Learn more about the Isle of Purbeck

Local Attractions for Swanage & the Isle of Purbeck

Anvil Point Lighthouse
Anvil Point Lighthouse

Anvil Point Lighthouse, near Swanage in Dorset, stands on the rugged Jurassic Coast within Durlston Country Park. Built in 1881, this striking lighthouse guides ships through the English Channel and offers visitors stunning coastal views, rich wildlife, and a glimpse into maritime history.

Beach Gardens
Beach Gardens

Donated to Swanage by John Mowlem, Beach Gardens has a putting green and tennis courts, perfect for a warm summer afternoon.

Beaches around Purbeck
Beaches around Purbeck

The beaches at Studland and Swanage in Dorset offer stunning coastal scenery. Studland’s sandy bays and dunes, part of a nature reserve, are perfect for relaxation and wildlife spotting. Swanage Beach, with its family-friendly vibe, provides golden sands, safe swimming, and views of the Jurassic Coast.

Blue Pool
Blue Pool

The Blue Pool, near Wareham in Dorset, is a tranquil beauty spot set in a wooded landscape. Known for its ever-changing turquoise waters, it offers scenic walking trails, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful escape. With a tea room, it’s a delightful destination for nature lovers and families.

Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre
Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre

Learn stone carving at the Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre

Castles and Houses
Castles and Houses

Find out about the castles and manor houses that can be found within the Isle of Purbeck.

Days Park
Days Park

The park includes a recreation area and a large grassed area where ball sports can be played

Dorset Adventure Park
Dorset Adventure Park

Dorset Adventure Park is a wet and wild Woodland Waterpark set in the stunning surrounding of the Purbeck countryside

Dorset Museums
Dorset Museums

Why not visit some of the many museums that can be found around the Isle of Purbeck.

Durlston Castle
Durlston Castle

Visit the historic castle at Durlston Country park and enjoy views along the Jurassic Coast

Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park

260 acres of nature reserve on the southern edge of Swanage. Durlston Country Park is a part of the Jurassic Coast world heritage site.

Jurassic Coast
Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a 95 mile stretch of outstanding on the South coast of the UK

King Georges Playing Field
King Georges Playing Field

Large open playing fields and play park in the middle of town

Life Boat Station
Life Boat Station

Swanage RNLI Lifeboat Station located near Peveril Point in the southern side of Swanage bay

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

Visit Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset

Old Harry Rocks
Old Harry Rocks

Old Harry is the name given to the chalk stack that can be found below the cliffs at Ballard.

Parks and Gardens
Parks and Gardens

Find out about the various parks and gardens that can be found within the Isle of Purbeck.

Prince Albert Gardens
Prince Albert Gardens

Landscaped gardens with an open-air amphitheatre with views over the bay

Purbeck Countryside
Purbeck Countryside

The Isle of Purbeck has a beautiful and varied countryside that will appeal to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum
Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum

The Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum is dedicated to the history of Purbeck Ball Clay mining, the industrial heritage and the Purbeck narrow gauge railways

Recreation Ground
Recreation Ground

Childrens play area, the Bandstand and the Santa Fe childrens play park

Sandpit Field
Sandpit Field

Sandpit field is located between Shore Road and De Moulham Road

Santa Fe fun park
Santa Fe fun park

Santa Fe fun park is a family run amusement park situated on the beautiful marina of Swanage.

Spyway Dinosaur Footprints
Spyway Dinosaur Footprints

Step back in time and explore the Dinosaur Footprints near Langton Matravers

Swanage Carnival
Swanage Carnival

Once every year at the start of August Swanage comes alive as the carnival comes to town.

Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre
Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre

Located in the Square off the towns lower High Street

Swanage Pier
Swanage Pier

Swanage Pier was built in 1896 and was originally used for the thriving paddle steamer industry that worked in the area.

Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway

The award-winning Swanage Railway currently operates on the six miles of track between Swanage and Norden.

The Downs
The Downs

The Downs is a large open grassland area in the south east of Swanage

Tilly Whim Caves
Tilly Whim Caves

Tilly Whim caves is the most easterly quarry in a stretch of quarries that exist along cliffs of the southern Purbeck ridge.

Townsend Nature Reserve
Townsend Nature Reserve

30 acre nature reserve on the southern edge of Swanage

Share

Share to Bluesky