In the South East corner of Dorset lies the coastal town of Swanage. It’s a popular place to visit, known for its sandy beaches and amazing views. There are plenty of things to do in Swanage if you’re visiting for a day or as part of a holiday.
The town lies on the Eastern side of the Jurassic Coast, a haven for hikers and walkers, with some amazing scenic views.
Related post – Bumper list of things to do in Dorset
Swanage Beach
Shore Road, BH19 1LB
One of the more popular days out in Swanage is the beach. The sandy beach is a popular choice for locals and tourists with plenty going on throughout the year. There is plenty of parking available, both on the promenade and in nearby car parks.
As well as the Santa Fe Fun park right next to Swanage beach, where you can play crazy golf, enjoy the amusements and fun fair rides, you are also very close to the town.
There is no shortage of food and drink outlets nearby, why not enjoy eating fish and chips on the beach.
Other facilities along the beach include deck chair hire, beach hut hire, pedalos, shower facilities and toilets.
Swanage Pier
Swanage Pier in the seaside town of Dorset has some great activities and events happening through the year. The Victorian pier is open all year round apart from Christmas day.
You can take boat trips from Swanage pier, or perhaps enjoy some fishing. There’s also a cafe and gift shop as well to visit.
Swanage Railway
BH19 2PH
One of the must see Swanage attractions is the steam railway. You can enjoy a trip on a steam train between Swanage and Corfe Castle along the Purbeck Line. The 12 mile return journey showcases the stunning countryside, as you enjoy the surroundings.
If you read any Famous Five books as a child, you may remember the steam train journeys the children took. It’s said that Enid Blyton travelled on the Swanage Railway and used it as inspiration in her books.
There are toilets, a cafe and picnic facilities at Swanage Railway, and whilst there are no toilets on board the train, there are public toilets at Norden Station in Corfe.
Throughout the year Swanage Railway put on many different family events, it’s really worth checking them out.
Old Harry Rocks
Handfast Point, BH19 3AX
Three chalk formations standing proud at the end of Studland Bay are known as Old Harry Rocks. They are a popular destination to visit in Dorset, owned and managed by the National Trust.
The rocks were originally one long chalk ridge that connected to the Isle of Wight. As erosion has happened over the years, we are left with the three formations that stand now. Legend says the name came from the devil who was once known to sleep on the rocks.
The nearest car park to Old Harry Rocks is a mile away at South Beach (BH19 3AU) which is owned by the National Trust as free to park for members or chargeable for non members.
Related Post – National Trust locations in Dorset
Durlston Country Park
Lighthouse Rd, BH19 2JL
Parking at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve is chargeable per hour or you can opt to pay a day rate which works out to be better value if you’re staying all day.
The country park is also home to Durlston Castle which doubles as the visitor centre. You can climb to the top to enjoy the views out across the sea.
If you’re lucky you may even spot dolphins along the coast in Dorset with Durlston being a dolphin watch location.
In the centre of the park is The Great Globe. One of the largest stone spheres in the world, it was created by a local man in the 1800’s to give something back to the place he lived in.
If you’re a keen walker and wildlife enthusiast then there is plenty on offer here to enjoy the walking trails and spot some seabirds and other wildlife. The country park also has direct access to the South West coastal path if you’re looking for longer walks and hikes.
Durlston Country Park is also one of the places you can take part in the popular Park Yoga between May and September.
Studland Bay
Ferry Road, BH19 3AQ
Studland Bay is owned and managed by the National Trust with multiple car parks in the area. There are four miles of sandy beaches to explore at Studland with a ferry running between Studland and Swanage multiple times a day.
All the beaches at Studland, Shell Beach, South Beach and Knoll Beach welcome dogs all year round. There are on lead restrictions throughout the Summer months, however during the Winter / Spring dogs are permitted off lead.
Related Post – Dog friendly beaches in Dorset
A 1km area of Knoll Beach is an allocated naturist area, important to know if you’re exploring the area.
You can enjoy views of old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight on a clear day at Studland.
Agglestone Rock
Swanage BH19 3AY
Agglestone Rock is a 400 tonne block of sandstone sitting on a hill in Studland. Said to have been a rock thrown by the devil from the Isle of Wight with the intention to destroy Corfe Castle or Salisbury Cathedral, the rock is a popular historic landmark to visit in Dorset.
The nearest car park is at Middle Beach, a National Trust car park. You can see the rock via a walk through Godlingston Nature Reserve.
Follow Beach Road from the car park to the Studland Store. Cross the main road and continue along Heath Green Road before turning right onto Agglestone Road. From here you will see the nature reserve and be able to follow the paths to the rock. Agglestone Rock is also a great place to take your dog in Dorset.
Swanage Museum And Heritage Centre
The Square, BH19 2LJ
Near the seafront, you will discover the Swanage Museum. Step back into the history of Swanage and see how it evolved to the bustling tourist town it is today.
You can also discover some of the local walking trails here if you are looking to explore some of the local area.
Spyway Dinosaur Footprints
Langton Matravers, Swanage BH19 3HG
At Keates Quarry in Swanage, managed by the National Trust, you can discover over 100 fossilised dinosaur tracks in the ground.
Related post – Dinosaur things to do in Dorset
It’s thought that the footprints were made by the brachiosaurus, a long necked plant eating dinosaur. The Isle of Purbeck over 140 million years ago was a subtropical wilderness of coastal forests and swamps.
Putlake Adventure Farm
High St, Swanage BH19 3EU
Perfect for children aged 0-10. Putlake is the only adventure farm and indoor soft play area in Swanage for up to 10 miles. They are a working farm, with animals, tractor rides, outdoor play equipment and pedal Go-Karts.
You’ll also find picnic areas, trampolines, birds, a pet centre and indoor soft play. You’ll be welcome of a rest in the tearooms after all that.
Swanage Town Murder Mystery Treasure Trail
Explore Swanage on this self-guided Murder Mystery themed Treasure Trail. As you follow the Trail route, can you solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to eliminate the suspects to discover whodunit?
The circular Trail starts at the Tourist Information Centre along the seafront. The route leads you along part of the coastline with its spectacular geological features and also around the nooks and crannies of the historical town of Swanage.
Burngate Stone Carving Centre
Why not have a go at stone carving in Swanage at the Purbeck Stone Centre. You can learn creative carving and sculpture, the traditional skills of masonry and the discipline of letter cutting.
Courses are available for everyone with have a go sessions and beginner sessions. If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Swanage, then check them out.
You may also like to read:-
good information thank you.