Local Attractions for Swanage & the Isle of Purbeck

Anvil Point Lighthouse

Anvil Point Lighthouse is situated within the grounds of Durlston Country Park and approximately 2 miles up the hill from Swanage town centre.

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

The area has many wonderful beaches.

Blue Pool

Visit the nature reserve of Blue Pool to see the deep blue waters in the abandoned clay pit.

Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre

Learn stone carving at the Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre

Castles and Houses

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

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

Dorset Museums

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

Durlston Castle

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

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

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

King Georges Playing Field

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

Life Boat Station

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

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

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

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

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

Prince Albert Gardens

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

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

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

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

Sandpit Field

Sandpit field is located between Shore Road and De Moulham Road

Santa Fe fun park

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

Spyway Dinosaur Footprints

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

Swanage Carnival

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

Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre

Located in the Square off the towns lower High Street

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

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

The Downs

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

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

30 acre nature reserve on the southern edge of Swanage