Swanage

Information

County - Dorset | Map
Tel code: 01929 | code search
Postcode: BH19 | code search
Population: 11000
Swanage Jobs
Visitor reports
Birthplace of:
James Meade
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Folk Customs:
Purbeck Marblers Football Ceremony
The Dorset Ooser

Swanage Events

May
Swanage Walking Festival

July
Swanage Regatta and Carnival

September
Steam Gala weekend & Vintage Vehicle Rally

October
Swanage Blues Festival
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Latest reviews

Purbeck House Hotel
"Good Points: Clean, spacious room. Excellent breakfast. Very helpful and courteous staff. Bad Points: No batteries in TV remote - very minor point that did not spoil the break in any ..." More

Purbeck House Hotel
"Good Points: Clean and functional'! Bad Points: Asked to be moved from the first room, with 4 poster bed. Too gloomy, no view, bed too small and generally 'Gothic' feel to ..." More

Purbeck House Hotel
"Good Points: overall pleasant, spacious, clean Bad Points: shower not working, not enough milk for tea/coffee on room

Date visited: 2007-10-30 ..." More

Travel Tip

"Getting to Swanage from Poole by road takes a while as the A351 road goes around the Purbeck peninsula. A quick route is via the ferry, which operates from Sandbanks ..." More

Swanage Reviews (7)

Best rates for a Local Hotel

Latest reviews | Events in Swanage | 10 Places to Stay

Swanage has so many facets; a traditional family-friendly beach resort with Victorian charm, the eastern gateway to the Jurassic coast with outstanding geology that attracts global attention, a lively town in which to celebrate the carnivals and music festivals and a peaceful retreat for that spring or autumn weekend break that you so deserve….you may hear this a lot from other holiday destinations, but Swanage truly has something for everyone!!
Swanage changes with the seasons, but the World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast has overlooked this atmospheric town for 130 million years; certainly standing the test of time!
For music lovers the town also has a fantastic range of events that everyone can enjoy; there is the Blues Festival in March, a Jazz Festival in July, Swanage Carnival and Regatta in August and the Folk Festival in September. Come and experience the lively atmosphere with brightly decorated umbrellas, treasure hunts, Caribbean style carnivals, spectacular fireworks and music and dancing to suit everyone – why not join in the fun?!
There are many quality attractions that celebrate the history and heritage of this unique town. The Pier has been restored to its original Victorian splendour and the Swanage Steam Railway operates from Norden to Swanage via Corfe Castle over 6 miles of track. You can also visit the Swanage Museum at the Tithe Barn, which tells the story of the town and its development with the help of entrepreneurs Mowlem and Burt. The Beach Gardens offer facilities for tennis, bowls and putting and Swanage Heritage Centre gives an introduction to the many stories the town has to tell and where to go to find out more. Take a trip up to Durlston Castle and appreciate the stunning views whilst taking part in a Dolphin Watch. The Owl Pottery shows off some of the local pottery and paintings, highlighting the importance of the arts in the town. For something a little different why not visit Putlake Adventure Farm for some family fun with the animals or for an adrenaline rush try Zorbing, diving or a boat trip along the coastline.
The beach at Swanage continues to secure the European Blue Flag Beach status and has also won the Tidy Britain Group Seaside Award 2003, not to mention the towns accolade of Small Coastal Resort Category winner of the Southern England In Bloom Competition 2003. The beach is the towns’ jewel in its crown and it’s not difficult to see why. Come and watch traditional Punch and Judy Shows, hire a beach hut for a week or two and sit and relax dreaming of years gone by….an ice-cream or two won’t go a miss either.
Swanage is a special place that should be enjoyed by everyone – you’re sure of a warm welcome and we can almost guarantee that you’ll come back to see us again.

Attraction

Central Beach
Durlston Country Park
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
Swanage Museum
Swanage Pier
Swanage Railway

Camping

Downshay Farm
Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park

Club

Victoria Club

Dentist

Regency Dental Practice
The Dental Practice

Doctor

Swanage Medical Practice

Estate Agent

Corben & Son
Miles & Son
Oliver Miles
Pond David & Co
Wilcox & Cook

Market

Swanage Country Market

Pub and Bar

Globe Inn
Mowlem Restaurant & Bars

Red Lion
Royal Oak
White Swan

Restaurant

Mowlem Restaurant & Bars
Ocean Bay
White Swan

School

The Old Malthouse

Self-Catering

Dream Cottages

Solicitor

Neville-Jones & Co

Taxi

DMB Cars
J J Taxis
Purbeck Cars
Swanage Taxis

Theatre

Mowlem Theatre

Vet

Lynwood Veterinary Group

Sports Clubs

Swanage CC (Cricket)

Shops

Reference Works (P & D) Ltd
Heaven Scent Flowers
La Mascarade
Boots

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Pet-Luv
I J Brown Partnership
Ashleys
Quarr Gallery
Alpha Gallery
Bourn Art Gallery
Ulwell Village Shop
Ever After
Haymans Bakery & Coffee Shop
The Purbeck Deli
Chococo The Purbeck Chocolate Co
Brook Tea Rooms
JJ Moore Butchers
Mulberry Tree Gallery
Bloom
Seagreen
The High Street Cafe
Cloud 9
Sue's Gifts
Natural Wonders
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Corfe Bears
Hallmark Cards

Antiques

The Old Forge
Shed

Activities

Coasteering with Cumulus(Extreme Sports)
Zorb Swanage(Extreme Sports)

Places to Stay near Swanage

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The Cheese House (2.87 miles)

The Cheese House

4* rated. A lovely Grade II detached cottage, adjacent to the farmhouse, with its own private garden area, BBQ and seating. The Cheese House has just undergone a complete renovation and has been decorated in ... More | visit website

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Kingston Country Courtyard (4.07 miles)

Kingston Country Courtyard
Kingston Country Courtyard gives you a taste of authentic farmstead life in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Situated in open countryside on a picturesque ridge amid the beautiful Purbeck Hills, it offers spectacular views ... More | visit website
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Mortons House Hotel (4.43 miles)

Mortons House Hotel

Mortons House was built from Purbeck stone circa 1590 in the shape of an ‘E’ to honour Queen Elizabeth I and was formerly linked by underground tunnels to Corfe Castle. Traditional bedrooms make good ... More | visit website

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Scott Arms Hotel (4.43 miles)

Scott Arms Hotel
The Scott Arms, located in Kingston near Corfe Castle. We offer B&B accommodation which has been recently renovated to a very high standard along with our delicious locally-sourced breakfasts, we believe The Scott Arms is ... More | visit website
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Haven Hotel (5.08 miles)

Haven Hotel

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The Haven is located literally on the waters edge, on the famous Sandbanks peninsula in Poole. The facilities at the 77-bedroom hotel include everything you would expect from a four-star hotel ... More

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Classic Cottages (5.51 miles)

Known as the gateway to the Purbecks because of its ferry link to the idyllic Studland shore, Sandbanks is a sandy peninsula connected to the mainland by an isthmian road. Home of the Royal Motor Yacht ... More
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Sandbanks (5.98 miles)

Sandbanks

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One of the only hotels in the country with direct access to a Blue Flag beach, this modern hotel provides spectacular views over the famous Sandbanks.

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Harbour Heights (6.30 miles)

Harbour Heights

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Originally built in the 1920s and transformed into a modern classic, this serene boutique hotel is characterised by contemporary elegance and stunning panoramic views across Poole Harbour. The Harbour Heights Hotel offers ... More

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Milsoms Hotel Poole (6.55 miles)

Milsoms Hotel Poole
The elegant village of Canford Cliffs sits on a hill-top close to Poole Harbour, the Purbeck Hills and some of the best beaches in the country.
Milsoms hotel is situated above the stunning Loch Fyne Restaurant ... More | visit website
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Salterns Hotel (6.78 miles)

Salterns Hotel

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A stylish AA 3-star Hotel with panoramic views over Poole Harbour, Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. Set in an area famous for its history and outstanding natural beauty. The award winning beaches ... More

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On this day:
Battle of Berwick - 1296, Fire Claims 19 Glasgow Firefighters - 1960
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