Accommodation & Holiday Cottages in Swanage

If you are travelling by car, the A351 will bring you to Swanage. In summer, it's hard to find parking spaces in the town, but there are plenty of car parks with shuttle services to the beach on the outskirts of the city. Alternatively, catch a train to Wareham, and use one of the regular shuttles between the train station and Swanage in order to get to your holiday letting.

In this picturesque seaside town, there is always something delicious to eat. Experience traditional English cuisine with a taste of the ocean, or choose from a variety of other tasty cuisines, from Indian to Italian. Visit restaurants and cafés and experience dishes made with local meat, vegetables, and fresh seafood from the surrounding waters.

You can also purchase some freshly caught local fish to cook at your Swanage holiday letting. Whether you are looking for a fancy evening out at a fine establishment, a cultural experience at one of the town’s pubs and eateries, or a cosy evening in at your holiday cottage, Swanage has you covered.

In and around the town of Swanage there are some truly fantastic sights to enjoy. If you love history, visit some of the town's amazing historical sites. Check out locations like Corfe Castle, a 17th century ruin that stands majestically above the township. Nearby, you can also visit the historic Swanage Railway, a steam powered train service that travels to locations around the region.

After that, check out Durlston Castle, a magnificent 19th century structure to the south of Swanage. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of the castle and sea, with the nearby Durlston Country Park serving as a popular nature reserve for holidaymakers and locals alike. The park also hosts the incredible Great Globe sculpture, one of the largest stone spheres in the world.

If you are into ancient history, then make sure you check out the fantastic highlights of the Jurassic Coast, including the famed Durdle Door, an enormous natural archway situated in the stunning cliffs of the coastline. When you book your Swanage holiday cottage, you can explore this town and its many sights at your own pace every day.

For a small town, Swanage offers wonderful art and culture. You can visit one of many small galleries, including the QUARR and Mulberry Tree, located in the city centre. Here you can discover a range of local artists' works, from historical to contemporary.

If you are seeking a night at the theatre, remember to check out the seaside Mowlem Theatre. The establishment displays a range of intriguing performance art to suit all tastes. Don’t miss your chance to experience the region’s cultural side.

This peaceful seaside town presents some great nightlife opportunities after the sun sets. Check out the many traditional pubs and eateries down by the waterfront for a drink and some live music, or visit the bars and nightclubs for an entirely different atmosphere. Here in Swanage the nightlife caters to a number of musical tastes, and you are guarenteed to find a place that suits you. If you are someone who enjoys a spot of dancing after a day of sightseeing, rent a Swanage holiday letting in town to be close to the action.

Spend a day paddling in the shallow waters of Swanage Beach. There are plenty of shops along the promenade where you can buy beach supplies, including buckets and spades or other sand toys for children. If you get hungry, you will also find a variety of cafes and ice-cream vendors on the prom, just minutes away from your spot on the beach.

If you want a home base directly on the beach, you can rent a beach hut for the day. These small huts offer mini kitchens, changing rooms, and a lounge area where you can relax and watch the sea. The huts get booked up very quickly in the summer, so make sure to reserve one in advance.

The Swanage Pier was built in 1895. It's protected as a Grade 2 listed building. Take a stroll down the pier to enjoy the views over the bay and coastline. On the Pier, you will find a small cafe that serves coffee, tea, and cakes. There is also a museum recounting the history of Swanage, located right next to the pier.

Swanage Railway

Ride a vintage steam train along the Swanage Railway, with tracks that stretch through six miles of beautiful countryside. As well as picturesque scenes, there are dining services and regular events.

Old Harry Rocks

Old Harry Rocks, which seem to rise up out of the sea, can be seen from the Dorset part of the South West Coast Path, whilst peregrine falcons are sometimes spotted here.

Durlston Country Park

Home to a huge array of wildlife, Durlston Country Park hosts Durlston Castle, and there are plenty of events, guided walks and walking paths for the whole family to enjoy.

Swanage Pier

This historic pier is now the starting point for boat trips, fishing and scuba diving. Visit it for fun day out and a taste of Swanage's maritime history.

Shell Bay

This beautiful, sandy beach boasts dramatic dunes and has excellent restaurants nearby. It’s also a popular swimming spot during the summer months.