Category Archives: Things To Do

There are plenty of things to do when visiting Swanage. From beaches to castles, hiking to shopping and so much more. Swanage has it all. Below, we have detailed just a few of the main attractions to be found in the area.

Swanage Beaches

There are a number of nearby beaches to Swanage, the most famous being the Swanage beach itself. The good news for those looking to sunbathe and relax is that it is a full sand beach. The waters are clean, and the beach has won many European Blue Flag Awards as well as the Seaside Award. Deck chairs are available, as are pedaloes, kayaks and sunbeds. Dogs are welcome to the beach between the 1st of October to the 30th of April, during times outside this period, dogs are welcome to sue the Monkey Beach area located near the stone quay.

Jurassic Coast Experience

A tour of the scenic landscape of the Jurassic Coast on one of Swanage most popular attractions. This full-day tour takes you around some of the most historical locations of the Isle of Purbeck, starting in Bournemouth it will go locations including Sandbanks, Swanage, Duriston Country Park and you will even have time for lunch at Corfe Castle. It will also give you the chance to explore Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove independently.

Swanage Railway Tour

Get the change to ride on a heritage steam train and gain a completely new perspective of Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. The steam trains running a hop-on, hop-off service so you can jump on and off whether you prefer to do your own individual sightseeing. Offering breathtaking views of the coastline. There is also a sightseeing cruise which allows you to see the coast from the sea.

Cumulus Outdoor Adventure

Looking to be a little more adventurous? Cumulus Outdoors offers you the opportunity to do just that with plenty of activities such as Coasteering, Kayaking, Canoeing, Climbing & Abseiling, Bushcraft, Raft Racing, and Mountain Biking all being available. Perfect for families and groups for fun, team building and just another way to experience the beauty of the Jurassic Coast.

Corfe Castle

The absolutely stunning Corfe Castle is a must-see if you’re visiting Dorset. The castle was constructed over one thousand years ago but sadly, was partly destroyed back in 1646 during the English Civil War. Even so, the remaining ruins are still a sight to behold, standing proudly atop a hill in Purbeck. Corfe Castle has a fascinating history that includes plenty of ghost stories and other interesting tales. The castle offers up incredible views of the countryside.

Durlston Country Park

Located upon the cliffs overlooking the Durlston sits the Durlston Country Park. This large nature reserve offers visitors a beautiful spot to explore, while also providing some incredible views of Swanage Bay. Lots of local wildlife can be spotted in the area. In fact, there are 33 different species of butterflies that make their home in the reserve. Durlston Country Park also offers a large number of hiking and walking trails. To obtain a map of the area, stop by the visitors centre and cafe, located in the Durlston Castle.

Swanage Antiques Shopping

Swanage is absolutely filled to the brim with interesting shops and antique stores. Visitors to the area will find it easy to spend an entire afternoon visiting these shops alone. Below are just a few of the many Swanage antique shops that are located in the area.

Eklektika
The Old Forge Antiques
Old Harry’s Locker
The Swanage Bookshop

Swanage Pier

Among the most iconic places to visit while in Swanage is the town’s pier. The Victorian seaside pier has been restored, but still offers plenty of old-world charm. The pier extends out into the southern end of Swanage Bay. Not only does the pier offer up amazing views of the beach, but it also boasts plenty of history. There’s plenty to do in the pier area, including diving, sailing trips, guided tours, and more.

21 Apr 2020

RSPB Arne Nature Reserve

Things To Do

Arne is a nature reserve in Dorset that offers seven signposted trails of different lengths for visitors of varying abilities, along with facilities and a…