by Rachel Knowles

Created on: November 23, 2010

Swanage is a thriving seaside town on the Isle of Purbeck in south Dorset. It is a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast – an area recognised as a World Heritage Site because of its outstanding natural beauty.

The major attraction in Swanage is the long stretch of sandy beach, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and building sandcastles. There are beach huts available for hire if you are inclined for a little more privacy and comfort or if you just want somewhere safe to keep your beach things while you enjoy a refreshing swim or a walk to buy a delicious Purbeck ice-cream. The highlight of the year is the Swanage Carnival in the first week of August, with a magnificent carnival parade and fireworks.

But the beauty of Swanage is the variety. As well as the lovely sands, there is a stone pier ideal for letting down crab lines and an excellent area of rock pools near the cliffs of Peveril Point. There are several amusement arcades along the seafront, perfect for whiling away a wet afternoon, together with some children’s funfair rides and a Victorian pier. And set back from the seafront there is a pitch and putt course – a fun way for families to spend an afternoon.

It is also a great location for spending time on the water. There are plenty of different boat trips available – from early morning fishing expeditions to sightseeing trips to view the Jurassic Coast from the water. And if you prefer to be under the water, Swanage is a spectacular location for scuba diving with several wrecks in the surrounding waters.

The Isle of Purbeck is home to the Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve with its excellent visitor centre. From here there are four clearly marked trails which lead around the park encompassing the Great Globe and Anvil Point Lighthouse, which is open to visitors on various days throughout the year.

For more serious walkers, there are some wonderful walks along stretches of the South West Coast Path which runs along the Swanage coastline. In particular, it is possible to do a circular walk from Durnford Drove to Dancing Ledge – a flat area of rock at the base of a small cliff with truly stunning views. This is also a popular location for climbing.

The Swanage Railway is an award winning standard gauged preserved steam railway with trains regularly travelling the six miles between Swanage and Norden, passing the beautiful ruins of Corfe Castle on the way. There is a large park and ride station at Norden with a purpose built visitors’ building. The steam railway also offers “Santa Special” trains during the run up to Christmas.

Corfe Castle is a magnificent ruin with a colourful history. It was built by William the Conqueror, used both as a royal residence and a prison during the reign of King John and deliberately demolished during the Civil War, leaving the ruin that can be seen today. It is owned by the National Trust who operates a superb visitor centre which offers activities for children during the holidays which help to bring history alive.

Swanage has its own museum and heritage centre on the seafront; other historical landmarks can be spotted around the town itself by the discerning visitor. Swanage businessman, George Burt, brought back many pieces of London architecture to his home town during the 1800s and reused them. These included many bollards and lampposts, as well as a clock tower that now overlooks the harbour and some pillars from Billingsgate fish market. This led to Swanage being given the nickname “Old London by the Sea.”

Learn more about this author, Rachel Knowles.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.