Things to do in Swanage
Planning a weekend getaway? Swanage makes for a fantastic day out. An idyllic coastal town situated on the glorious Isle of Purbeck, Swanage is a thrilling seaside town that puts people of all ages under its spell.
Famous for its sandy beaches and amazing outdoors, Swanage is also home to the enchanting Corfe Castle and the famous Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fossils and limestone formation.
With an array of tourist attractions and outdoor activities to get you active, it's easy to see why Swanage is one of the most famous towns in Dorset.
From kayaking to coasteering and rock climbing, Swanage showcases the very best of Dorset. Ready to take a trip to this coastal town? Our wonderful Rockley Park Holiday Park, located a mere 20 miles from Swanage, is the perfect base for exploring the best of this historic town. Check out our list of the best things to do in Swanage.
- 1. Hike the cliff trails
- 2. Hit the water
- 3. Jump aboard the railway
- 4. Visit the Museum and Heritage Centre
- 5. Stroll the historic pier
- 6. Hit the beach
- 7. Visit Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve
- 8. Dive into history at Corfe Castle
- 9. Stroll Studland Bay
- 10. Catch a show at the Mowlem Theatre
1. Hike the cliff trails
Swanage sits at the centre of the Eastern coast of the Isle of Purbeck, on the South Dorset Coast. Surrounded by water on three fronts, this almost-island town boasts some of the most spectacular coastlines in the entire country.
So, it's truly a hiker's paradise.
Here are some of the best coastal trails to enjoy in Swanage.
The Purbeck Way - A spectacular 15.5-mile route within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – of course you don’t have to walk it all!
Smugglers Way – A 3-mile circular trail that takes you down ancient lanes
South West Coast Path – A 4.7-mile trail from Swanage to Studland
2. Hit the water
Swanage's coastline makes the town an ideal spot for a range of water activities.
And there's a list of experts waiting to take you out onto Studland, Swanage Bay, Poole Harbour, and west along the Jurassic Coast.
If you like getting active, there are a ton of water sports in Swanage to give you an adrenaline rush. Hire a Kayak and spend the afternoon exploring the bay and surrounding cliffs. You can even try cannoning, paddleboarding, and raft racing if you like your activities water based.
Scuba diving and coasteering are also available, perfect for those who like exploring rocky coastlines and underwater life.
3. Jump aboard the railway
Address: Railway Station Approach, Station House, Swanage BH19 1HB
The Swanage Railway provides a nostalgic way to explore this coastal town. It's a historic heritage railway running the Isle of Purbeck and is one of the magnificent tourist attractions in Dorset.
For the ultimate expedition, park at Norden and hop onto a steamy train to the coast. Along the way, you'll pass by the breathtaking vista of Corfe Castle and see the arresting landscape before pulling into the restored historic station in Swanage town centre.
A steam train offers you the rare opportunity to go back in time to the glorious days of steam locomotives. Swanage steam trains run for about six miles, traversing through the glorious Purbeck countryside and past the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle.
4. Visit the Museum and Heritage Centre
Address: The Square, Swanage BH19 2LJ
If you're a fan of history, you'll want to visit Swanage Heritage Centre and Museum.
Here, you'll uncover the history of Swanage, from the Seaside Resort to the Jurassic Coast and the Second World War. The 19th-century Old Market Building on the Swanage seafront has some interesting exhibits on the town's history, including its geological formation.
Containing some fascinating facts about the history and geology of the town, the museum will tell you everything you need to know about how Swanage transitioned from a stone trade destination to the successful holiday resort it is today.
5. Stroll the historic pier
Address: Shore Rd, Swanage BH19 1LB
The pier, situated a few miles away from our Rockley Park Holiday Park, is the perfect place for a day out with your loved ones. This historic pier is one of the most iconic sights in Dorset. The views from this delightful Victorian seaside pier rival any pier in England, providing a panoramic view of Swanage Bay.
Admire picture-perfect views of the famous Jurassic Coast and its surrounding from this historic pier, built in the 18th-century. The pier is perfect for enjoying cool coastline scenes, and its far end is also popular for fishing and crabbing.
6. Hit the beach
Address: Shore Rd, Swanage BH19 1LB
A trip to Swanage wouldn't be complete without enjoying a refreshing swim on the fabulous sandy beaches.
The sweeping sandy beach in Swanage is one of the most popular beaches in Europe. This fabulous beach has won many European Blue Flag awards and the seaside award, owing to its calm atmosphere and many tourist-friendly features.
The beach is great for solo travellers and families, boasting excellent facilities, including public toilets, huts for hire, and many nearby amusement parks. You can hire a kayak, pedalo, deck chair, or sun bed as you enjoy a drink.
7. Visit Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve
Address: Durlston Country Park Lighthouse Road, Swanage BH19 2JL
Explore Durlston Country Park, a 280-acre nature reserve offering coastal walks, wildlife spotting, and the historic Durlston Castle. The park provides stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Loads of events take place in the park including the weekly Parkrun, nature-themed exhibitions at the Fine Foundation Gallery, and guided walks with a local ranger who’ll bring the local wildlife, geology, and history of the region to life.
8. Dive into history at Corfe Castle
Address: National Trust | The Square, Corfe Castle Bh20 5Ez, Inglaterra, Dorset BH20 5EZ
One of Dorset’s most celebrated ruins, Corfe Castle, is only a fifteen-minute drive west of Swanage (it can also be reached on the Swanage Railway). This thousand-year-old structure commands the landscape, telling a tale of invasion and civil war.
Maintained by the National Trust, the castle was built not long after the Norman Conquest in 1066, on the site of even earlier fortifications. Although blown up during the civil war, the Castle’s impressive entranceway still stands, and there’s a visitor centre with plenty of information about its turbulent history.
Dogs are welcome on short leads, and there’s a shop for souvenirs, toilet facilities and a tearoom on site.
9. Stroll Studland Bay
Address: Studland, Swanage BH19 3AH
A ten-minute drive from Swanage, Studland Bay is a series of unspoiled sandy beaches backed by dunes and heathland. Featuring pristine chalk stacks, golden sands, and a National Trust nature reserve, this is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring nature trails.
As the only large dune heath habitat in the southwest, Studland Bay is the perfect haven for rare butterflies, sand lizards and other protected species. There are mudflats and saltmarsh in the area too, and birdwatchers should look out for ibis, nightjars, avocets, and ospreys. All six native British reptiles are resident here, so be a little careful where you tread!
10. Catch a show at the Mowlem Theatre
Address: The Mowlem, Town Centre, Swanage BH19 1DD
You can’t miss the modernist cube of the Mowlem Theatre, which stands on Swanage seafront. On days when the weather lets you down, there are few better places to be, whether it’s for the latest Hollywood blockbuster, a comedy gig, or a club night at the Showroom Taproom and Bar.
From live music to art exhibitions to locally themed documentaries and talks, the Mowlem hosts a wide range of events, and the bar is a stylish venue with stunning views over Swanage Bay.
Start planning your Great British break
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.