail.com
Categories
Services

Swanage Information Centre

Swanage Information Centre is a handy hub for locals and tourists alike, with information on town services and facilities, as well as what’s on and activities.

The friendly team is always on hand to assist with any enquiries and, if you’re here on holiday, can point you in the right direction of the best local attractions, walks and things to do in the area.

There’s a small shop inside the information centre where you can buy souvenirs, gifts and postcards as well as local-interest books and walking maps.

Make enquiries about booking out one of Swanage’s beach huts or find out about National Express bookings here for adventures further afield.

Located on Shore Road, right opposite the beach, Swanage Information Centre also has a borrow-a-bucket-&-spade system for visitors to enjoy building sandcastles on the bay’s beautiful sandy beach, so you don’t need to pack or buy your own.

Opening Hours

  • Monday – Friday – 10am – 4.30pm
  • Saturday – 9am – 4.30pm
  • Sunday 9am – 4pm (may close for lunch between 1pm & 2pm)

Location

📍 The White House, Shore Road, BH19 1LB

You’ll find Swanage Information Centre between K’s Funworld amusement centre and the main public toilet facilities block on Shore Road.

There’s seasonal parking on Shore Road itself (partially pedestrianised during the summer) and a short-stay car park on the hill above at Mermond Place car park.

The nearest long-stay car park is Main Beach Car Park on Victoria Avenue.

Swanage Information Centre location on Shore Road (credit: Google Maps)

Contact details

Explore a wealth of information about Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck on the on the information centre’s website, along with online visitor guides and accessibility information: www.swanage.gov.uk/Swanage_Information.aspx

Alternatively, get in touch by phone, email or social media:

Categories
Libraries Services

Swanage Library

Swanage Library is set in the heart of town and is open four days a week, and holds regular weekly, monthly and one-off special events.

First opened in 1965, Swanage Library continues to be an important social and community hub for the town.

The quirky, dodecahedron-shaped building has a great selection of the latest fiction and non-fiction, along with a range of audiobooks, and lots of other items to borrow such as DVDs, CDs and maps. And if there’s a book you’re keen to read that isn’t available, you can easily reserve or order a copy.

The friendly staff at Swanage Library are always on-hand to offer advice and support, and run a programme of events for all ages – from Rhyme Time for preschoolers to regular coffee mornings and craft activities. The team also run seasonal events, such as at Christmastime and during school holidays, as well as author talks and presentations.

Reserve, borrow and return books at the library and check the noticeboard on your way in for the latest community news for something to get involved in.

The Swanage Library building itself is a bright and welcoming space, with the upstairs being flooded with light through its 360° windows, making it a pleasant place to browse the library’s books or spend time with like-minded people at its drop-in ‘cuppa & company’ sessions.

Weekly events

There are regular events at the library throughout the year, providing a fantastic source of information, new skills and social interaction for young and old alike:

Mondays

Cuppa & Chat and Ctizens Advice drop-ins at Swanage Library
Community drop-in events at the library
  • Cuppa & Company – Enjoy a free hot drink and biscuits, and enjoy the library’s warm and welcoming space, 10.30am – 12.30pm
  • Digital Campion – Online advice session, 2.30pm – 4.30pm (please book in advance)
  • Colour Me Happy – Adult colouring session, 4 – 6pm

Wednesdays

  • Citizens Advice Bureau – Drop-in sessions every Wednesday, except the first Wednesday of the month, 10am – 12pm
  • Books & More – Adult’s book group & discussion. Third Wednesday of the month, 10.30 – 11.30 am (book in advance)

Fridays

Children's area of Swanage Library
Children’s toys and books
  • Volunteer bureau – 10.30am – 12.30pm
  • Rhyme Time – Songs & stories for under 5s, 11am – 11.30am

Saturdays

  • Lego Club – Fun Lego drop-in session from 10am – 12pm
  • Crochet Creations – Learn a new craft or improve your crochet skills. Suitable for all abilities. First Saturday of the month, 2 – 3.30pm (booking essential)

Opening times

  • Monday – 10am – 6.30pm
  • Tuesday – Closed
  • Wednesday – 9.30am – 5pm
  • Thursday – Closed
  • Friday – 9.30am to 5pm
  • Saturday – 9.30 – 4pm
  • Sunday – Closed
Outside Swanage Library
Swanage Library

Library membership & how to join

It’s easy to join Swanage Library – simply pop in during opening hours with your proof of address.

Membership

Membership allows you to borrow books, audio books and DVDs, as well as giving you access to various online resources such as e-readers and digital magazines, comics and reference.

Archway through to Swanage Library and The Anchor Inn
Swanage Library on High Street

You can also easily sign up for digital membership online at home, but you’ll need to have full membership to borrow physical items from the library.

Your library card is valid in all 31 Dorset libraries as well as any LibrariesWest library, which includes Poole, Bath & Somerset and Bristol & South Gloucestershire. Your resources can be reserved, borrowed and returned from any of these libraries and you are free to use all library computers.

For a list of Dorset libraries visit: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/libraries/find-your-local-library/dorset-libraries

Libraries West services can be found here: https://www.librarieswest.org.uk/client/en_GB/default

Joining

Bring your proof of address to the library to join. Accepted documents include your driving licence, a utility bill (dated within the last three months), a bank statement or wage slip.

For a full list of proof-of-address documents accepted, and for visitor information, visit the library website.

Swanage Library books
Bookshelves on the upper floor

Accessibility

Swanage Library has a wheelchair and buggy-accessible entrance and internal access. There’s also an accessible lift to the first floor.

The library also has a disabled toilet and baby-changing facilities.

Swanage Library offers services for visually-impaired customers, as well as a home-library service for the housebound, people living in residential or nursing homes or sheltered housing (see below).

If you or a family member is on the autistic spectrum you’ll find various resources such as a picture journey or visual tour of Swanage Library, as well as a good variety of books, chosen and recommended by professionals, that may offer support – these include topic such as child, teen, women and adult support, as well as diet, sensory aspects and informative autistic spectrum guides. Ask at the library or explore titles here: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/libraries/find-your-local-library/how-libraries-support-people-with-autism

Home library service

Your local library to your doorstep (image credit Royal Voluntary Service/Dorset Council)

If you’re unable to visit the library due to health or mobility issues or caring responsibilities, Dorset Council’s Home Library Service can help.

This free service can be a lifeline to keep you reading books or enjoying talking books.

You can get in touch with the service by calling 01305 236666 or emailing dorsethomelibraryservice@royalvoluntaryservice.co.uk.

Alternatively, contact Dorset Library Service: 01305 225000 or email dorsetlibraries@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Location in town

📍 30-32 High Street BH19 2NU

Find Swanage Library on High Street in the centre of town and just a short stroll from the beach.

It’s adjacent to The Anchor Inn pub, opposite Purbeck New Wave Gallery and close by to various eateries such as Love Cake, Java Coffee House and Chococo, so you can combine your trip to the library with a treat!

There’s some short-stay on-street parking further along High Street. Alternatively Co-Op’s car park and Mermond Place are both just a five-minute walk away.

Swanage Library location in town (credit: Google Maps)

Contact details

For full information on Swanage Library and to keep up-to-date with library talks and events visit the library website or follow the Friends of Swanage Library on Facebook

ℹ️ Library website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/libraries/find-your-local-library/dorset-libraries

  • 📞 Telephone number: 01929 423485
  • 📥 Email address: swanagelibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Friends of Swanage Library

The Friends of Swanage Library is a group of local people who support the library, in partnership with the Purbeck Development Trust.

The library is always keen to welcome new Friends, and volunteers are actively encouraged to come along and get involved.

ℹ️ Find out more on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SwanageLibrary/ or email: friendsofswanagelibrary@gmail.com.

More libraries in Purbeck

There’s another council-run library in Wareham and a smaller, community-run library in Corfe Castle.

Signage and hanging basket outside Wareham library
Wareham Library & Information Centre

Wareham Library is located on South Street and is open every day except Wednesday and Sunday as follows:

  • Monday – 10am – 5pm
  • Tuesday – 2pm – 6.30pm
  • Thursday & Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
  • Saturday – 9am – 12.30pm

 

Flowers, bench and defibrilator outside Corfe Castle library
Corfe Castle Library

Corfe Castle Community Library is right next to the village hall and is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the following times:

  • Monday – 3pm – 5pm
  • Wednesday – 10am – 12pm & 3pm – 5pm
  • Saturday – 10am – 12pm
Categories
Services Shopping Shops

Swanage Post Office

Swanage Post Office is centrally located on Institute Road in the town centre.

In addition to the usual post office services and products, Swanage Post Office also has a small gift and stationery shop inside.

Outside the post office in Swanage
Swanage Post Office is on Institute Road

You can both withdraw and deposit cash here, and the post office can undertake personal and business banking on behalf of high street banks.

The post office is right by all of Swanage’s key shops and café’s, and just a couple of minutes’ walk to the beach, so you can combine running your errands with a beach stroll or meeting friends for a coffee.

Opening hours

  • Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday 9am – 1pm
  • (Closed on Sundays)

Location in town

📍25 Institute Road, BH19 1BT

You’ll find Swanage Post Office in the heart of town, just opposite Rainbow’s End and Raspberry Rose shops.

There is some on-street parking nearby on Station Road and High Street, but not directly outside. However, due to the post office’s central location, most of Swanage’s car parks are a short walk away (Broad Road long-stay parking and Co-Op or Mermond Place for short-stay are the closest).

Note that both Station Road and Institute Road are on a one-way system.

It’s also just a five-minute walk from Swanage’s bus station and railway station – simply walk down Station Road, which then becomes Institute Road, and the post office will be on your left, just past Baboo Gelato and Amber Bay.

Swanage Post Office location in town (credit: Google Maps)

More nearby post offices

There is a further main post office on North Street in Wareham (open 9am – 5.30pm Monday – Saturday, closing early on a Saturday at 1pm) as well as smaller, sub-post office facilities in the following locations in Purbeck:

Exterior of Corfe Castle village store with church behind
Corfe Castle Village Stores
  • Corfe Castle – At the village shop. Open every day (Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm and Sunday 9am – 6pm)
  • Valley Road – Counter service in St Michael’s petrol station forecourt shop. Open every day, Mon – Fri 7am – 8pm and weekend days 8am – 8.45pm
  • Harman’s Cross – At the village hall. Thursdays between 9.30 – 11.30am
  • Langton Matravers – At Putlake Adventure Farm Tuesdays between 9am – 12pm
  • Stoborough – At the village hall, between 12pm and 2pm

Note that sub-post offices may not always provide all the services that a main post office does, and some services may not operate outside of normal post office hours.

Categories
Services

Swanage Household Recycling Centre

The recycling centre in Swanage is open every day throughout the year, with a few exceptions, such as Christmas and New Year.

Located just off the main road into town (Victoria Avenue), Swanage Household Recycling Centre is a spacious, pleasant experience with helpful staff on-hand at all times.

There’s a re-use area, where you can donate items that aren’t perhaps fit for the bin or for charity, and where you might find a treasure! A small donation’s usually expected if you want to take something away.

You can recycle most items at the tip here, excluding asbestos.

For a full list of what you can take to Swanage Household Recycling Centre visit the Dorset Council website.

For commercial waste, speak to the on-site team or call W&S Recycling on 01202 979011.

Opening hours

Opening times vary seasonally to reflect daylight hours as follows:

  • 1 April – 30 September – Daily from 9am to 4pm
  • 1 October – 30 March – Daily between 9am – 4pm
  • Bank holidays – Open (except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day when the tip is closed)

How to get there

📍Postcode – BH19 1EJ

Swanage Recycling Centre is a short walk or drive from all the town’s main amenities – there’s a Texaco garage just outside and Main Beach Car Park is just down the road, so you can pop to the shops, park or beach after visiting the dump.

It’s located at Prospect Business Park, just off Victoria Avenue.

Swanage Household Recycling Centre location (credit: Google Maps)

Wareham tip

There’s also a household recycling centre in Wareham.

It’s situated just outside the northern end of town off the Bere Road – postcode: BH20 4SN.