Swanage

Description:

Swanage is set at the Eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck, on the A351. It is a small seaside town with a sandy beach and shops beneath a backdrop of beautiful Dorset countryside. The Swanage Railway is used as a popular tourist attraction and has recently been connected to the rail network. The local Sandbanks ferry gives easy access to the town of Poole.

Although considered and old fashioned type of town Swanage has up to date facilities also. Main shops are represented here such as Boots, Co-op, New Look, Somerfield and WH Smiths, but there are also many gift shops.

There are a variety of watersports including boat hire, pleasure cruises to Poole, Bournemouth, Brownsea, the Isle of Wight and the Jurassic Coast. There is also Mackerel fishing. There is a sea school where one can partake in RYA sailing tuition, dinghy hire and several diving centres.

Swanage has an indoor Bowling rink - open May - December.  Swanage Beach Gardens are worth a visit during the Summer months where you can play tennis, basketball, putting and a bowling green. There is a cycle-hire centre.

There are a wide range of tourist attractions, the Steam Railway, Durleston Country Park, Victorian Pier, two public swimming pools, indoor and outdoor bowling greens and between Swanage and Studland a large golf course.

The area has many miles of footpaths and bridleways making it the ideal place for exploring, walking, cycling and riding.

Swanage has many pubs and a nightclub and the area is very popular on New Years Eve with visitors coming from all over the country to party in the town. Most of the revelers go out in fancy dress and the lower part of the High Street is closed to traffic.

Festival and Events
The town hosts a number of annual festivals and events. In the summer months there is a carnival week which includes a procession of floats and dancers, firework displays and many other attractions and small events, including live music from local bands, races and a regatta.

Throughout the year there are a number of other festivals drawing people from far and wide including a Jazz festival, folk festival, a blues festival and there are plans for a food festival in the future.

New year has traditionally been a big event for Swanage, with people travelling considerable distances to attend.

Over 100 events take place during Swanage Carnival Week, there is something for everyone: live music every day, the half marathon, sand castle competitions, the sailing regatta, treasure hunts, magnificent firework displays and a stunning procession. See our Guide2dorset events section.