With its own steam train, Blue Flag beach, Victorian pier and charming town centre, Swanage is a gem on the English coast – and it’s well worth a visit.
Named the seaside town of “pure nostalgia”, Swanage is tipped as a family fun resort for staycations and exploring.
The seaside resort, on the south east corner of the Isle of Purbeck, dons its very own Victorian pier, castle and is in close proximity to the Jurassic Coast. Among the endless list of things to see, including the island’s countryside, the town itself is known for having its very own micro-climate. This is thanks to the differing durability of its surrounding rocks, providing milder weather for all.
The bay itself is sheltered, making the town centre’s terrain somewhat hilly, with streets rising up steep slopes. But the trek is worth it, as some of these vantage points provide breathtaking views out over the sea. Among the picturesque settings you’ll easily come across, there’s a whole host of things to do to suit all interests.
Santa Fe Park amusements is one place of note, and there’s even an indoor amusement centre at the town’s promenade. A cinema, museum and heritage centre are also places to visit, and the town’s pier is also open for a walk. Swanage Pier, a Victorian instalment in the town, was refurbished and reopened in 1998, having been originally built in 1895. It has its own café, water sports and boat trips to book. An entire programme of events is put on throughout the year, which is worth looking at if you plan a visit, especially during peak season.
Adults are required to pay £1.80 for the privilege, with accompanying children up to the age of 14 granted free entry. One reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “Beautifully restored and maintained pier from which you can catch a local cruise along the Jurassic Coastline, take a fishing charter or go to do some shipwreck diving. Walking along the pier on a blustery afternoon families were crabbing and young and old were trying their hand at catching a fish from the pier. You could read the thousands of placards embedded into the boardwalks.”
Swanage beach is another key place not to be missed, especially as it is the proud holder of a Blue Flag award. Safety is another priority at this beach, with RNLI lifeguards patrolling from May to September. Sat against a backdrop of colourful beach huts, nothing screams British seaside resort more. Another reviewer described the town as “heaven”, and added: “Swanage is heaven. This was our first time and we arrived around 3pm on Tuesday. It is very beautiful, peaceful and traditional.
“We saw a cute Victorian Punch and Judy box on the beach, it truly summed up the old fashioned and exceptionally charming vibe here in Swanage. The beach was outstanding, very very clean and very sandy to the left of the lifeguard box. The vibe is peaceful, uncrowded and charming, we will most definitely return for a longer visit.”
Train enthusiasts may not be so bothered about the beach, but more concerned about the Swanage Railway Trust’s iconic steam train which offers a day out in itself. Passengers are transported 5.5 miles along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast from Norden to Corfe Castle, on the outskirts of Swanage, finishing its journey at the seaside town. There are various tickets that can be booked, and each station stop has picnic tables for people to sit down for lunch.
