When visiting Swanage, you will notice there is no shortage of coffee shops, but the question is, which one do you go for?
Here is a guide to the coffee shops in Swanage, their locations, and the vibe you’re going to get when you visit.
Whether it’s a shabby chic cake shop or a ‘greasy spoon’ cafe, you can have your pick.
What makes Swanage great is that it’s a small town, so most of the coffee shops are easy to find, and if you want to, you can take your coffee, sit on the beach and enjoy.
So here’s your guide to Swanage coffee shops and locations.
Enjoy coffee lovers!
The Best Coffee Shops in Swanage: A Local’s Guide
Studio South
A lovely, quiet and dog-friendly cafe.
With the slogan ‘There’s always room for coffee and cake’, the cafe offers lots of delicious-looking cakes and pastries.
Wonderful art is also on display, some of which are for sale.
They also sell art supplies and run art workshops from time to time.
The perfect place to go to feel relaxed and help to get that creativity flowing, chill with your dog or catch up with friends.
Location: 10 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AE
Down the Beach
A cafe with a beautiful view!
Set right on the beach, ‘Down the Beach’ is the perfect place to go if you are a lover of being on the beach, walking past from a hike, or just wanting to enjoy a coffee with a backdrop of the most stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.
Down the Beach also sells food such as fresh seafood, burgers and panini’s so if you’re feeling a bit peckish, you can enjoy that also.
Location: Burlington Chine, Swanage BH19 1LS
The Old Stables Deli & Eaterie
The Old Stables is a beautiful deli with a wide selection of breads, pastries, fruits, vegetables and fresh flowers.
There is also a seating area where you can grab a hot drink and a light bite.
The stables are definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting or staying in Swanage.
The pastries and cakes look amazing and will be perfect for a little afternoon treat.
Location: 37 Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
The Cabin
The Cabin is a lovely cafe set on Swanage beach.
It has a beautiful view of the sea and surrounding areas.
The cafe is mostly an alfresco experience, which in the warmer months is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and people watch from the comfy booths.
The cabin also offers food such as fried breakfasts and seafood, which is available to eat in or take away.
Location: Burlington Rd, Swanage BH19 1LW
Carve Coffee Roasters
Set further back from the beach and in an industrial estate is Carve Coffee Roasters.
Carve Coffee Roasters is a Dorset-based company and only has good reviews.
They offer indoor and outdoor seating, and you can even buy their coffee at the roastery.
There is free parking, it is easy to find, the staff are very friendly, and you can even buy merch!
Location: Unit 16, Anvil Centre, Prospect Business Park, Prospect Cres, Swanage BH19 1EJ
Tea on the Green
Tea on the Green is set in beach gardens.
A beautiful garden set just off the beach and offers a 18-hole putting green and tennis courts.
The cafe is a small stop in the gardens with beautiful views.
They serve light refreshments and have a good selection of local products such as Purbeck ice cream.
Location: Beach Gardens, Swanage BH19 1PQ
Tea Breaks
Tea Breaks is what I would call a ‘proper English cafe’ serving the likes of all-day breakfasts, pies and sandwiches.
Set just off the beach with cool retro style decor, you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in peace and in a relaxing atmosphere.
Location: 43 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AD
Chococo
If you’re a fan of chocolate, then Chococo is the place for you!
Set on a pretty side street, you can find a chocolate lover’s dream.
Part chocolate shop, part cafe, you can enjoy a coffee and some Dorset-based chocolate.
There is also savoury food available if you don’t fill up on brownies first!
Location: 21C, 23A Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
Brook Tearooms
Set just off the high street with a beautiful view of the sea is Brook Tearooms.
You can enjoy a hot drink in the cosy, welcoming atmosphere or take your food and drink away with you to enjoy on the beach.
As well as soft drinks, you can also enjoy an alcoholic drink in the outdoor seating area if that takes your fancy.
Location: 15 The Parade, Swanage BH19 1DA
Java Independent Coffee House
If you want to go to a cool, eclectic and unique coffee house, then this is the place to go.
Serving a delicious range of food and pastries, with a lovely warm service Java is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a bite to eat or just to quench your thirst after strolling around Swanage.
Location: Tilly Mead, Unit 3 Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
Love Cake
Love Cake? need I say more?
A shabby chic cafe on the high street that has a mouth-watering selection of huge spongey cakes.
The cafe is a pretty setting and doesn’t do just cake.
You can enjoy a fried breakfast, smoothies or a toastie.
Location: 42 High St, Swanage BH19 2NX
McAllisters
A cosy atmosphere with comfy sofas and armchairs to relax in and enjoy a cuppa with a friend or loved one.
Serving hot drinks, cakes and breakfasts is also available to take away.
The perfect space to spend some time and watch the world go by.
Location: 24 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BX
Swanage Cafe
With one of the best views of Swanage and perfect to sit at on a sunny day, Swanage cafe has a lot to offer.
You can simply go for a coffee, enjoy a cream tea, enjoy some seafood, or hand-rolled pizza.
A great place to visit for the perfect setting in the sun and delicious food to go with it.
Location: Seymer Rd, Swanage BH19 2AQ
Hideaway Cafe
A classic British cafe set on the high street.
The High Street Cafe is dog friendly, and one review describes the cafe as doing the ‘best breakfast in Dorset.’
That, teamed with friendly staff and a pleasant atmosphere, make it an ideal place to visit.
Location: 1 High St, Swanage BH19 2LN
The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro
A cafe on the famous Swanage pier selling seafood, alcohol and sweet treats the cafe is set in a lovely location.
Dogs are welcome, and outside seating is available.
You can also have a stroll along the pier whilst you’re there.
The Cornish Bakery
The Cornish Bakery can get busy at peak times, but that shows as it’s a great place to visit.
The pasties are delicious and there’s a selection of sweet treats and hot drinks to enjoy.
You can eat in or take away and it’s close enough to the beach for you to have a picnic on the beach.
Location: 1 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BT
Haymans Bakery
Haymans has a friendly atmosphere when you walk in the door and has a wide selection of food and drink for you to enjoy.
There is a cosy vibe to the cafe, and you will feel comfortable whilst you’re there.
There is a large selection of baked breads and pastries for you to fill up on or take away.
Location: 8 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BX
There we have it, some of the best coffee shops in Swanage.
What you want is a welcoming, warm atmosphere, maybe some stunning Swanage views and a cracking cup of coffee.
I hope this post has helped you plan your visit. Enjoy!