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Sports & Activities

Discover a wealth of activities, clubs and outdoor things to do in and around Swanage

Two cyclists sitting on bikes looking at view over Studland from The Viewpoint near Corfe

Whether you’re coming to Swanage for its watersports, coasteering and biking opportunities, or just want to keep up your normal exercise routine, Swanage and the surrounding landscape and coastline of the Isle of Purbeck are guaranteed to keep you active and out in the fresh air whatever the weather.

Head out into the Purbeck Hills or explore the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, or book on to an organised activity with one of the local outdoor adventure companies.

Watersports and outdoor adventure

There are as many ways to explore the Isle of Purbeck as there are beautiful locations. Various local companies allow you to discover land and sea from unique perspectives – from boat and kayak hire to rock-climbing and coasteering.

Swanage Bay and Studland Bay are home to excellent watersports and outdoor adventure facilities. You can book a diving session off Swanage Pier, join an organised coasteering group at Dancing Ledge, or hire a kayak at Swanage Beach or one of Studland’s beaches such as Knoll Beach or Middle Beach.

Take a boat trip from Swanage to explore the beautiful bay and coastline from a different perspective. If you have your own boat there are various options for storing and launching watercraft from Swanage.

If you’re local and would like to get out on the water more, why not try out sea rowing or sailing at the local clubs?

Walking trails

Old Harry Rocks view with couple and flowers
View to Old Harry Rocks from Studland village

We are spoilt for choice in and around Swanage with access to open countryside, stunning cliff walks and sandy bays just a stone’s throw away.

Whether you fancy a potter around a picturesque village or explore around a rugged cove, there are plenty of walks to explore in Purbeck.

There are also plenty of opportunities to explore off-the-beaten track gems such as the disused Winspit quarry, abandoned ‘ghost village’ Tyneham and secluded coves such as Chapman’s Pool.

Many places also provide the perfect habitat for wildlife to thrive – from wild orchids at Durlston Country Park to all six British reptiles at Arne and Studland Bay.

Visit our dedicated Walks & Hiking page to discover the best ways to explore these special Dorset beauty spots:

Cycle hire & bike trails

Cycle Experience – bike hire in Purbeck

Cycle Experience bike hire
Cycle Experience bike hire is based at Norden Railway Station

Bikes can be hired from Cycle Experience at Norden train station – you can park here and cycle straight out into the nearby heathland, through the forest of the Rempstone Estate, or into Corfe Castle village, or hop on the Swanage Railway steam train to explore various places en route to and including Swanage.

Find out more and get in touch with Cycle Experience:

ℹ️ www.cyclex.co.uk/hire-dorset

📞 01929 481606

📥 info@purbeckcyclehire.co.uk

Prices

Wooden sign at Norden station's Cycle Experience

Bike hire costs are based around a three hour+ session.

  • Mountain bike £18.50
  • E-bike £35
  • Children’s £8 or £9 depending on age
  • Tandem £30

Kids’ trailers and ‘tag-alongs’ are also available for hire.

Popular cycle routes

There are many great places to take your bike out in and around Swanage. Here are some of the more popular biking trails:

  • Wareham Forest – There are various trails through woodland and heathland at the forest just outside Wareham, with the Sika Trail (way marked blue) being popular with families
  • Purbeck Hills – Start in the village of Corfe Castle and go across the ridgeway to Swanage
  • Hartland Moor & Middlebere Heath – You can cycle to Hartland Moor from Norden and pick up the Rempstone Ride route from there
  • Rempstone Ride – This is a 12-mile circular walking and cycle ride that takes you through Rempstone Forest toward Studland

Guided mountain bike tours

You can also book onto a guided bike tour around Lulworth Cove with Lulworth Outdoors.

Suitable for cyclists age 11 and over, mountain bike hire is included.

Prices

  • Children – £35 for half a day or £60 for the whole day
  • Adults – £40 for a half day and £70 for a full day

Swanage Cycling Club

Swanage Cycling Club is a friendly club set up by a group of local cyclists. It organises road and off-road mountain-biking rides for all ages and abilities.

Group rides are covered by insurance via British Cycling.

Annual membership with Swanage CC is £10.

Contact details

Check the club’s Facebook page for current regular rides and meeting places or for more details or get in touch by email:

Bike repair and sales

If you need assistance with your own bike whilst visiting Swanage there are two handy options:

  • Furmage Cycles – A mobile repair service based in Swanage 📞  07592 543373
  • Cycleworks – Based at Wareham Station 📞 01929 556601 warehamcycleworks.com

Horse Riding

There are three local riding centres in the locality, as well as some slightly further afield.

Most offer hacking and livery, and some also offer lessons and horse B&B facilities if you are bringing your horse on holiday with you.

Horse rider on beach

  • Lulworth Equestrian Centre – BHS-approved centre offering lessons, hacking, livery and competitions 📞 01929 400396 ℹ️ www.lulworthequestriancentre.com 📍 Coombe Keynes, Wareham, BH20 5QR
  • Studland Trekking Centre – Hacking out across Studland Heath, bay, clifftops and forest 📞 01929 450273 ℹ️ www.studlandstables.com 📍 Ferry Rd, Studland, Swanage, BH19 3AQ
  • RAC Saddle Club – BHS approved riding and training centre and British Eventing venue 📞 01929 403580 ℹ️ www.racsaddleclub.co.uk 📍Allenby Barracks, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JA

Horse Riding in the wider Dorset area

A little further afield are more equestrian centres and facilities:

People on the forecourt of Kingston Maurward House on a sunny autumn day
Kingston Maurward House

Kingston Maurward Equestrian is a teaching school and competition centre set on a 750 acre estate, which is also home to Kingston Maurward College. It runs regular horse shows, showjumping and special clinics.

  • Kingston Maurward Equestrian – Educational courses and eventing, with excellent facilities, set in 750 acres of parkland 📞 01305 215063 ℹ️ www.kmc.ac.uk/equestrian/
  • Moreton Equestrian Centre – Livery yard, arena a d cross-country course 📞 01305 215063 ℹ️ moretondorset.co.uk

Sports & leisure centres

The main sports centre serving the Isle of Purbeck is the Purbeck Sports Centre, although there are other, smaller nearby options.

Purbeck Sports Centre

The Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham has a fully-equipped gym, swimming pool and bar and restaurant.

The centre runs regular classes for both adults and children.

 

Man swimming in indoor swimming

Sports centre opening hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 7am – 10pm
  • Friday: 7am – 9pm
  • Saturday: 7.30am – 8pm
  • Sunday: 7.30am – 9pm

 

Gym opening hours

Person from behind wearing gym clothes

  • Monday – Thursday: 6.45am – 9.15pm
  • Friday: 6.45am – 9.15pm
  • Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm
  • Sunday: 9am – 5.30pm

 

Gym membership information

Entrance to the Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham

Choose either the Diamond card or the Gold card for what best suits your needs:

Diamond card

The Diamond card offers discounts on the use of the swimming pool as well as exercise classes and the gym.

  • £21 a year for adults
  • £10.40 a year for juniors
Gold card

Gold card membership gives you unlimited access to the swimming pool, classes and gym, as well as half price and other offers on selected exercise courses.

Annual fees vary seasonally and depending on your personal requirements:

  • £37 a month or £407 for a full year (the latter option gives you one month free)
  • £27 a month for off-peak hours (9am – 3.30pm)
  • £27 a month for students
  • £80 a month for a family membership. This includes up to two adults’ full membership and two juniors for swimming. (Additional juniors are an extra £6/month)

ℹ️ www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/sport-leisure/leisure-centres/purbeck-sports-centre/

📞 01929 500000

Joe’s Gym, Swanage

Swanage-based Joe’s Gym is a local gym and personal training service offering sessions that can be flexible and tailored to your needs, including coming to your home.

They also run both indoor and outdoor fitness sessions throughout the year.

Contact details for Joe’s Gym

Run by both Sarah and Joe Shepherd, you can give either one a buzz for a friendly chat to get your fitness regime kick-started.

  • Call Joe on: 07736 224 978
  • Sarah can be reached on: 07966 215 228

Alternatively check out their website or drop them an email:  joeshepherd@gmail.com

ℹ️ www.joesgymswanage.co.uk

Swanage Bay View Holiday Park

Swanage Bay View‘s gym and swimming pool is open to the public for swimming sessions and lessons.

Gym membership

All classes are £5, or £40 for ten classes.

The gym is available at a daily (£7) or weekly (£15) rate.

Monthly membership is as follow:

  • Gym membership – £25 a month
  • Off-peak gym membership – £20 a month
  • Combined gym membership and classes – £35 a month

www.darwinescapes.co.uk/…/swanage-bay…/gym-sbv/

📞 01929 422130

Ulwell Holiday Park

The swimming pool at Ulwell Holiday Park in Swanage is open to the public as well as staying guests.

Ulwell holds regular swimming lessons during school times and runs adult-only swim sessions are held on Thursdays and Sundays from 8am – 9am.

It also has a small waterslide and a separate splash pool for toddlers.

Toddler splash pool and small slide at Ulwell Holiday Park
Swimming pool at Ulwell Holiday Park

 

Swimming prices

  • Adults – £4.00
  • Children – £3.00
  • Concessions – £3.00
  • Children under four are free

Discounted books of ten tickets are also available:

  • Adults – £36.00
  • Concessions – £27.00

Swimming lessons

Children’s swimming lessons are held during school term time on Monday – Thursday afternoons. The pool is closed to the public during these times.

📞 01929 422823

ℹ️ www.ulwellholidaypark.co.uk/play/facilities/indoor-swimming-pool/

Burlington Health Spa & Fitness Club

Woman on exercise bike at the Grand Hotel
The Burlington Club at the Grand Hotel

Located in the Grand Hotel in Swanage, the Burlington Health Club has a small indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a gym. Massage and osteopathy sessions are also available to book.

Membership ranges from day to annual, with weekly, quarterly and half-yearly memberships available.

ℹ️ www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk/burlington-club.php

📞 01929 423353

Springfield Leisure Club & Spa

Sign for Springfield Health Club, Wareham

The leisure facilities at the Springfield Country Hotel, based just outside Wareham, include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, gym and toning studios and squash courts.

The fitness studio runs regular classes such as yoga and Bike & Ride.

Health and beauty treatments are available at the spa, including massage, manicure/pedicure, facials and waxing.

ℹ️ thespringfield.co.uk/leisure/

📞 01929 552177

Local sports clubs

There are a range of active sports clubs within Swanage, including a cricket, football and bowls club, as well as the Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club, which has its HQ in Wareham.

Swanage Cricket Club

Swanage CC has an active local membership with both adult and youth players and has been a club since the 1920s.

Cricketers at Swanage Cricket Club with Purbeck Hills in distance
Swanage Cricket Club (Picture credit: Forward Defensive)

Youth training is on a Wednesday or Thursday evening, and there is a busy matches calendar, which you can find on Swanage CC’s website.

📍 For your SatNav: BH19 1LG

The cricket ground and pavilion is tucked away at the northern end of town. The above postcode will take you toward Durlston Farm. Turn left just before this, off Ulwell Road. Go through the gate and continue around to your right. Parking is available on site.

Swanage Cricket Club contact details:

Swanage Football Club

Swanage FC playing field with Purbeck Hills behind
Swanage FC training ground

Swanage Town & Herston FC is an active, local club which holds regular training sessions in Day’s Park (Northbrook Rd, BH19 1NN), which has been going strong in the town since 1898.

Swanage FC is part of the Dorset Premier League and is a full FA Charter Standard Status Club.

Timings

There are a range of teams, including Minis, Juniors, all girls/ladies and adults.

  • Saturdays – two senior sides
  • Sundays – Nine youth teams catering for under-eights and under 17s

Check the club’s forthcoming fixtures and latests photos on its website or Facebook page, or give them a call to get involved:

Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club

Sign at the entrance of the Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club
Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club

 

Swanage & Wareham RFC is based in Wareham and offers both rugby and football to rugby to ‘mini’ players aged under six and up to senior and vets’ teams.

Contact details and location for the rugby club:

Swanage Croquet Club

Couple playing croquet

Swanage Croquet Club is based at Swanage Primary School at Mount Scar.

The season runs between April and October on Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10.30am – 5pm.

This friendly club welcomes both residents and visitors. If you’re coming to Swanage on holiday and wish to play, simply call in advance: 01929 421216

To join as a member, head to the Swanage Croquet Club website and fill in an application form: ℹ️ www.swanagecroquetclub.com 

Swanage Bowling Club

Signage for Beach Gardens in Swanage

Based in Beach Gardens, Swanage lawn bowls club is well-kept and has a number of facilities including a pavilion, refreshment kiosk and adjacent tennis court and pitch and pitch.

Set a short distance back from and above the beach, Beach Gardens is ideally located for a game of bowls with beautiful nearby views.

There are around 90 members who take part in regular matches and who often frequent the Friday evening Club Night – meet at 5.30pm for a friendly game followed by a drink at the clubhouse.

Regular sessions run every Tuesday and Friday morning at 10.30am. Arrive fifteen minutes prior to the start of the match and teams will be selected on the day.

Locals and visitors have been enjoying lawn bowls here since 1928. If you’re visiting and would like to play you can hire one of two of the six rinks. You can hire bowls and equipment or bring your own.

For more information check the club’s website or contact the secretary:

Pitch and putt

First hole of Beach Gardens' pitch and putt in Swanage
Beach Gardens pitch and putt
  • Swanage Golf Games – Not just pitch and putt, but footgolf and frisbee golf, are on offer at Kirkwood Park’s Swanage Gold Games
  • Beach Gardens – Toward the northern end of Swanage town is a pitch and putt course, as well as a basketball court, tennis courts and bowls green
  • Jurassic Golf – For a round of Jurassic Coast-inspired crazy golf, head to Santa Fe Fun Park, which overlooks the beach in Swanage

Golf Clubs

Purbeck

There are two golf clubs in Purbeck – the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club and Wareham Golf Club – both of which welcome both members and non-members.

Both clubs also have a pro shop, offer tuition and have a well-stocked ’19th hole’.

The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club

Looking over the greens at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
Looking over fairways at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club

Set in a stunning location between Corfe Castle and Studland, and just a ten-minute drive from Swanage, The Isle of Purbeck boasts outstanding views across the Purbeck countryside, Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and across to Bournemouth.

The Club has been welcoming players since 1892 and was famously once owned by children’s author Enid Blyton.

Events are held at the club house throughout the year, including special Valentine, Halloween and Christmas menus, as well as festive dinner and disco evenings.

Contact details for the Isle of Purbeck GC

Get in touch with the club by phone or email to book a round of golf, a meal at the restaurant or enquire about golf lessons and membership.

  • ℹ️ www.purbeckgolf.co.uk
  • 📞 01929 450361
  • 📥 iop@purbeckgolf.co.uk
  • 📍 Corfe Road, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AB

Wareham Golf Club

Just outside Purbeck and flanking Wareham Forest, Wareham Golf Club’s 18 holes command views across Purbeck toward Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour.

The club house is available for private hire for celebrating occasions such as christenings, weddings and birthdays, with a range of catering options available, including two and three-course meals and buffet selections.

Situated just outside the Saxon walled market town of Wareham, the golf club is close to many amenities including shops, cafés, pubs restaurants and public transport links.

Contact details for Wareham Golf Club

Call to enquire about green fees and membership or to speak to the bar manager about hiring a function room.

  • ℹ️ www.warehamgolfclub.com
  • 📞 01929 554147
  • 📥 secretary@warehamgolfclub.com
  • 📍 Sandford Road, Wareham, BH20 4DH

Other nearby golf courses (wider Dorset)

Eleventh green at Meyrick Park golf club, Bournemouth
Meyrick Park golf course (Picture credit: Chris Downer)

Near Poole

West Dorset

Bournemouth

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