A picturesque British seaside resort has it all – from a stunning bay and pristine beaches to a charming town filled with independent shops, and a history dating back to the Iron Age
Boasting a broad bay, shimmering turquoise waters, a rich history tracing back to the Iron Age, and a town brimming with delightful independent shops, this coastal resort has plenty to offer.
Nestled on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Swanage caters to all tastes, whether you fancy sunning yourself on Swanage Beach, trekking along the Jurassic Coast, perusing local art galleries, savouring fresh seafood at quayside cafés, or enjoying a traditional Punch and Judy show right on the beach. Swanage perfectly blends age-old tradition with relaxed coastal allure.
Its Victorian pier, heritage railway, and plethora of listed buildings lend the town an unmatched charm, while the bay and beach are undoubtedly among Swanage’s most prized assets. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.
READ MORE: Pretty UK city right in the middle of England with barely any visitorsREAD MORE: I visited village named UK’s most desirable with beautiful park and ‘magical’ crystal grotto
In 2024, for the 23rd consecutive year, Swanage Beach was honoured with both the Blue Flag and Seaside Award, a testament to its golden sands, pristine environment, and crystal-clear water, reports the Express.
The dramatic chalk formations of Old Harry Rocks, marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, provide awe-inspiring views over the sea. Whether you choose to reach them by hiking the picturesque coastal path from Swanage or embarking on a boat trip from the bay, a visit to Old Harry Rocks is an unforgettable experience and an absolute must for any first-time visitor to the area.
Swanage, once a humble port and quarry town, has blossomed into a seaside gem, hailed by The Telegraph as the “queen of seaside resorts”. It boasts a plethora of activities, steeped in history and natural allure.
One visitor couldn’t help but sing Swanage’s praises on TripAdvisor, highlighting its “all independent” shops. They commented: “Lovely beach. Nice and clean and a sea to die for. Perfect for everyone as it’s a shallow walk into a very clear and calm sea. It’s a bit busier near the town where the shops, bars/pubs, cafes and restaurants are.”
Adding: “The town is super. Spoilt for choice of shops to eat or drink and buy something from. Best bit is it’s ALL independent shops, bars and cafes and NO branded names.”
Another traveller captivated by Swanage’s charm, noted: “So many beautiful sites in and around Swanage, historical, thatched villages, the splendid ruins of Corfe Castle, and gorgeous sunsets over the bay.”
Another TripAdvisor enthusiast also shared their experience of Old Harry Rocks: “Beautiful natural feature that was relatively tourist-free. The one-mile walk from the National Trust car park was very pretty along a cleared footpath through ferns, trees and shrubs.”
They added: “There’s a flowering meadow on the cliffs overlooking Old Harry with views across to Bournemouth. There’s a cafe and pub close to the National Trust car park. Loved this walk!!”
READ MORE: Ryanair-approved cabin case to rival Antler gets slashed by 30% in summer sale