Swanage Coastal Guide

Swanage is a charming fishing port and tourist resort located to the west of Poole harbour. Accessible via the A351 from Wareham, a spur off of the A35 that connects Poole and Dorchester, Swanage is a popular destination, particularly during peak tourist season.

For accommodation options in Swanage, including hotels, holiday rentals, guest houses, and cottages, as well as local attractions, consider local tourism websites and booking platforms.

Geographical Features of Swanage

Swanage is nestled on a beautiful stretch of coastline, flanked by the Purbeck hills, cliffs to the west, and expansive beaches to the east. The town itself boasts a beautiful beach, and the most spectacular beach in the area can be found at Studland Bay, a long crescent of sand with heathland behind it. This land, mostly owned by the National Trust, remains undeveloped except for the small village of Studland.

Swanage offers a wealth of accommodation options, seaside amusements, and a variety of restaurants and pubs. While it may not have a wealth of man-made attractions, it makes up for it with natural beauty. Durlstone Head, about a mile south of Swanage, offers stunning coastal views. For the more adventurous, the coast path leads to St Aldhelm's Head, about four miles west of the town.

Attractions in and around Swanage

• Corfe Castle: Just up the road from Swanage, Corfe Castle's spectacular ruins are a must-visit. The surrounding village is built of Purbeck stone, quarried just a few miles inland from the village at Langton Matravers.
• Putlake Adventure Farm: Offering farm trails and animals plus tearooms and a shop, it's located in Langton Matravers, near Swanage.
• Swanage Pier: This historic pier is a major attraction in Swanage.
• Studland Bay: About two miles east of Swanage, it's a picturesque spot for a beach day.

For those willing to travel a bit further, a chain ferry connects to Poole and Bournemouth, which gets very busy in summer.