When visiting Swanage, you don’t automatically think of shopping.
It’s best known for the beautiful countryside, the Victorian pier, fish and chips and the glorious beaches.
Although Swanage isn’t overrun with your typical ‘high street’ or ‘high-end’ boutique stores, it does have the perfect mix of quirky mixed with everyday essentials.
When visiting somewhere new, I love exploring all the local small businesses and investigating Aladdin’s cave-like vintage emporiums.
Swanage offers just that!
Shops in Swanage town centre can be a great place to have a dig around the local businesses and treat yourself to a souvenir or a piece of art from the array of galleries throughout.
Here is a list of some of the best shops in Swanage, Dorset.
A Selection Of The Best Shops In Swanage
Quirky Shops
We are a country that can be quite eccentric, and Swanage fits nicely into that description.
In a lovely, quirky way, there is no other place like it.
Here is a list of some of the most unique shops in Swanage and how they make Swanage so special.
Rainbows End / Rainbows End Too
A mix of alternative, gothic and quirky clothing, homewares, accessories, bags and t-shirts.
One of the most well-known shops for its unconventional taste.
A shop not to miss when visiting Swanage.
Monday-Saturday 10:00 – 17:30
Sunday 11:00 – 17:30
10 The Sq, Swanage BH19 2LJ
Corfe Bears
A family-run business for any teddy bear lover, stocking over 1000 teddy bears and animals, you’re (almost) guaranteed to leave with a new furry friend.
Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
37 High St, Swanage BH19 2LT
Website: https://www.corfebears.co.uk/
The Wool And Craft Shop
An arts and crafts store that has been there for over 100 years!
They pride themselves on good, friendly customer service and are the perfect place for any knitting enthusiast.
Monday – Saturday 09:30 – 17:00
Closed Sundays
17 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AB
Swanage Emporium
Swanage Emporium is a shop that you need to go and explore!
It has pretty much anything you can think of, from mid-century furniture, books, vintage clothing, and anything in between.
Even if you go in for a browse, you will not be disappointed with the wall-to-wall knick-knacks the emporium has to offer.
Monday – Sunday 09:30 – 05:30
1 Kings Rd E, Swanage BH19 1ER
John’s Toyland
A shop with a broad selection of toys and a haven for any child (or adult)
Worth a visit if you’re particularly interested in Lego, as the store has a large selection on offer.
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 10:00 – 16:30
16 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BX
The Swanage Bookshop
A shop in Swanage that specializes in new and secondhand books.
It is a lovely place to visit and has the added charm of being a small business rather than a large high street chain.
The shop particularly has a large selection of local history books and Dorset-based books to give you plenty of knowledge of the beautiful county.
Monday – Saturday 09:30 – 17:00
Closed – Thursdays and Sundays
35 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AD
Gifts and Homeware Shops
If you’re a homeware lover, these shops are worth checking out when visiting Swanage.
Here is a list of some of the best Homeware and gift shops in Swanage for you to check out.
The Little Garden And Gift Shop
The prettiest little shop to pick a gift from or even a little treat for yourself.
It has a gorgeous aesthetic and is not one to be missed.
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Closed – Sunday and Monday
10 Kings Rd E, Swanage BH19 1ES
Country Corner
When shopping in Swanage and you enjoy contemporary and decorative homeware items, Country Corner is a must!
With furniture made by locals and pottery and soft furnishings to feast your eyes upon, you’re sure to pick up something you love.
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 am – 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 am – 17:00
25 High Street, Swanage BH19 2LS
Website: https://www.countrycornerswanage.co.uk/
Sage and Stone
A sustainable living and beautiful gift shop.
Sage and Stone provide beautiful items that are kind to the planet and a stunning choice of gifts and homewares.
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Closed – Sunday and Monday
Unit 4, Daisy May’s Arcade, 2-4 Kings Rd E, Swanage BH19 1ES
Website: https://sageandstone.co.uk/
Pursenalities
A unique and quirky handbag shop set in the heart of Swanage town centre, a perfect shop to find a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself.
Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday and Monday, CLOSED (Sept-May)
9 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BT
Website: https://www.pursenalities.co.uk/
Curiosity
Curiosity is a feast for the eyes, and you could probably spend hours in there looking at all the products.
You can find some beautiful gifts, a treat for a little one, novelty gifts, or pretty much anything you could think of.
Well worth a visit, and you probably won’t leave empty-handed.
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday – 10:30 – 18:00
35 High St, Swanage BH19 2LT
Website: https://www.curiosityswanage.com/
Raspberry Rose
A cute little shop with stunning homewares, gifts, and children’s toys.
It’s a delight to look around and there are some beautiful products to be seen.
Monday – Saturday 09:30 – 17:00
Sunday – 09:30 – 16:00
28 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BX
Candleworld
If you’re a ‘sucker’ for a gorgeous little gift shop that dresses for the seasons and beautiful artisan gifts, go to Candleworld.
It is a gorgeous shop that caters to local artists and has a contemporary feel, offering designer items.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 11:00 – 16:00
14 High St, Swanage BH19 2NT
Salt
A beautiful shop with a pleasing aesthetic.
Selling homewares, gifts, wardrobe, apothecary products, coffee and more.
The items are stunning and is everything you want from a seaside boutique shop.
47 High St, Swanage BH19 2LT
Clothes Shops
Swanage doesn’t offer much in high-street clothes shops, but it does have its own selection of unique shops to fill up your wardrobe.
Here is a selection of the shops that are worth checking out.
Imagine Boutique
A stunning new clothes boutique selling beautiful women’s clothing and handmade jewellery made by local people.
The shop location is a little hidden gem, and you must go into the Tilly Mead courtyard to find it.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday – Closed
Unit 6 Tilly Mead, Commercial Road, Swanage BH19 1DF
Forever Summer
A sports clothing shop that is the home of ‘The Wetsuit Factory’ You can also get wellies, beach towels, beach wear and so on.
The perfect place to stock up your beach apparel.
Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
47 High St, Swanage BH19 2LT
Surprise ‘N’ Store
Selling men’s and ladies clothing, shoes, bags, and gifts, Suprise ‘N’ Store is perfect for anyone looking for casual outdoor clothing.
Selling brands such as Trespass, Lambretta, and Sketchers.
Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
12-13 The Sq, Swanage BH19 2LJ
Website: https://www.surprisenstore.co.uk/
Coast and Country
A sister store to Country Corner, selling good quality hiking and outdoor clothing for men, women, and children.
Brands include Seasalt and Regatta.
Monday – Saturday 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday – 10:00 – 16:30
15 The Sq, Swanage BH19 2LJ
Website: https://www.coast-countryswanage.co.uk/
Tilly Whims
A shop that has provided great customer service for over 25 years, Tilly Whims is a clothes shop for men and women.
With gorgeous printed dresses and shirts, it’s the perfect place to shop for something fun regardless of age, size, or shape.
Monday – Friday 09:30 – 17:30
Saturday – 09:30 – 18:00
Sunday – 10:00 – 16:30
3-4 The Sq, Swanage BH19 2LJ
Surfari
Surfari is the place to shop for all your seaside fashion needs.
A beautiful selection of men’s, women and children’s clothes are on offer from brands such as Quiksilver, Billabong, Animal, Joules, vans, and the list goes on.
Not one to miss!
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 11:00 – 16:00
10 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BX
Website: https://www.surfari.co.uk/
Jurassic Outdoor
The perfect place for all your outdoor activity needs, whether it’s for camping, climbing, hiking, or just going on an adventure, Jurassic Outdoor will have you covered.
Monday – Friday 09:30 – 18:30
Saturday – 09:30 – 19:00
Sunday – 10:00 – 16:30
13 High St, Swanage BH19 2LP
Website: https://www.jurassicoutdoor.com/
Saltrock
Surf clothes for men, women, and children.
The perfect place to kit yourself out in the latest surf fashion.
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 19:00
Sunday – 10:00 – 17:00
39 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AD
Website: https://www.saltrock.com/pages/saltrock-swanage
Art Galleries
Art lovers will love these studios in Swanage town.
There are lots to admire and choose from. Here is a list of the top art galleries in the town.
Jo Porter
A gorgeous shop run by local artist and printmaker Jo Porter.
If you particularly like lino prints, the Purbecks, animals and nature, visit this shop!
It’s a fantastic art and print shop in Swanage that is a true hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed.
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Monday, Sunday – Closed
Unit 7, Tilly Mead, Swanage BH19 1DF
Website: https://www.joporter.co.uk/swanage-shop
Lucy’s Farm
Run by local farm artist Lucy Tidbury.
Lucy’s farm is a treat for the eyes of any animal lover.
With reasonable prices and an array of cow selfie prints (and other animals), kitchenware, homeware, and stationary, it’s the perfect place to pick up a piece of local art.
Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
5 Tilly Mead, Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
Website: https://lucysfarm.co.uk/
The Mulberry Tree Gallery
A beautiful gallery that sells original paintings, ceramics, stationary, homewares, limited edition prints, and so on.
The Mulberry Tree Gallery’s aim is ‘to make your home more beautiful’ and prides itself on being professional and knowledgeable.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:45
Sunday – Closed
57 High St, Swanage BH19 2LT
Website: https://www.mulberrytreegallery.co.uk/
Purbeck New Wave Gallery
Owned and run by artists from the surrounding community, this gallery is full of high-quality art based on the Purbecks and Swanage.
Perfect for any art lover who particularly loves countryside and seaside art.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 10:00 – 18:00
43a High St, Swanage BH19 2LT
Website: https://www.purbecknewwave.co.uk/
Quarr Gallery
Working with local artists, Quarr Gallery has a range of limited edition prints, photography prints, mosaics, ceramics, greeting cards, and more.
Monday – Saturday 11:30 – 17:00
Sunday – Closed
17 High St, Swanage BH19 2LP
Website: https://www.quarrgallery.com/
L’Artishe Gallery and Studio
A gallery that sells modern art from local artists and from further afield.
The gallery is a clear and spacious space that gives you room to browse the art on display.
The exhibitions change on a monthly basis, so if you’re looking for something in particular, make sure to check the website before visiting.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday – Closed
71 High St, Swanage BH19 2LY
Josh Hollingshead Gallery
Josh Hollingshead is a self-taught local artist with some amazing art worth visiting to check out.
The level of detail in the painting will amaze you and is unlike any of the other local artists in a unique and interesting way.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – Closed
25 Commercial Road, Swanage, BH19 1DF, Swanage BH19 1ES
Website: https://joshhollingshead.net/
Little Green Gallery
A beautiful seaside gallery selling prints from local artists, jewellery, ceramics, and homewares.
It is a lovely spot to have a browse and treat yourself.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 11:00 – 16:30
Saturday – 10:30 – 17:30
Monday, Wednesday, Sunday – Closed
38 High St, Swanage BH19 2NX
Andy Knill Art Studio
Andy Knill Art Studio is a lovely place to visit.
Andy opened his shop on Commercial Road in 2021 and has a range of art for shoppers to enjoy and purchase.
He also has a fantastic ‘art for fun’ activity that is free!
Andy supplies you with some paper and pens, and you can have a go at making your own masterpiece.
A perfect activity for anyone and a lovely way to spend time in Swanage with a local artist.
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Monday, Thursday, Sunday – Closed
21 Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
Website: https://andyknillart.com/
Vintage Shops
There are some lovely vintage shops around Swanage that have an extensive collection of items from the past.
A lovely way to pass the time is to look through vintage finds that are perfect for people who love preloved items with a history.
Old Harry’s Locker / Maritime Curios
A unique antique store that sells nautical treasures.
If this is your kind of thing, it’s a must when visiting Swanage.
Monday – Saturday 11:00 – 16:00
Closed Sundays
34 High St, Swanage BH19 2NU
Smiths Vintage
A family-run shop for over 50 years, 2 floors of English and French furniture and vintage goods.
Trips to France and house clearances are how Smiths require their stock, so it’s always changing with unique and quirky finds.
Saturday – 11:00 – 17:00
Monday – 11:00 – 16:00
Rest of the week – Closed
50 High St, Swanage BH19 2NX
The Old Forge Antiques Centre
A gorgeous vintage shop with lots to rummage around in to find a ‘new’ treasure for your home.
There is an abundance of gorgeous furniture and vintage finds to explore.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 11:00 – 17:00
273 a High St, Swanage BH19 2NH
Website: https://the-old-forge-gallery.business.site/
Health Shops
Swanage has a lovely selection of Health shops.
You can spend a long time browsing health shops and picking up healthy bargains (pun intended).
Here is a selection of the best health shops in Swanage.
Yellow Gorse
Yellow Gorse sells natural and organic skincare, home fragrances, and lots of natural eco-friendly products and plants.
The shop smells lovely and has an inviting, rustic aesthetic.
One not to miss!
Opening times at the moment are by appointment only. This could change, so check out their website.
8 Kings Rd E, Swanage BH19 1ES
Website: https://www.yellowgorse.co.uk/
Country Foods
A family-run health shop also offers a range of vitamins, fresh organic produce, and a wide range of eco-friendly refillable products.
It has a simple but lovely interior with friendly service.
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday – Closed
37 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AD
Grape Tree
A wide range of health foods are available, some of which can be bought in larger portions than supermarkets and other shops.
The Grape Tree sells products such as nuts, vitamins, health supplements, natural beauty products, etc.
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 10:30 – 16:00
37 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AD
Souvenir Shops
When visiting anywhere new, you must buy a souvenir as a little memory from your trip or as a gift for your loved ones.
The shops in Swanage have lots to offer in the way of souvenirs, from magnets, postcards, friendship bracelets, and more!
Here are some of the best Swanage shops you can pick up a souvenir from.
ShoreSide
Selling an abundance of toys, gifts, souvenirs, and beach goods, ShoreSide is the perfect place to spend some pocket money for your little one or to pick up an item you forgot to pack to take to the beach in Swanage.
Monday – Saturday 09:30 – 17:00
Sunday 11:00 – 17:00
1 Mowlem Ln, Swanage BH19 1DD
Leonards
Leonards sells a range of homemade fudge, children’s toys, and seaside souvenirs and gifts.
It’s the perfect place to pick up a small treat for a loved little one or a souvenir from your time spent in Swanage.
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 20:00
Sunday – 09:00 – 17:00
15-17 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BT
FiFi’s
Fi Fi’s is an unusual and quirky shop that is fun and has lots to look at.
Offering a range of gorgeous women’s clothing with a mixture of souvenirs, gifts, and fancy dress.
Monday – Saturday 09:30 – 17:00
Sunday – 11:00 – 16:30
18 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BX
The Beach Shop
A small souvenir shop on the beach selling Swanage gifts, ice creams, and beach toys such as buckets, spades, and inflatables for lots of seaside fun.
Swanage BH19 1LB
Purbeck Memories
If you’re looking for a souvenir that sells something a bit more meaningful from your time in Swanage, then this is the perfect place to shop.
Purbeck Memories sells lots of Swanage and Purbeck memorabilia and some stunning photos and prints from the area.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – Closed
2-4 Kings Rd E, Swanage BH19 1ES
Jewellery Shops
Swanage offers a wide range of Jewellery shops. If you’re on holiday, just visiting, or live in Swanage, then you are sure to find something pretty to add to your collection.
Here are a few quaint and quirky jewellery shops in the Swanage town centre.
Crystals
A truly beautiful shop packed full of crystals and jewellery.
We’ve picked up some beautiful crystals here.
They are reasonably priced, and with friendly, knowledgable staff, this is a lovely shop to visit and get your crystal fix.
Monday – 09:30 – 17:30
Saturday – 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 10:00 – 16:00
13 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AB
Macrow & Son
An independent jewellery and watch store.
They have an extensive collection of Trollbeads, which they specialise in on their online store, ‘The Exclusive Bead Store’.
Monday, Tuesday, Friday – 09:45 – 16:30
Rest of the week – Closed
18 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AE
Website: https://macrow.com/
Amber Bay
A jewellery shop that is passionate about Amber.
Selling jewellery, watches, children’s jewellery, Amber carvings and crystals.
A beautiful collection and reasonably priced.
Monday – Friday 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday – 11:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 12:00 – 15:00
23 Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BT
Website: https://amberbay.co.uk/
Georgian Gems
A tiny, beautiful shop bringing antique jewellery back to life.
The stock is ever-changing regularly as the owners travel the country looking for special finds.
If you’re interested in antique jewellery, this is the perfect place to look for something to add to your collection.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – Closed
28 High St, Swanage BH19 2NU
Amberhall Jewellery
A shop that specialises in high quality, contemporary Amber jewellery.
Some lovely, unique pieces and a lovely place to shop for your next piece of jewellery.
Monday – Friday 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday, Sunday – Closed
2 Mermond Pl, Swanage BH19 1DG
Food Shops
Shopping in Swanage can be great for foodies.
You can get locally sourced fresh meat and fish, sweet treats, ice cream, and much more.
Here are a few of the best food shops in Swanage.
The Old Stables Delicatessen & Eaterie
Fresh, organic and reasonably priced, The Old Stables is a lovely little deli tucked in a backstreet in Swanage.
It is also a cafe, so you can go in and try some of the delicious food they offer.
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 18:00
Saturday – 08:00 – 16:00
Sunday – Closed
37 Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
Swanage Bay Fish
A family-run fishmonger that uses fresh fish and shellfish caught by their boats and local fishermen.
They also use sustainable fishing methods.
They are the perfect place to go for any seafood lover visiting Swanage.
Tuesday – Saturday 08:30 – 14:00
Sunday – Monday – Closed
1-5 Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
Website: https://swanagebayfish.com/
Chococo
A family business that is passionate about chocolate.
It’s every chocolate lover’s dream to visit Chococo.
They sell everything chocolate and some excellent gifts to share the chocolate love with your family and friends.
Monday – Friday 09:30 – 17:00
Saturday – 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday – 10:00 – 17:00
21C, 23A Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
Website: https://www.chococo.co.uk/
The Salt Pig Too
The Salt Pig Too is well known in the Purbeck’s for multiple locally sourced restaurants and cafes, but it also has a deli where you can buy locally sourced meats, fish, cheese, jams, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.
A great place to pick up some delicious local food to take home and enjoy.
I love it there.
Monday – Saturday 08:00 – 22:00
Sunday – 08:00 – 18:00
7A Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AB
Website: https://www.thesaltpig.co.uk/
Charity Shops
If you’re an avid charity shop visitor, you will not be disappointed by the Swanage town centre charity shops.
They have the likes of the Weldmar Hospice Care and the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, where you can have a good rummage whilst being eco-friendly and buying a pre-loved bargain.
Here are a few more that need a special mention.
Oxfam Bookshop
Who doesn’t love a second-hand bookshop?
Packed with lots of fact, fiction, and children’s books. Plus CDs and DVDs.
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 12:00 – 16:00
21, 21a Institute Rd, Swanage BH19 1BT
RNLI Shop
Not your stereotypical charity shop, the RNLI shop sells homewares, clothing, tasty treats, toys, greeting cards and so on and the profits go towards helping the RNLI, which helps save lives at sea.
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday – Closed
7 The Sq, Swanage BH19 2LJ
Florist
Tied
Tied is a florist of dreams!
A beautiful florist set a little further up the highstreet but worth going to visit.
A stunning well needed flower shop offering plants, flower arrangements and cute accompaniments to your fresh flower purchase.
Great stock to meet the seasons and very friendly staff.
Tuesday – Saturday 09:30 – 17:00
Monday and Sunday – Closed
62 High St, Swanage BH19 2NX
There we go, a list of some of the best shops in Swanage town centre.
Please note this isn’t a list of every shop in Swanage and there are plenty that are great that I haven’t mentioned on the list.
These are just some of the more memorable shops that you will see.
I hope you enjoy shopping in Swanage and this guide has helped you on your trip.
Enjoy!
