Swanage  

Swanage is a small port and tourist resort that lies to the west of Poole harbour. It may be reached via the A351 from Wareham which is a spur off of the A35 that links Poole and Dorchester. 

For Swanage Hotels, Holidays,  Guest Houses, Cottages  and Attractions.  Go to Swanage Hotels Guest Houses and Cottages

Swanage lies on an attractive sweep of coastline that is backed by the Purbeck hills, with cliffs to the west and long flat beaches to the east. There is a very nice beach at Swanage itself but the most spectacular beach in the area is at Studland Bay which is a long crescent of sand with heathland behind it. Apart from the small village of Studland there is no development along this site as most of the land is owned by the National Trust. The beach is idea for swimming and water sports, there is a launching slip in the middle of the bay. Although much of this area forms the east side to Poole harbour there is not much access to the harbour from this side as much of the land is a nature reserve. 

Swanage itself is an attractive small town with a good range of accommodation. There are amusements on the seafront and plenty of restaurants and pubs to provide food and drink. There are not a great deal of attractions in the immediate area, these are situated more in the Poole/ Bournemouth area, which is only around half an hour by car. However there are plenty of natural attractions in the area. Spectacular coastal views can be seen from Durlstone Head, around a mile south of Swanage. For the more adventurous walker there is the coast path which leads to St Aldhelm's Head around four miles to the west of the town.

Just up the road is Corfe Castle with its spectacular ruined castle. The castle was besieged by Oliver Cromwell's forces  in 1646 and it just hasn't been the same since. The surrounding village is built of Purbeck stone which is quarried just a few miles inland from the village at Worth Matravers. Look out for the nearby Greyhound pub. 

If you travel along past the main beach at Studland there is a chain ferry that connects to Poole and Bournemouth 

What to see in Swanage

Corfe Castle - Spectacular ruins overlooking the village.  Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ

Putlake Adventure Farm - Farm trails and animals plus tearooms and shop. Langton Matravers, Nr Swanage

Swanage Pier - Swanage, Dorset

Studland Bay - around two miles to the east of Swanage.