Location: Swanage
Top Things to do in Swanage
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What to do and see in Swanage, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. 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
2. 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.
3. RNLI Swanage Lifeboat Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Swanage Lifeboat station is an operational lifeboat station that welcomes visitors. Located at the station are two lifeboats:the newest lifeboat class in the RNLI fleet (Shannon) and an Inshore Lifeboat. Visitors can use interactive screens and question the onsite guides to learn about the history of the RNLI, the history of Swanage Lifeboat station,our shouts,and much more.
Reviewed By Froggy1952 - Swanage, United Kingdom
Visited here with friends, who had 2 younger children. We received a warm welcome, especially the children, who were invited to "dress up" as crew members, in small size kit. They loved this, and we were able to take photographs at the front of the beautiful larger boat. The friendly staff were more than happy to answer our questions, and there was an interactive screen, showing many interesting facts about all aspects of the RNLI. Particularly interesting were the details about the boats themselves...using virtual tours. We enjoyed watching the filmed launch. Lots of other interesting facts on display around the boathouse, which is kept very clean and tidy. A lovely building. There is a small shop as well. Spectacular views from the boathouse too! Highly recommend a visit.
4. Church of St. Mary the Virgin
5. Old Harry Rocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By nicoladia
We parked in National Trust South Beach Car Park and walked up to viewing point -20 min walk roughly - sunny day - stunning ...amazing views of Jurassic Coast ....a must see !
6. Swanage Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 502 reviews
Reviewed By michaelhS2408CB - Godalming, United Kingdom
We walked down to the pier to see all the memorial plaques placed into the boards, it’s only £1.50 per adult, a little bit of heritage for a little bit of change.
7. Agglestone Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By places2seeplaces2go - England, United Kingdom
Have wanted to walk to Agglestone Rock for some time. Finally in September 2020 we did the circular walk from Studland to Agglestone & back. Parked in a nearby lay-by . But there are plenty of other places to start your walk from. A great walk, not too taxing & plenty to see. The rock itself is huge & quite bizarre. Its like its been dropped from space. Beautiful views.
8. Fort Henry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By hairybear007
Great reference to the bravery of the service men and women who did their duty,great place to seek out if you are walking too old harry rocks, interesting information displays.
9. Anvil Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Roganroy - Leatherhead, United Kingdom
The walk from the Durlston Head car park, where there is also an excellent cafe, is a delight. Beyond the lighthouse, however, the coast path is rough and attracts a claggy form of mud in damp weather! The lighthouse is not open to visitors, but you can stay in the former keepers cottages through Rural Retreats.
10. Middle Beach Studland Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Tracey1169 - Willenhall, United Kingdom
As the names suggests it’s the middle bit of beach. It has a good size NT car park, but it did get full very quickly. There’s also a small cafe just down the dunes. It has a nice walk to Fort Henry which is part of the WW2 defences carry on down the path which is a lovely nature walk and you’ll also see Old Harry Rocks. The beach it’s self is sandy an the Bay would be great for swimming. If you go the other way you’ll see the impressive dragons teeth which is also part of the defences.
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