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Swanage bay
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Swanage & Studland

Swanage Harbour in Swanage
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Swanage

The rugged Jurassic coastline climbs from the beautiful sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage. Old Harry Rocks stand tall between the tranquil bays of the seaside town of Swanage and the long sandy beaches of Studland. These English gems are surrounded by some of the county’s most breath-taking, diverse countryside.

The seaside town and resort of Swanage owes its origins to the quarry industry and the world famous, unique Purbeck Stone and Marble, quarried here for centuries. This world heritage site has endowed this stone with the fossilized remains of its former inhabitants. Making the marble particularly prized. At one point if a man wasn’t a quarryman he would have been a sailor.

Swanage town has something for everyone. This vibrant family resort, although particularly suited for children, offers a lively and sophisticated adult night life; there are many restaurants, bars and shops to be enjoyed; you will certainly have everything at your fingertips.

Cottages in Swanage
Swanage Bay

Swanage Beach

The soft sand of the award winning beach is not to be missed whether you are topping up your tan or building castles in the summer sun. Winter time in Swanage has its own charm and couples wishing a romantic getaway would be well advised to taste what this seaside retreat has to offer.

The beach has been awarded Blue Flag Status and the waters in the bay are generally regarded as one of the safer spots to bathe.  The beach has a good set of toilets with sand showers and water available.  The visitor centre also lies on Shore Rd and is easily accessible.  Half of Shore Rd is closed during the summer months, making it a much more relaxing place to visit.

Swanage from above

Swanage Events

Keep an eye on the events calendar these will include the jazz, comedy, folk & blues festivals, a huge summer carnival and fabulous walking events.  For a full list visit the Swanage eventspage.

Durlston Castle near Swanage

Swanage Attractions

Swanage has many attractions including the Victorian pier, blue flag sandy beach, safe swimming environment, diving, boat trips, amusement arcades, beach gardens, heritage centre and Historic Swanage Railway. There is also the Purbeck Way walking route and South West Coast Path which will enable you to explore Purbeck’s countryside and the Jurassic Coast, Durlston Country Park and Nature Reserve is a countryside paradise with stupendous views, the Great Globe, a variety of walks, children’s activities and fascinating geology – there’s always something new to see and do. Not only teeming with bird and animal life, but a vantage point for spotting the pods of dolphins which swim in the waters along the Dorset coast.  If you would like more information visit Swanage Attractions.

Swanage Promenade

Travelling to Swanage

When planning your trip you may want to consider using the Sandbanks Ferry and of course you will need to know all the details that relate to parking in the town.  You can travel by coach to Swanage station and the steam railway now links with the main line, full details can be found here.

Studland Beach
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Studland

Studland is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the South West, there are miles and miles of sandy beach backed by dunes and the wild heathland all cared for by the National Trust. From the chalk stacks of Old Harry to the Chain link ferry at Shell Bay, Studland beaches are endowed with soft white Mediterranean sand. The bay makes many water sports available for the family holiday maker including Windsurfing, Jet and water-skiing, sailing, including deep water moorings, pedalos and swimming.

Of course if sunbathing is your preferred pastime, Studland boasts three beaches, Middle, South and Knoll. For the more adventurous, Shell bay offers private naturist sunbathing.

Ramblers will enjoy the many coastal walks at your fingertips including the stunning Old Harry Rock walk where you will encounter breath-taking views and the unique rock formations.

Access to Poole Harbour, the world’s second largest natural harbour, behind Sidney Harbour in Australia, is another of the walking gems on offer. This habitat is a natural haven for many of the UK visiting birds. Horse lovers can go riding on the beach or in the picturesque heathland surrounding Studland.

You can also walk to the seaside town of Swanage or Corfe Castle. The village centre lies behind the beach a short walk away.

Studland
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Swanage and Studland Cottage

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Balcony Apartment
Swanage
5/5
2 Bedrooms. Fabulous seaside apartment in Swanage. Stunning views from the balcony across the bay to the Isle of Wight. This spacious and comfortable property is equipped with all you might need for a family get away.
4
2
1
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Holiday prices from  £714
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Purbeck Escape
Swanage
4.7/5
3 Bedrooms. Super reviews for this recent addition to our holiday homes. Purbeck Escape is a spacious, newly equipped family home.
6
3
2
0
Holiday prices from  £465
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Flat 3 4 Cranborne Rd Ph2 Web
Beach Approach
Swanage
4.8/5
Settle into a lovely family holiday at Beach Approach. A two bedroom ground floor apartment. A flat walk will take you to Swanage beach and High Street, which is lined with cute cafés, boutiques, and fine restaurants. Beach Approach is perfect for families with top sights in easy reach: Swanage Railway is just a two minute stroll away; take a trip down memory lane on the vintage steam engine to the historic village of Corfe Castle.
4
2
1
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Holiday prices from  £370
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Newton House
Swanage
4.6/5
3 bedrooms. The owners of this spacious seaside home, which is very close to Swanage beach have stylishly furnished with a contemporary and comfortable interior.
6
3
2
0
Holiday prices from  £449
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large holiday home with a hot tub
Valley View
Swanage
4.5/5
A stylish, detached Edwardian home beautifully appointed with hot tub, large garden, parking and spacious reception rooms.
8
4
3
2
Holiday prices from  £545
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White Sands
Swanage
4.9/5
4 Bedrooms. This stunning property is set on the cliff top in a secluded part of Swanage, boasting panoramic sea views over the bay toward Peveril Point, the Isle of Wight and Ballard Down. Situated just outside of the town centre and well away from any main road, it is beautifully quiet, ideal for those of you wishing to escape it all.
9
4
2
2
Holiday prices from  £1,150
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Newton Manor Grange
Swanage
4.6/5
3 bedrooms. This beautiful four star holiday home is the ideal choice for a self catering holiday in Swanage. This home boasts large picture windows and is an unusual upside down house that takes full advantage of the views, across the seaside town of Swanage to the sea and the Isle of White beyond. WIFI.
6
3
2
0
Holiday prices from  £423
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Ailwood Cottage
Nr Corfe Castle
4.7/5
1 Bedroom spacious holiday cottage near Corfe Castle. Nestled in the heart of the countryside within walking distance of Corfe Castle and the coast. Excellent quality detached accommodation which is highly recommended for walking and beach holidays.
2
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1
1
Holiday prices from  £414
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Daisy’s
Swanage
4.7/5
Stylishly decorated 3 bedroom holiday home in Swanage. Daisy's offers everything you need for a relaxing break, from comfortable bedrooms with ensuite for each room to a private bubbling hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the coast!
6
3
3
1
Holiday prices from  £425
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Lizards Rest
Swanage
4.7/5
4 bedrooms. A great base and comfortable family home. This substantial detached holiday home offers ample accommodation for the extended family in a seaside location. Lizards Rest is the perfect choice for accommodation for large groups in Swanage.
9
4
2
0
Holiday prices from  £633
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Seaspray
Swanage
5/5
Located steps away from the sandy beach and traditional promenade in Swanage, Seaspray is a three-bedroom, 1930s-style apartment with panoramic sea views. Situated on the wonderful seafront parade, this town centre location is perfect for families or friends seeking a relaxing coastal escape within a stone’s throw of many of Dorset’s prolific attractions.
5
3
2
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Holiday prices from  £512
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Stone Quay Cottage
Swanage
4.9/5
Stone Quay Cottage is right in the heart of the beautiful old fishing town of Swanage, just a stones throw away from the historic Stone Quay, the lovely sandy beaches, the Victorian Pier and all the amenities. This two bedroom cottage dates back to the 1850’s but has been completely renovated to provide a beautiful modern home.
3
2
1
2
Holiday prices from  £623
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Angel Cottage
Angel Cottage
Swanage
4.7/5
Nothing is more refreshing than a coastal holiday near the sea and if you’re looking for a cosy, quaint cottage, Angel Cottage should be first on your wishlist. This mid terrace cottage is the perfect base to discover miles of heritage coastline or relax and unwind on the blue flag sandy beach
2
1
1
2
Holiday prices from  £192
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Purbeck Cottage (Kings)
Swanage
4.7/5
3 bedroom family home with two parking spaces and large covered patio to enjoy outside dining whatever the weather.
6
3
1
0
Holiday prices from  £397
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Seashell View
Swanage
4.9/5
A stunning 3 bed apartment with sea views – perfect for a family beach holiday in the coastal town of Swanage, Dorset.
6
3
1
0
Holiday prices from  £475
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Capstone
Swanage
5/5
A beautiful Edwardian home, which is an ideal base for friends and extended family to share adventures on the South coast. Two minute flat walk from beach and town.
8
4
2
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Holiday prices from  £457
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The Aspens
Swanage
4.8/5
Delightful light-filled family holiday home, situated just a stone’s throw from beautiful Swanage Pier.
5
2
2
0
Holiday prices from  £397
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Wye Knot
Swanage
4.8/5
A delightful ground floor apartment with private garden is perfectly placed for a family's getaway, within easy access to Swanage beach and town attractions.
4
2
2
1
Holiday prices from  £561
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Piona Flat 12 The Gables Ph3 Web
Piona
Swanage
4.9/5
For a seaside break to remember, look no further! Piona is set in a prime location in the heart of Swanage in Dorset. You will have a wealth of attractions, amenities and the all-important sandy beach right at your fingertips – all just a 5 minute walk away!
6
3
2
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Holiday prices from  £470
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Below Decks
Swanage
4.8/5
Below Decks is a gorgeous, seafront holiday home that sleeps 6 guests. Situated on the Parade in the heart of Swanage with the main beach, restaurants and shops directly on your doorstep, it is perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway.
6
3
2
2
Holiday prices from  £507
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Malvern Apartment
Swanage
4.5/5
This appealing large, ground floor apartment is part of a modern conversion of a former Edwardian hotel, right in the heart of the seaside town of Swanage in a quiet residential, tree lined street, less than 5 mins walk to restaurants, pubs, shops and the beach. You can enjoy a lovely glimpse view across Swanage bay from the lounge bay window.
2
1
1
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Holiday prices from  £323
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