Things to do in Swanage

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Swanage
Swanage
Photo by Illy Cotter
Photo by Illy Cotter
Photo by nick board
Photo by nick board
Photo by Steve Hocking
Photo by Steve Hocking

Swanage Attractions

Smaller cities have a vibe you won't find in their larger counterparts. Make a note of all the fun and exciting things to do in Swanage before you travel so you can squeeze the most out of your getaway. You'll soon learn that bigger isn't always better!

Explore the sights of Swanage with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {21 fun activities in Swanage fun activities in Swanage}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning the perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in Swanage

Tours & day trips

See all 17 activities
Poole Jurassic Coast Circular Cruise

Poole Jurassic Coast Circular Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $28 per adult
Poole Jurassic Coast Circular CruiseOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 3 activities
Jurassic Coast and Durdle Door in Executive Vehicle Private Tour

Jurassic Coast and Durdle Door in Executive Vehicle Private Tour

Activity duration is 14 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $1,551 per adult*
Jurassic Coast and Durdle Door in Executive Vehicle Private TourOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 3 activities
Bournemouth Oceanarium Ticket

Bournemouth Oceanarium Ticket

8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $19 per adult
Bournemouth Oceanarium TicketOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Swanage

Number of things to do
21
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bournemouth Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $13
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Swanage

Free Things to Do in Swanage

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to visit the following around Swanage:

Langton Matravers Museum - Chat to the staff or curator and discover more about the interesting collections on exhibit at this museum.

Great Globe - When it's time to get cultured, drop by and observe the artistic talent on show.

Anvil Point Lighthouse - Swing by this historic site and experience a part of the region's cultural heritage.

Isle of Purbeck - Spend a while in this bustling spot and experience life as a local.

Swanage Beach - Breathe in the salty air and watch the waves roll in at this popular coastal spot.

Durlston Country Park - Slip away from the busy city life and get back to Mother Nature at this incredible place.

Durlston Country Park - Work on your green thumb and marvel at the diverse range of plants on show.

Things to Do in Swanage with Kids

There's no excuse for the kids to say "I’m bored!" in Swanage. Join these family friendly experiences that promise a good time for all:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Swanage? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Swanage

View from the town

Swanage Beach

5/5(2 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Swanage Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Swanage. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Swanage Beach
Waiting for the ferry and come across the very English phone box. 😀

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, a lovely green space in Swanage. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
Old Harry Rocks

Old Harry Rocks

Explore the great outdoors at Old Harry Rocks, a lovely green space in Swanage. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Old Harry Rocks
Waiting for the ferry and come across the very English phone box. 😀

Shell Bay Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Shell Bay Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Swanage. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Shell Bay Beach
Tilly Whim Caves just further along the coast path from the Lighthouse. #LifeatExpedia #StunningStructure

Durlston Country Park

Explore the great outdoors at Durlston Country Park, a lovely green space in Swanage. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Durlston Country Park
Really nice viewpoint from this lighthouse. #LifeatExpedia #StunningStructure

Anvil Point Lighthouse

Find out about the history of Swanage when you take a trip to Anvil Point Lighthouse. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Anvil Point Lighthouse
I'd never heard of this little place until Monday. A short detour downhill from the SW coastal path and you will find yourself here. This is a wave cut platform formed over thousands of years. The layered geology of the landscape is so clear to see as you climb down onto the platform or the dancefloor as it is known.

Dancing Ledge

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Dancing Ledge during your travels in Langton Matravers. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Dancing Ledge

Isle of Purbeck

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Isle of Purbeck during your travels in Worth Matravers. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Isle of Purbeck

Great Globe

Find out about the history of Swanage with a stop at Great Globe. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area, or check out its lively bars.

Great Globe

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Swanage

Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture

Poole

Photo by Catherine Slee

Studland

Durdle Door featuring a sunset, a bay or harbor and rugged coastline

Wareham

Photo by Doug Smith

Sandbanks

Photo "Kingston" by Trish Steel (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Trish Steel (CC BY-SA)

Kingston

Photo "Ulwell" by OLU (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by OLU (CC BY-SA)

Ulwell

Photo by Georgina Smith

Langton Matravers

Compton Acres showing heritage architecture and a park

Canford Cliffs

Frequently asked questions

Is Swanage worth visiting?
With a mix of watersports and walking trails, there are plenty of things to do in Swanage. When you're here, head to Sandbanks Beach, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Swanage?
Sandbanks Beach and Swanage Beach are two good places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Swanage while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Swanage?
The top tourist attraction in Swanage is Sandbanks Beach, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Swanage?
Three days in Swanage is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. Sandbanks Beach, Swanage Beach and Studland Beach and Nature Reserve are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Bournemouth.
Is Swanage a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to see and do in Swanage. Several attractions, including Swanage Beach and Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Swanage's neighborhoods, Studland is 2 miles away from downtown, while Ulwell is 1 mile away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Swanage with kids?
Deciding what to do in Swanage with kids has never been easier. Whether you're traveling with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Swanage for adults?
Rockley Sands Beach and Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum are just a few of the things to do in Swanage. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Swanage?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Swanage. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Sandbanks Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.