Location: Swanage
Top Things to do in Swanage
The 9 Best Things to Do in Swanage, United Kingdom (UK)
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. Old Harry Rocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 607 reviews
Reviewed By dave v - Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Did the Studland circular walk (about 4 miles). Not overly hilly and well signposted. If you are in the area and fancy a walk its quite nice, but boy was it blustery today. Stood well away from any cliff top edges. Dog friendly. You have to pay for parking at South Beach and the pub restaurant is next to the car park
2. Swanage Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Swanage Railway provides an ideal way to get to the beach without the need to park in Swanage. Simply leave your car at the Norden Park and Ride, which is conveniently located just off the A351 north of Corfe Castle, and start your holiday early!
Reviewed By jnash84 - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
The cost for two adults return from Swanage to corfe castle was £26 which we didn’t mind for the experience of being on a steam train and the nostalgic feel of the surroundings.
The station at both ends of the line were nicely nostalgic with the waiting rooms, wooden signs, signal stations and of course he sound of oncoming steam trains
For me the reason for the average rating was that the carriages themselves were dated but not in a ‘times past’ fashion really, more plain and worn... felt a bit sad actually to me. Needs some reinvestment I think.
So agree with some of the other reviews about how friendly and upbeat all the staff were though.
3. Studland beach and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By PutneySW - London, United Kingdom
My good friend and I were here in late February, the weather was extremely bitter, the wind was challenging. However, the icy conditions did not detract from the beautiful countryside and stunning coastline.
4. Durlston Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 917 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 County Council.
Reviewed By dick h - Derby, United Kingdom
A really nicely thought through and structured facility. The "Castle" itself has many different aspects to it that all fit together and complement each other well. The staff are helpful and enthusiastic.
Outside the walks are interesting and cover a wide range of different natural habitats, from cliff walks, past historical quarries, over pasture and moorland and along country lanes. Fantastic place.
5. Shell Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By sandybottom65 - Portsmouth England
Stunning views of Bournemouth to Great Harry rocks. The water is shallow and very clean. Some of the beach is a naturist area but it is well signposted . To be honest one of the best Beaches in the UK
6. Swanage Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Reviewed By robert b - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
It's a pleasure to stroll along and ready he brass plaques put down in tribute to loved ones, friends and family. Out boat dropped us off her and took us back to Poole from this pier. Lovely sunny day a real joy to visit.
7. St Aldhelms Head - South West Coast Path walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
A 5.1 mile South West Coast Path walk with a round-up of assorted fascinating features around a limestone headland where the chalk grasslands are rich in wildflowers. The angular caves and tunnels in the vertical cliffs are home to the equally rare greater horseshoe bat, as well as doubling as distant planets in various sci-fi films.
Reviewed By aims1968 - London, United Kingdom
Spectacular views of the Dorset coast - well worth the visit. Short walk from the carpark on uneven ground. Good walking shoes recommended along with Binoculars and Camera. Worth taking a picnic on a Sunny day and take in the fresh air and scenery.
8. South West Coast Path - Dancing Ledge and Langton Matravers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
A 4.7 mile pastoral route taking in the South West Coast Path by hay meadows and flower-filled chalk grasslands, with the possibility of seeing puffins, bats and even dolphins. The steep cliffs have been hollowed out by quarrying of Purbeck limestone, shot through in places with important fossils, and the route follows ancient lanes through crumbling stone boundaries dating back hundreds of years.
Reviewed By Restless59 - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Parked up at Spywey NT car park and headed off to Worth Matravers along the Priests Way, quick coffee and then onto Winspit and along the Coastal Path towards Durlston Head via Dancing Ledge. Sat at Henbury and just watched folks climbing, coasteering, a couple of kayakers, so enjoyed this lovely spot. This whole coastline is spectacular specially on a glorious sunny day and so nice to escape the hordes descending Bournemouth for the AirShow, (Actually had the bonus of a lone Red Arrow roar overhead). It's not a difficult walk and there are actually many good tracks to explore whether on the South Coast path itself or half way up or even right on the ridge. Headed to Durlston Castle and then back along the ridge and Priests Way back to Langston Matravers.
9. Studland to Swanage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
A spectacular walk on the South West Coast Path that takes you from the village of Studland past the famous landmark of Old Harry – the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - and on to Swanage.
Reviewed By GARY H - London, United Kingdom
I walked from Swanage to the Sandbanks ferry ( last done 20 years ago ) and found it as wonderful as I remembered. The Coastal paths were clear and the paths safe ( despite earlier heavy rains ) Great to see Old Harrys Rocks again.
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