Top Things to Do in Swanage, Isle of Purbeck - Swanage Attractions
Things to Do in Swanage
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- WizardMaidstone, UK62 contributionsLovely country park with great walks and a fantastic view. Visitor centre was good with some lovely film montage and The Rock downstairs which were very interestingWritten 26 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Georgie ShawRugby, UK26 contributionsWhat an absolutely beautiful beach! Went during a recent family holiday, we started here and followed the NT trail to middle beach and then on to Old Harry’s Rocks via a detour to see Fort Henry. Before returning the way we came for sandcastles and paddling.
This beach is wonderful, very clean and beautiful views. You can do kite sailing; there’s a sauna hut you can rent if your brave enough for a full dip; build sandcastles; admire the beautiful coastline; or just go for a lovely walk one of the many NT trails.
There’s also a NT car park, (which if your a member is free with your membership card,) and a NT cafe/ restaurant and shop.Written 12 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Colin FSalisbury, UK1,057 contributionsA popular tourist location which requires a good walk whichever direction you approach from. The walk is worth it as you get close up to the chalk cliffs which are near enough vertical - so beware.Written 22 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- June ASurrey, UK2,663 contributionsI loved this beach which is right by the ferry - so quiet with beautiful sand glistening in the late afternoon light and the water just lapping away - and when I was there at least no dogs! Perfect for some bird watching and a late afternoon stroll.Written 20 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- rosemloCorsham, UK21 contributionsBest £2.00 I have spent for ages. Spent the afternoon on the pier sketching and watching the world go by. Boats coming and going with divers and the beautiful tall ship which I believe was SV Tenacious. Ended up in the cafe with coffee and cake.Written 2 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paulyb19862 contributionsAn incredible few days in the Mountains of North Wales with the Wild Swimming Co. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome and looked after by Rich and Mel and their team. Every swim was different and the relaxed, professional set up was perfect as it allowed us to enjoy each location at our own pace. We met some incredible people and had such a brilliant time, we have some new core memories to last a lifetime. Thank you for creating such fantastic experiences.Written 5 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- neal hColumbus, OH75 contributionsOne of the great costal walks, started with the ferry trip over from the affluent sandbanks, highlight was the views from old Harry rocks. Tough descent to swanageWritten 7 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ann CNashville, TN3,238 contributionsI walked a circular path from Worth Matravers starting/ending at the car park, it was approximately 6miles.
The car park has clean bathrooms.
Bring £2 in coins to pay in the honesty box.
There are numerous paths that intersect, make sure when you print out a walk of the area that you bring both the print out and a map or you might take a wrong turn.
A portion of the cliff paths are close to the edge. The views are fantastic!
Warning: there are some VERY steep stairs that both descend and climb (see photo).
The day I went it was very clear, I saw Portland Bill.Written 30 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Caroline T1 contributionWhat a wonderful visit we had today, thanks to the highly knowledgeable and friendly, Peter, who gave us the tour, and then later, by the equally expert, Gordon! Thank you both; visiting the lifeboats today was an entertaining, interesting and inspiring experience, and we’ll be back later in the week for more! 😄 Lovely to have a new part of the Swanage landscape, to return to each year, and thank you to all at RNLI, for the magnificent work that you do on behalf of us all! With sincere thanks, Caroline &Steve ☺️Written 25 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mic LHampshire, UK537 contributionsFull marks to an enthusiastic and dedicated staff who couldn't do enough to help us. Obviously they cannot offer preferential advice but that they did give made our Swanage experience that much better.Written 21 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The Travelling PiggyLondon, UK4,222 contributionsI was here for work and needed a break so decided to wonder around as i had never been here before. Completely wowed by the beauty of the area I found myself walking up a mini hill after the pier I have no idea where it was but the views for a city girl like me were breathtaking, even on a cloudy day!Written 2 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Finns C1 contributionWe’ve been a couple of times and absolutely love it here.
The first time was dry and much easier to climb down. The second was slightly more slippery.
Parking: Spyway National Trust carpark
Getting there: a relatively short walk across some fields, down a steep hill, then down some cliff steps and a climb down rocks to get to the pool. This can be precarious! We did it with our children 6 and 10 and dog… care must be taken getting down and it’s not for anyone with mobility issues!
Best to go: low tide on a dry day!
The pool is incredible to swim in.
Must haves: Aqua shoes
Warning: the second time we went in I got stung by a snakelock anemone. If swimming it’s fine as aqua shoes are a good barrier. I leant up against the sea side of the pool though and felt an instant sting! The burning sensation lasted all day, and I’m now left with an anemone sting scar under the skin…
We followed the advice of washing it in sea water, soaking it for 30 mins in hot water when home, applying hydrocortisone and taking antihistamine/ pain killers!
Overview - stunningly beautiful but precarious with some potent anemones for those who dare to swim!Written 3 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Gordon K1 contributionWonderful time out hacking with an amazing guide Mady. Had an amazing walk, trot and canter experience over the stunningly beautiful Heath Land. During my session Mady was incredibly attentive checking my safety and allowing me to get the most out my horse Dillon at every pace.
In addition to her knowledge and experience of riding/ guiding she past on some lovely local knowledge about the area which further enhanced this riding experience. Only topped off with a lovely photo and pleasant company throughout.
Will be back and highly recommend you book soon and enjoy this riding session as much as me. Thanks Mary and if course Dillon.😊😊 Lucy K.Written 12 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sharon SChristchurch, UK120 contributionsThe Jurassic coastline is stunning but this area particularly so. The walk from Worth Matravers is very pretty and easy, just over a mile then from the quarry you can walk to st Aldhelms head and see the 800 year old church. A circular walk of about 6 miles and not as tough as other parts of the coast. BE AWARE, the quarry is now closed due to potential rock falls (amazed how many families continued to walk into it though).Written 2 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lucy TIsle of Wight, UK276 contributionsNot bad for free. There are information boards to read on the towns history and I particularly liked the mock old shops. Gift shop included tooWritten 13 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swanage
- The top attractions to visit in Swanage are: See all attractions in Swanage on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Swanage according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Shell Bay
- Durlston Country Park
- Studland beach and Nature Reserve
- Studland to Swanage Trail
- Studland Trekking Centre
- The best day trips from Swanage according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Full Day Jurassic Coast Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth
- E-Bike Guided Tour Cycling Corfé Castle
- Private Self-Guided Sightseeing Dorset Day Tour London with Stopovers
- The most popular things to do in Swanage with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Swanage on Tripadvisor
Swanage Attractions Information
Attractions | 78 |
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Attraction Reviews | 12,848 |
Attraction Photos | 6,810 |
Local Time | Saturday 07:53 |