The original Swanage Pier was built between 1859 and 1860 for use primarily by the local stone quarrying industry, and included a tramway which ran the length of the pier and some way along the seafront. The old tracks can be seen to this day, inset into the seafront walkways.
In this 'you may also like' section we attempt to answer what else can I do? Here you have a list by order of being the closest some more beaches, things to see and do, places to eat and upcoming events.
Beach: Swanage Beach View: Situated right on Swanage seafront with views down the sandy beach and across the bay. What’s on the menu?: Serving light lunches, bistro dinner or a tapas menu using fresh local produce. Extensive menu for vegetarians. Share: Read more…
Swanage bay has a gentle shelving beach that runs the length of the town and is backed by a promenade lined with amusements and attractions. On a clear day it is possible to see all the way over to the Isle of Wight. Swanage beach is home to many water sports. Swanage pier is one of the best diving locations Read more…
The Central beach at Swanage is a great family beach set within a Victorian town with a pier. Swanage is a nice traditional family seaside resort whilst the beach is a sandy beach and is part of a larger stretch of sand that lasts for approximately 2km. Facilities include pier, promenade, cafes/restaurants, shops, children’s play area, beach huts, seasonal lifeguards, Read more…
The North beach at Swanage is still part of the main Swanage Bay but you are a little further away from the main town and a little less crowded. Share: Read more…
Dancing Ledge is not so much a beach but an old quarry floor. There are no beaches on this stretch of coastline but this is popular as you can get down to sea level. Some good swimming from the rocks but care needs to be taken. No facilities available. Share: Read more…
Swanage lifeboat station was established in 1875 and operates inshore and all weather lifeboats. Station open Mon-Fri, April – September. Share: Read more…
The Durlstone Head Globe is on the cliffs of Durlston Head and is often refered to as the “Large Globe” or the “Great Globe”. Erected 1891 the globe is constructed of Portland stone, weighs about 40 tonnes, is 3 metres (10 ft) in diameter and surrounded by a circle of cast iron railings. At the base is a tablet recording distances Read more…
Built from local stone, Anvil Point Lighthouse was completed in 1881 and opened by Neville Chamberlain’s father, then Minister of Transport. Anvil Point is sometimes referred to as Durlston Lighthouse. The light is positioned to give a waypoint for vessels on passage along the English Channel coast. To the west, it gives a clear line from Portland Bill and to Read more…
Corfe Castle once controlled the Isle of Purbeck, a thousand-year-old castle, that was destroyed during the English Civil War when Parliamentary forces sieged the castle that was only taken over after betrayal within. The wife of Sir John Bankes led the defence and gained the name ‘Brave Dame Mary’. Corfe Castle is roughly triangular in shape and started existence in Read more…
