Swanage Attractions
Swanage is a classic seaside town packed with attractions to enjoy throughout the year. With its beautiful bay, sandy beach and impressive coastal scenery, it offers a wonderful mix of natural highlights, heritage experiences and family-friendly places to explore.
One of the town’s most popular attractions is Swanage Railway, a heritage steam railway that offers a nostalgic journey through the Purbeck countryside. To the south, Durlston Country Park provides dramatic coastal views, wildlife-rich walking trails and fascinating insights into the Jurassic Coast—an ideal spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Alongside these highlights, visitors can enjoy Swanage’s Victorian seafront, traditional pier, local museums and scenic viewpoints that showcase the charm and character of the area. Whether you're interested in history, nature or simply soaking up seaside atmosphere, Swanage has attractions to suit all ages and interests.
Browse the Swanage attractions below to plan your visit and discover the very best this vibrant coastal town has to offer.
Other Things to do in Swanage
Swanage Attractions
Swanage Pubs & Restaurants
Swanage Holiday Parks
Swanage Shops & ServicesYou can also explore all of the Swanage venues on our Swanage Map.
Swanage Events
Swanage Town Band
Artisans on the Beach
Latest Swanage Features
Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little one will want to meet the real Santa in Dorset this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences and Santa's Grottos throughout Dorset for you and your family to do just that.
Maybe you're looking for breakfast with Santa, a magical winter wonderland, or a SEN Santa visit.
We are building up all the best local events, so take a look at ... Read more...
Dorset's stunning locations have featured in several high profile music videos over the years. And why not? The county is blessed with some striking landscapes and coastal scenery.
Below you'll find a selection of music videos featuring Dorset, some showcase the county's sights more prominently than others, but do you know of any more? Let us know in the comments and we'll keep this page updated!
Count the Ways
The Last Dinner Party
Eerie, enchanting, ... Read more...
Catch a Crab
Crabbing is brilliant traditional family fun; you can spend hours sat on a harbour wall, ice cream in one hand, crabbing net in the other. Where are the best places to catch those crabs? Try Kimmeridge Bay, Mudeford Quay, West Bay Harbour, Poole Quay and Weymouth Harbour all excellent crabbing spots. What will you need to catch them? Use a crabbing net (not a line) plus some bait — they love bacon or smelly fish — and sink the net straight down the ... Read more...
18 Family-Friendly Dorset Attractions for 2025
From sandy beaches to historical hideouts, animal encounters to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Dorset is packed with places to make this summer unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents in tow, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Here are 18 top Dorset attractions that deserve a place on your summer must-visit list!
1. Dorset ... Read more...
Get back to nature and sleep under the stars, camping in Dorset.
According to the Met Office’s latest three-month outlook, the meteorological summer, running from 1 June to 31 August, is twice as likely to be hotter than usual in 2025. So, what better time to sleep under canvas. Dorset has some brilliant campsites to choose from; some on working farms, others right by the coast, or within walking distance of a cracking pub. We’ve put together a list to help you ... Read more...