Swanage Holiday at Marston Penthouse

Our Top 10 Things to Do in Swanage

Swanage is the perfect place for families and groups to enjoy some quality time together. Here are some of our favourite things to do in the local area.

1. Have a dip in the shallows of one of Swanage’s Blue Flag sandy beaches. North Beach is just a short stroll down the path with two sea-front cafés.
2. If looking for a bit more greenery, head up to Durlston Country Park for stunning views and fascinating wildlife along the coast path.
3. Take a six mile steam trip with Swanage Railway to Corfe. Time your visit with one of their regular rail events.
4. The ruins of Corfe Castle are open all year round and surrounded by the village of Corfe with its local artisans.
5. Let off steam at Putlake Adventure Farm, a small working farm where you can feed the animals with an excellent indoor play barn.
6. Santa Fe Funpark has amusements and pirate and dinosaur-themed crazy golf.
7. Have a promenade along Victorian Swanage Pier or catch one of the sight-seeing, fishing or self-drive boat trips to Poole harbour or around the headland.
8. Cap your day off with open air dining at The Roof Terrace next to the Stone Pier, overlooking Swanage Bay toward The Downs or one of Swanage’s many other restaurants.
9. Walk the South West Coast Path across The Downs above the chalk cliffs to Old Harry Rocks.
10. Continue along the path to Studland Bay with four miles of sheltered sandy beaches with dunes, low cliffs, and nature reserve.

A little further afield, you can take the Sandbanks ferry to Poole and Bournemouth or catch another over to the quiet and relaxing Brownsea Island.

Venture a bit further inland you can find Monkey World, the ape rescue centre or travel further down the coast to Durdle Door and Weymouth.