Swanage beach
Swanage is located at the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck, which is not, in fact, an island but a peninsula, bordered by the River Frome’s marshland, Poole Harbour and the English Channel, where towering cliffs overlook the sea. Exploring the town by foot is a pleasure, with plenty of interesting shops to peruse and a number of excellent cafes and restaurants to choose from.
For a fun, family day out, visit Swanage Railway and climb aboard an old-fashioned steam train for a six-mile journey which meanders through beautiful countryside, passing the ruins of Corfe Castle and Swanage Beach.
A trip to the town’s seafront would be incomplete without a wander along the magnificent Swanage Pier, which was built in the 1800s for shipping stone. Don’t miss the Marine Villas, a listed building which houses Edwardian arcades, and a good shop and café.
Corfe Castle
To delve into the town’s rich maritime history, visit the Swanage Pier Exhibition Centre, where you’ll discover centuries’ worth of fascinating artefacts. For a unique look at the coast, climb aboard the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, with its timber decks and beautifully restored towering tunnels. Also well worth a look are the screens which show footage of life underwater, beneath the pier. Watch out for blennies, sand eels and the occasional scuba diver.
One of the Isle of Purbeck’s most popular attractions is the majestic Corfe Castle , where you can explore the crumbled walls, secret corners and ‘murder holes’ of an ancient royal palace and fortress.
“Swanage is a charming, old-fashioned seaside resort, surrounded by the spectacular Purbeck countryside.”
There are some great places to eat and drink in Swanage, whether you’re looking for a cosy pub for a pint of local ale or a fine dining restaurant for a romantic evening meal. One of the town’s most popular eateries is the Corner Restaurant, which serves classic British cuisine with meat, game and poultry from local markets. Another good option is The Bull and Boat, where you can enjoy tasty meat, fish or vegetarian dishes with lovely sea views. One of the nicest spots for a good coffee or bite to eat is The Cabin, which has a large outside seating area and views across the water. For hearty meals at very reasonable prices, look no further than The Canteen, a long-standing favourite among hungry Swanage residents.
Swanage is an ideal base for exploring the towns, cities and spectacular Dorset coast. A short drive away is Weymouth, a pleasant seaside town with an elegant esplanade. The Purbeck Heritage Coast is also nearby, a dramatic stretch of towering cliffs and secluded coves which is perfect for walking, swimming and catching a few hours of sun and sea air.