Location: Swanage
Top Things to do in Swanage
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What to do and see in Swanage, England: The Best Free Things to do
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. L'Artishe Gallery and Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
A contemporary purpose built art gallery that exhibits modern art and crafts. The emphasis is on displaying work as a gallery should with room to breathe and no other distractions. Showcasing the very best of local talent and internationally known artists. Exhibitions change on a monthly basis, worth checking the website for details. The space can be hired on a monthly basis.
2. Pursenalities
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Beautiful & quirky Handbag & Accessories Boutique. Unique fashionable handbags and purses. Womens, Mens and Childrens designs available. From Leather to Fashion brands, Eco friendly to Vegan Friendly, from British, European and worldwide suppliers, a wide choice, perfect for treating yourself, or a gift for the one you love. Gift Vouchers are available
Reviewed By 967debbieo - Swanage, United Kingdom
Love this shop! Beautiful handbags and purses. Always lots of choice. Friendly owner who always makes you welcome. No pressure when looking. Bags for all occasions and reasonably priced.
3. St Aldhelms Head - South West Coast Path walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
A 5.1 mile South West Coast Path walk with a round-up of assorted fascinating features around a limestone headland where the chalk grasslands are rich in wildflowers. The angular caves and tunnels in the vertical cliffs are home to the equally rare greater horseshoe bat, as well as doubling as distant planets in various sci-fi films.
Reviewed By VioletT_13 - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Stopped for snack at the Square and Compass Pub Great service and very friendly staff.Walked to StAldhelms Head Fantastic Views. Would have walked further but weather was so hot and we needed a drink
4. South West Coast Path - Dancing Ledge and Langton Matravers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
A 4.7 mile pastoral route taking in the South West Coast Path by hay meadows and flower-filled chalk grasslands, with the possibility of seeing puffins, bats and even dolphins. The steep cliffs have been hollowed out by quarrying of Purbeck limestone, shot through in places with important fossils, and the route follows ancient lanes through crumbling stone boundaries dating back hundreds of years.
Reviewed By SP609 - London, United Kingdom
We walked roughly 10-12 miles along this coastline every day, taking in different areas and it was absolutely stunning. We hope to do it again next year.
5. Snack Bar
6. 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
7. Lucy's Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Lucy's Farm offers country living inspired art and gifts. Lucy Tidbury is famed for her "Moo Selfie" range which include many scenes from around the local area and available to purchase as original oil paintings or signed prints. Designs are also available in giftware including Mugs, Cards, Postcards, Stoneware, Tea Towels and soft furnishing. The shop is also adorned with rustic items from The little French Depot which dress Lucy's products perfectly. If you are looking for totally unique products from a renowned local artist, Lucy's Farm is a must.
Reviewed By CiaronG3
Charming and talented Lucy painted my pet dog penny has pride of place on our hall wall thanks Lucy ????take your kids they will love it
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. The Square and Compass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By marknall70 - Winchester, United Kingdom
Super walker's rest with honest home-cooked pasties & great beer. Live music and heaps of unspoilt, smuggler's-inn character. After a blowy dog-walk via Dancing Ledge the Square & Compass is a welcome sight after the stiff pull up Seacombe Bottom (a valley named to keep 12 year old boys giggling all the way up the hill.) If you're looking for a "typical" 21st century gastropub lunch you're in the wrong pub - but then there's a million places you can find that. The tiny low-beamed rooms, stone flags & rough tables are a real step back in time. There's no bar - just two serving hatches into a cellar room where the beers are gravity-poured. We were there on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed inside & out with an eclectic & good-humoured crowd, bolstered by the hipster fans of a very good, young country-ish band playing in the main lounge, live music always a great surprise. The pasties were home-cooked with excellent pastry and served piping hot, really quickly & by friendly staff. Had a couple of pints of excellently kept best bitter & younger children loved the Palmers Ginger Beer. It was a wrench to leave the fireside for a quick turn around the fascinating higgeldy-piggeldy fossil & antiquities museum and then squeeze our way back through the narrow passageways & out to a blusterous return walk. Our hound was amongst many friends - certainly a dog-friendly establishment. Worth bearing in mind the Square & Compass is tiny & very popular, we were lucky to get a table inside but you'd need to go prepared to eat at one of the many outdoor tables, enjoying fabulously airy views across the surrounding countryside & out to sea and of course the weather you'd expect to go with such an impressive situation! Will definitely be back.
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