Beaches

It's not just Swanage's beautiful sandy bay that has visitors flocking to Dorset's Jurassic Coast, and more and more people moving down for a new life by the sea - there are miles of beaches, coves and bays a short distance from our seaside town. Make Swanage your base to enjoy the golden sands of Studland Bay, discover the off-the-beaten-track secret beaches along the nearby coastline, and learn about the intriguing geology of places like Kimmeridge Bay. All within a short distance of Swanage is a wide variety of coastal landscapes to explore - from family-friendly beaches with all the amenities you could ask for including beach cafés, bars, shops, toilets and beach huts, to more remote spots accessible only by walking, such as Chapman's Pool. We're lucky to have so many famous landmarks at our beaches in Purbeck, too, like the pretty Lulworth Cove and of course the imposing Durdle Door. Many of the beaches, including Swanage's Blue Flag beach have safe swimming areas, which are life-guarded during peak season, but others are not suitable for swimming, or may have other restrictions such as seasonal dog-walking rules, so check out our lowdown of all the best beaches near Swanage for your visit.