Swanage is located on the eastern end of the Purbeck Peninsula. Until the early 19th century, Swanage remained a small fishing port, also shipping stone from nearby quarries. When the railway arrived in 1885 Swanage really expanded as a seaside resort. The pier was built in 1896, originally for use by the paddle steamer industry.

Relax on Swanage’s award winning sandy beaches. The wide Swanage Bay has great views to the Isle of Wight and to the north are chalk cliffs leading to Old Harry Rocks. 

Visit the fantastic selection of restaurants, cafes and shops in the town centre. There are also fun leisure activities at the Santa Fe Fun Park in Swanage including Crazy Golf, or you can practice your golfing swings with Pitch and Putt at the Beach Gardens or Kirkwood park.

One of the most popular attractions in Swanage is to take a trip on the steam railway to nearby Corfe Castle. It has a busier steam and diesel timetable than virtually any other preserved steam railway.

Swanage also boasts the Durlston Country Park and Castle. This national nature reserve is part of the Jurassic coast with stunning views of the limestone sea cliffs.