Location: Swanage
Top Things to do in Swanage
9 Hidden Gems Things to do in Swanage That You Shouldn't Miss
Swanage was a popular seaside resort in Victorian times, and families today continue to enjoy its shallow, calm beach. The recently restored Swanage Pier is a popular spot for fishing. Diving trips and boat tours also depart from here. Don’t miss a trip through the local countryside on the Swanage Steam Railway.
Restaurants in Swanage
1. Land & Wave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 815 reviews
Land & Wave | Swanage | Dorset Real Adventure - Brilliant People - Inspiring Places Land & Wave helps people have brilliant adventures in Dorset and the UK. We think that sharing adventures with people in incredible places is important.
2. Swanage Sea Fishing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Swanage Sea Fishing welcomes both experienced and novice anglers including children and families! Our location offers us some fantastic angling marks with incredible views of the coastline and surrounding wildlife. We offer Deap Sea, Wreck, Inshore, Mackerel, Cod & Bass Trips as well as Sightseeing Tours, Corporate Events & Competitions
3. Cumulus Outdoors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 332 reviews
Coasteering and Adventure Activities in Dorset with Cumulus Outdoors. We have private parking facility, no other provider has this. We always have at least two Coasteering guides in the water for your excitement and safety. We have the best kit with thicker 5:3 wetsuits to ensure warmth in the water. We feel we go the extra mile to make this a great, safe and adventurous experience for you. Coasteering at £49.00pp Enjoy a fun-filled adventure with qualified experts- Explore the coastline and caves from the sea- A unique way to discover hidden coastal secrets. Learn new skills and choose how high you jump! Morning or afternoon sessions for all levels of groups or families with children from age 8 and above. All equipment is provided, all you need is your swim gear, towel and trainers for the water. Certified 'Good To Go' by Visit England in respect of the Covid-19 operational procedures implemented to be Covid Secure.
4. Durlston Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,145 reviews
Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve is the perfect place to start exploring Dorset’s Jurassic coast. Acres of wildflower meadows, sea cliffs, woodland, superb coastal walking and spectacular views await you. Durlston Castle also offers gallery exhibitions, the Seventhwave Café and visitor’s shop. A ranger is always on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Owned and managed by Dorset Council.
Reviewed By johnwF5100AB - Haversham, United Kingdom
Durston Country Park is situated on the cliffs with stunning views over Swanage Bay to Old Harry Rocks with Bournemouth & the Isle of Wight beyond. For the price of a car park ticket you can stroll around the beautiful grounds & enjoy dramatic sea views and a large variety of birds, insects, animals, plants flowers & trees making it a great experience for all. The Castle has a shop, restaurant/cafe with inside & outside seating, permanent as well as varying exhibitions of local art & photography and interesting educational features for kids of all ages. On this year's holiday we had breakfast there four times as it really is such a special place. Due to pesky Covid restrictions access to the lavatories is currently quite convoluted and although acccess for all has been improved this year the walks are hilly in places. Small prices to pay for such a special experience, take a camera and binoculars if you have them and you definitely won't regret it.
5. Studland beach and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,317 reviews
Reviewed By kurti5
Great place to take dogs, there’s plenty of beach for them to play on without getting in peoples way, the beach is clean, the sea is clear and there’s a variety of water sports such as pédalos, kayaks and paddle boards.
6. The Square and Compass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By marknall70 - Winchester, United Kingdom
Super walker's rest with honest home-cooked pasties & great beer. Live music and heaps of unspoilt, smuggler's-inn character. After a blowy dog-walk via Dancing Ledge the Square & Compass is a welcome sight after the stiff pull up Seacombe Bottom (a valley named to keep 12 year old boys giggling all the way up the hill.) If you're looking for a "typical" 21st century gastropub lunch you're in the wrong pub - but then there's a million places you can find that. The tiny low-beamed rooms, stone flags & rough tables are a real step back in time. There's no bar - just two serving hatches into a cellar room where the beers are gravity-poured. We were there on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed inside & out with an eclectic & good-humoured crowd, bolstered by the hipster fans of a very good, young country-ish band playing in the main lounge, live music always a great surprise. The pasties were home-cooked with excellent pastry and served piping hot, really quickly & by friendly staff. Had a couple of pints of excellently kept best bitter & younger children loved the Palmers Ginger Beer. It was a wrench to leave the fireside for a quick turn around the fascinating higgeldy-piggeldy fossil & antiquities museum and then squeeze our way back through the narrow passageways & out to a blusterous return walk. Our hound was amongst many friends - certainly a dog-friendly establishment. Worth bearing in mind the Square & Compass is tiny & very popular, we were lucky to get a table inside but you'd need to go prepared to eat at one of the many outdoor tables, enjoying fabulously airy views across the surrounding countryside & out to sea and of course the weather you'd expect to go with such an impressive situation! Will definitely be back.
7. Old Harry Rocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By nicoladia
We parked in National Trust South Beach Car Park and walked up to viewing point -20 min walk roughly - sunny day - stunning ...amazing views of Jurassic Coast ....a must see !
8. Agglestone Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By places2seeplaces2go - England, United Kingdom
Have wanted to walk to Agglestone Rock for some time. Finally in September 2020 we did the circular walk from Studland to Agglestone & back. Parked in a nearby lay-by . But there are plenty of other places to start your walk from. A great walk, not too taxing & plenty to see. The rock itself is huge & quite bizarre. Its like its been dropped from space. Beautiful views.
9. Fort Henry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By hairybear007
Great reference to the bravery of the service men and women who did their duty,great place to seek out if you are walking too old harry rocks, interesting information displays.
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