If you are planning to visit Swanage, read on to discover all the things to do in Swanage?
A wonderful day out. You can walk from Swanage town, through the downs and onto Durlston Country Park. Or you can park in the castle car park (please remember to pay) and stroll in the park or down to the castle. The country park has a good cafe in the castle, but it does get busy – phone ahead to book a table.
The kids will love exploring the woodland walks and the natural beauty of the park. The park affords panoramic views of Swanage Bay and the Jurassic Coast, if you are lucky you will spot a dolphin. The park is proudly free to enter, though for a small charge you can enjoy wildlife activity days put on by the Durlston Rangers.
There are several walks to enjoy whilst visiting Durlston, and of course this must take in the famous Purbeck stone globe. My favourite is a walk from the castle, along the sea front and onto the lighthouse. This walk can be enjoyed all year but the climb to the lighthouse is unlevel and the walk is bracing on a winters day!
Old Harry Rocks are famous, beautiful chalk sea stacks. They can be enjoyed from many aspects.
You can park at the Studland Beach car park near the Bankes Arms and enjoy a steady climb up to the cliffsedge that overlooks the stacks. This affords one of the best views, but always stay away from the cliff edge and keep dogs on a lead.
At low tide you can access the foot of the sea stacks and marvel at these geographical landmarks. Of course you must check tide times and be very careful not to be trapped by the incoming tide.
One of the most relaxing way to view the stacks is to hire a kayak from Studland beach.
The history of Swanage dates back to pre-historic times. From its origins as an important port right through to its modern resort status, the Heritage Centre explores the fascinating history of the town.
Take a stroll along the beautifully restored Victorian Pier and enjoy views across the Bay and to Old Harry Rocks. Donations are appreciated but entry is free. The Victorian Pier is built alongside the remains of a more ancient wooden structure, which was used to load the famous Purbeck stone, on its way to London. More recently it has been used to embark passengers onto the Waverely Steamboat.
There is a lovely café on the Pier, which enjoys views over the Bay and serves a variety of dishes including local seasfood (booking essential).
Swanage Pier is a popular site for divers, as there are several wrecks of the Dorset coast. Its also a really popular spot for fisherman.
In the 1960’s Dr Beeching closed many of Englands rural railways, among them was the line from the Waterloo line at Wareham to the seaside town of Swanage.
In 1979, local enthusiasts opened the line along the King George playing friends and in 1980, steam officially returned to Swanage. Thanks to a long list of dedicated volunteers the railway steadily grew in length and popularity, when 30 years after it closed the Purbeck line was restored and fair paying passengers could once again travel from the mainline into the heart of the seaside town.
The railway is a hive of activity when it opens at Easter with train enthisiasts and visitors enjoying a choo choo through the countryside to the sea. At Christmas, in recent years, the railway has hosted talented actors bringing the magic of The Polar Express to life.
Although passengers on the train do have to pay a reasonable fayre, you can still enjoy watching the steam train depart from Swanage station.
Special mention to the South’s largest carnival. Volunteers run a week long array of free events for charity, which include, wheelbarrow race, 2 hours long carnival parade, air displays and fireworks. Most events are free and family friendly. Accommodation is always sold out for this fantastic week of fun.
Swanage bay can be enjoyed from several green spaces including the Prince Albert Gardens. If you love to watch the boats sail by and waves roll in, these gardens are a lovely spot to enjoy a summer picnic. The gardens have an open air ampitheatre where you will often find free music festivals, it is also home to the Swanage Seafood Festival held in June.
The Beach gardens are another lovely open space to enjoy with bandstand, childrens play park and panoramic views of Swanage Bay.
At Christmas time (when the beach huts are not so popular), artists and craftspeople descent upon Swanage and display their wares in beachfront shops. Come along and enjoy the festive vibe.
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