Location: Swanage
Top Things to do in Swanage
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Things to do in Swanage, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Swanage was a popular seaside resort in Victorian times, and families today continue to enjoy its shallow, calm beach. The recently restored Swanage Pier is a popular spot for fishing. Diving trips and boat tours also depart from here. Don’t miss a trip through the local countryside on the Swanage Steam Railway.
Restaurants in Swanage
1. Studland to Swanage Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 68 reviews
A spectacular walk on the South West Coast Path that takes you from the village of Studland past the famous landmark of Old Harry – the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - and on to Swanage.
Reviewed By davidgZ9308PO - Crowthorne, United Kingdom
We walked from South beach car park up to Old Harry's Rocks then up to Ballard Down , then back to the village. The views are amazing and although you are ascending all the time, it is quite gentle climb. Worth going early to get parked but also before the crowds
2. Durlston Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,145 reviews
Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve is the perfect place to start exploring Dorset’s Jurassic coast. Acres of wildflower meadows, sea cliffs, woodland, superb coastal walking and spectacular views await you. Durlston Castle also offers gallery exhibitions, the Seventhwave Café and visitor’s shop. A ranger is always on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Owned and managed by Dorset Council.
Reviewed By johnwF5100AB - Haversham, United Kingdom
Durston Country Park is situated on the cliffs with stunning views over Swanage Bay to Old Harry Rocks with Bournemouth & the Isle of Wight beyond. For the price of a car park ticket you can stroll around the beautiful grounds & enjoy dramatic sea views and a large variety of birds, insects, animals, plants flowers & trees making it a great experience for all. The Castle has a shop, restaurant/cafe with inside & outside seating, permanent as well as varying exhibitions of local art & photography and interesting educational features for kids of all ages. On this year's holiday we had breakfast there four times as it really is such a special place. Due to pesky Covid restrictions access to the lavatories is currently quite convoluted and although acccess for all has been improved this year the walks are hilly in places. Small prices to pay for such a special experience, take a camera and binoculars if you have them and you definitely won't regret it.
3. Studland beach and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,317 reviews
Reviewed By kurti5
Great place to take dogs, there’s plenty of beach for them to play on without getting in peoples way, the beach is clean, the sea is clear and there’s a variety of water sports such as pédalos, kayaks and paddle boards.
4. Studland Trekking Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
A friendly trekking centre, near the beach, on the Dorset coast. Great forward going rides for experienced riders and safe picturesque rides for beginners.
Reviewed By X7004SXrobertp - Ringwood, United Kingdom
I was lucky enough to be the only rider booked in for a weekday Old Harry rocks ride, a birthday treat which had been delayed due to lock down so the stables had only been re-opened for a short time. The horses, Percy for Brady and Rhubarb for myself, looked really well after their rest and proved to have enthusiasm to match! Rhubarb is a happy, forward going little cob who was always waiting for the next canter and launched himself into gallop whenever he was allowed! I thoroughly enjoyed myself (I think we all did) and it was good to take time to take in the stunning views from the top of the downs. I am used to riding in the fantastic New Forest but this was something quite different. A great ride, thank you Brady. I will be coming again later in the year and would be very happy to ride Rhubarb again.
5. Shell Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By DavidL408 - Christchurch, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful wide sandy beach with sand dunes behind that has stunning views out to sea - back towards the Haven Hotel at Sandbanks or across to Old Harry Rocks. The shoreline walk takes approx. 1 hour to 1hour 15 mins and brings you to the National Trust at Studland Bay with a cafe and toilets including lots of tables and chairs outdoors. Around the next corner you will also find the Middle Beach Cafe which provides a wide variety of hot food including kiddies meals, home made cakes etc. Both of these cafes are an ideal place to take a rest, have some food and drink or an ice cream before heading back to the Sandbanks Ferry. Highly recommended and little changed since we first used to visit here with our children over 30 years ago.
