
Swanage has everything you would expect from a traditional seaside town.
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.
Attractions in Swanage…
Eating out in Swanage…
Gee Whites Seafood Restaurant
Gee Whites
1 High St, Swanage
BH19 2LN. Tel: 01929 425720
The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro
The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro
Marine villas, Pier Approach Swanage
BH19 2AW. Tel: 01929 500387
Chilled Red
Chilled Red
1-5 Commercial Rd, Swanage
BH19 1DF Tel: 01929 426066
The Globe Inn
The Globe Inn
3 Bell Street, Swanage
Tel: 01929 423515
The Black Swan Inn
The Black Swan Inn
159 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NE.
Tel: 01929 423846
Salt Pig Too
Salt Pig Too
7-9 Station Road, Swanage
BH19 1AB. Tel: 01929 423616
Getting to Swanage…
Swanage is a short 25 minute drive from Wareham. There is also a regular bus service by the No. 40 Purbeck Breezer (timetable here) from Wareham to Swanage. You can also catch the Heritage railway from Norden to Swanage, (Norden Station is a 10 minute drive from Wareham).