Swanage
Overview
A friendly, colourful seaside town with an award winning beach, amazing chalk pillars of Old Harry's Rocks and a very English Victorian pier.
What makes it special
- Classic British seaside destination
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
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Swanage Steam Railway
Explore the beautiful countryside around Swanage on the old steam trains that chuff along to Corfe Castle and beyond. Visit the website
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Mowlem Theatre
Opened in 1967, the Mowlem Theatre is situated on the sea front at Swanage and has over 200 film productions a year as well as 60-100 nights of live theatre.
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Cycling in Swanage
Cycling is very popular in Dorest, thatched villages and quiet lanes make it easy to get off the beaten track and explore the tranquil terrain. Here the pace is leisurely and the going is easy.
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Walking and Rambling in Swanage
The whole of Purbeck area, a lot of which is An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is just waiting to be explored.
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Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
One of the UK’s finest beaches and extensive nature reserve. Enid Blyton lived here, so look for Policeman Plod’s thatched cottage!
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Corfe Castle
Uncover the secrets of Dorset's iconic medieval monument and discover how royalty, warfare and nature have shaped the castle.
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Brownsea Island
The perfect day’s adventure, this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. The island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour, with dram
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Watersports in Swanage
In Poole Harbour you can try your hand at something less 'wet'...parasailing!
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Arne Nature Reserve (RSPB)
A special landscape where you can enjoy the vast open heathland with an opportunity for bird watching. A fantastic place for family walks at any time of year. One of the few places in
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Bournemouth
Serious shopping and entertainment centre. Tethered balloon flights, great beaches and top concerts throughout the year. Visit the Bournemouth website
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Mountain Biking in Swanage
There are some great routes including Chalk Ridge between Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks, it's quite steep at first but suitable for all levels and there's stunning views on either side.
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Watersports in Lulworth Cove
Lulworth RIB Rides Come and join us for a trip along the beautiful Jurassic Coast.
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Walking and Rambling around Lulworth Cove
Get back to nature and stride out on foot to explore the beauty of this part of the country.
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Monkey World
160 rescued and endangered apes and monkeys including chimps and orangutans. Talks throughout the day and Great Ape play area for kids. Visit the website
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The Tank Museum
Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare from World War One to the present day.
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Climbing in Totland Bay
There are various indoor and outdoor climbing walls in close proximity to the Youth Hostel. For something a little different, why not try tree climbing?
