Swanage Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the picturesque Jurassic Coast in the county of Dorset, Swanage is a charming seaside town that offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant atmosphere. With its stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and fascinating landmarks, Swanage is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

One of the main attractions of Swanage is its beautiful sandy beach, which stretches for miles and provides a perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shore. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and various water sports, making it a popular destination for families and adventure seekers.

For those who love exploring the great outdoors, the nearby Jurassic Coast offers breathtaking views and a chance to discover ancient fossils that date back millions of years. Durlston Country Park is a must-visit, with its expansive cliffs, diverse wildlife, and captivating coastal paths. From here, visitors can also take a boat trip to see the famous Old Harry Rocks, a series of towering chalk formations rising out of the sea.

History buffs will find plenty to indulge in during their visit to Swanage. The town is home to the Swanage Railway, a heritage steam railway that takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through the stunning Purbeck countryside. The railway also hosts special events throughout the year, such as vintage steam galas and Christmas-themed rides.

Another landmark worth exploring is the Swanage Pier, built in the Victorian era and offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier, enjoy a cup of tea at the café, or try your hand at crabbing - a popular activity for visitors of all ages.

When it comes to dining options, Swanage offers a wide range of choices to suit every taste. From traditional fish and chips on the beach to fine dining experiences overlooking the sea, there is something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss out on trying the local specialty, Dorset Blue Vinney cheese, which is produced in the nearby village of Sturminster Newton.

Alternative names: Population: 10.5 thous. (2019)Elevation: 16 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°36'33"N, 1°57'28"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Swanage Top Attractions

Swanage Attractions - What to See and Explore

Swanage offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Old Harry Rocks, Swanage Town Hall, Great Globe, Durlston Bay. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Unique rock formation along coast
Old Harry Rocks
Old Harry Rocks are three chalk formations, including a stack and a stump, located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England. They mark the most eastern point of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
City hall
Swanage Town Hall
Swanage Town Hall is a municipal building on Swanage High Street in Dorset. Constructed by the local building contractor George Burt in 1882–83, it reused materials salvaged from demolition works in London. The façade was rescued from London's 17th-century Mercers' Hall and the external clock is dated to 1826.
50°35'42"N • 1°57'7"W
Great Globe
The Great Globe at Swanage is one of the largest stone spheres in the world and stands at Durlston Castle within Durlston Country Park, a 113-hectare country park and nature reserve.

50°36'6"N • 1°56'56"W
Durlston Bay
Durlston Bay is a small bay next to a country park of the same name, just south of the resort of Swanage, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England.
Piers and boardwalks
Swanage Pier
Swanage Pier is a Victorian pier which extends into the southern end of Swanage Bay near the town of Swanage, in the south-east of Dorset. It was built in 1895 for passenger ship services.
50°39'6"N • 1°57'14"W
National Trust Studland Bay
Museum
Gothic architecture
Wellington clock tower
The Wellington clock tower is a structure that stands on the seafront at Swanage in Dorset, England. It was originally built by the Commissioners for Lighting the West Division of Southwark at the southern end of London Bridge in 1854.
50°36'36"N • 1°57'53"W
Swanage Railway
Mass transportation systems • Scenic railroads • Tours
50°36'13"N • 1°58'54"W
Belle Vue Quarry
Belle Vue Quarry is a 3.2 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Dorset, notified in 1977. It is used as a roosting site by Greater Horseshoe bats.
Town
Herston
Herston is a western suburb of the town of Swanage, in Dorset, England. It has its own railway station – Herston Halt railway station – on the Swanage Railway. There is a park on Days Road. The Swanage School is in this area.
Neighbourhood
Discordant coastline
A discordant coastline occurs where bands of different rock types run perpendicular to the coast. The differing resistance to erosion leads to the formation of headlands and bays.

Day trips

Swanage – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Swanage, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Salisbury Cathedral (Salisbury), Paultons Park (New Forest), The Tank Museum (Bovington Camp).

32 milesN
Medieval edifice housing the Magna Carta
Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury
Salisbury Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an architectural marvel and a place of worship that dominates the skyline of Salisbury, England. This Anglican cathedral, completed in the 13th century, is renowned for having...
29 milesNE
Theme park, Amusement park
Paultons Park, New Forest
Nestled in the scenic beauty of the New Forest in Hampshire, Paultons Park is a vibrant and beloved theme park in the United Kingdom that promises a day of fun and adventure for families and thrill-seekers alike. Known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse range of...
14 milesNW
History museum, Military museum, Museum
The Tank Museum, Bovington Camp
Nestled in the heart of Dorset, The Tank Museum in Bovington Camp stands as a formidable archive of armored warfare. This impressive establishment is not just a museum; it is a journey through the history of tanks and their impact on global conflicts.
38 milesNW
Scenic walking areas, Garden, History museum
Stourhead
Nestled in the verdant Wiltshire countryside, Stourhead is a stunning example of an 18th-century English landscape garden. This picturesque estate, with its classical architecture and tranquil lake, is often referred to as a living work of art.
14 milesW
Natural limestone arch and iconic photo op
Durdle Door, Lulworth
Nestled on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset, United Kingdom, Durdle Door is a striking natural limestone arch that has become an iconic part of the British coastline. This geological wonder, sculpted by the relentless forces of the sea, is part of the...

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Best Time To Visit Swanage

Learn when is the best time to travel to Swanage weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in January, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Swanage?

The top attractions to visit in Swanage are:

What is the best time to visit Swanage?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.