Swanage

The blue flag beach at Swanage offers everything you would expect from a traditional seaside town. You’re never far away from an ice cream stall, fish and chip shop and pedalo rental kiosk. The bay is sheltered and the shoreline slopes gentle making it a safe swimming beach. Dogs are welcome on Swanage beach between 1st October – 30th April each year.

If you’re visiting in the summer you might want to check out the carnival and regatta which usually happens during the last week of July. There is a whole host of events including air displays, carnival procession and firework displays.

Food and drink

There is a good selection of pubs and restaurants in the town. The Salt Pig Too has the motto of Live Local… Eat Local. They offer a tasty selection of meat and fish, all sourced from farms within 8 miles of the café. The owners of the café makes their own sausages and bacon from their own rare breed pigs. For seafood lovers had to Gee Whites. They serve up delicious looking platters of locally caught seafood and shell fish which can be enjoyed with views over looking Swanage Bay. Bliss Food Co. create tasty homemade meals using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their small but beautifully decorated restaurant has a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Out and about in Swanage

The South West Coast Path runs right along the seafront in Swanage so it’s easy to head out and take on the Purbeck hill walks which surround the town. If you follow the coast path to the west for a couple of miles you will arrive at Durlston Country Park.  This expansive, clifftop nature reserve is a treat for bird spotters and nature lovers. When you’ve finished exploring outside in the reserve head over to the visitor centre and gallery which situated in a renovated Victorian castle.

A trip on the Swanage Railway is a fantastic day out for the whole family. They run both steam powered and diesel locomotives trips from the station which is near the centre of the town. Visitors can experience a unique journey through six miles of beautiful scenery passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle.

If you want to head out on the water there are a number of boats set up for fishing and sight seeing trips. The best way to see the Jurassic Coast is from the water so climb aboard and have your cameras (and fishing rods) at the ready. Other activities on offer include pitch and putt golf, seafront arcades and crabbing off the pier.