- : BCP Tourism
Explore Swanage
A Traditional Dorset Seaside Town
Perched on the Isle of Purbeck’s eastern edge, Swanage is a cheerful mix of classic coastal attractions and natural beauty.
With its Victorian roots, gently sloping bay, and gateway status to the Jurassic Coast, Swanage invites slow holidays full of steam train rides, coastal walks and nostalgic charm.
Plus, you can eat a well-earned fish and chips by the seafront after a scenic stroll to Old Harry Rocks.
Classic Coastal Days Out
Swanage Beach is the main draw — clean, welcoming, and bordered by colourful huts. Its shallow waters and sandy stretch make it ideal for little ones and sea swimmers alike. Just beyond, the Swanage Pier offers a stroll with views and a bit of maritime heritage, while nearby Studland Bay promises quieter sands and nature-rich dunes.
A trip on the Swanage Railway is a must for those interested in local heritage. This restored steam line travels through the Purbeck countryside and stops at Corfe Castle, a striking National Trust site. Then there’s Durlston Country Park, a clifftop nature reserve complete with coastal trails, birdlife, and the Victorian-built Durlston Castle, now an engaging visitor centre. For younger visitors, Salt Pig The Farm Putlake provides hands-on fun with animals and space to roam.
One of the area’s most iconic natural landmarks, Old Harry Rocks, is best reached on foot via the South West Coast Path. The walk from Swanage rewards with sweeping sea views and dramatic chalk formations that mark the eastern tip of the Jurassic Coast.
A Town Built in Stone and Story
Swanage’s look and layout owe much to George Burt, a Victorian businessman who brought surplus London stonework to the town. You’ll spot eclectic features like bollards from Westminster Bridge and other relocated bits of London architecture. This rich quarrying past is also visible in the use of Purbeck stone, still evident in many buildings.
At the compact Swanage Museum, tucked near the seafront, you can dive into tales of quarrymen, the town’s railway heyday, and the rise of Swanage as a holiday destination. Just outside town, Keates Quarry preserves hundreds of dinosaur footprints, silently pressed into stone over 140 million years ago.
Food with a View (and a Local Twist)
Swanage might be small, but it knows how to serve a meal worth remembering. Gee Whites sits right by the water, known for its no-fuss seafood and unbeatable views. For Dorset-sourced dishes, The Salt Pig Too is a local favourite, while Love Cake Café puts out a strong case for lingering with coffee and cake.
Sweet tooth? Don’t miss Chococo, the town’s beloved chocolate house, where handmade treats tempt from every counter. There’s no shortage of options for ice cream, and fish and chips eaten along the seafront remains a rite of passage for visitors.
More recommendations here: Best Swanage Restaurants
Stay by the Sea
Accommodation in Swanage caters to easygoing holidays and traditional escapes. You’ll find a line of seafront B&Bs offering homely touches and sea views, while the Grand Hotel Swanage provides a more classic hotel feel, right on the cliffs. Swanage Bay View Holiday Park is ideal for families wanting facilities and space to unwind.
Those preferring the outdoors can opt for camping and caravan parks nearby, many with sweeping coastal views or nestled into the hills behind town. For something a little more boutique, there are a handful of tasteful guesthouses in quiet corners of Swanage.
Explore options here: Swanage Campsites
Festivals, Steam and Summer Vibes
Swanage brings the community together with events that celebrate music, creativity and its heritage. The Swanage Carnival, held each summer, is the biggest draw — a week of parades, fireworks, and family fun. There’s also the Swanage Folk Festival and Jazz Festival, filling the town with sound and song every September and July.
Film lovers can time their visit for the Purbeck Film Festival, which uses quirky venues across the region, and railway fans will enjoy themed weekends on the Swanage Railway, from vintage transport days to festive steam rides.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip from childhood holidays, Swanage wraps you in that hard-to-define coastal comfort — with just enough to explore and plenty of excuses to stay.
Why not plan your trip with Dorset Explored’s guide to things to do in Swanage?