Swanage Beach

Swanage Beach runs the length of the town and is backed by a promenade lined with beach huts and amusements. It’s an attractive gently shelving beach with golden sand and clean water (Blue Flag Award beach) and a great place for kids to play and for adults to relax and sunbathe. Of course, this is England, so getting a tan is dependent on the weather but even on a cloudy day Swanage offers plenty to see and so and makes an excellent base to explore the surrounding countryside and Jurassic Coast.

SAT NAV postcode BH19 1LA (Google map)

Swanage Beach

Swanage Beach lies on the South West Coast Path. At the northern end of Swanage Bay a path leads up the hillside to Old Harry Rocks and then on to Studland. At the southern end of the bay a path leads over the headland to Durlston Country Park where you’ll find a castle, lighthouse and nature reserve. Or you could take a steam train for a scenic ride to Corfe Castle.

It was, in fact, the opening of the railway in 1885 which saw the Victorians arriving in Swanage to enjoy the clean air and mild and sunny climate.

Facilities on the beach include toilets and ice-cream kiosks. There are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants nearby. You can hire deck chairs, sun beds, pedals and kayaks. During the summer season there is often a traditional Punch and Judy show to keep the little ones entertained. Beach huts can also be hired on a daily or weekly basis from the council.

You can also find the excellent Swanage Information Centre (Google map) on the back of the promenade. You should make this one of the first places that you visit when arriving in Swanage as you’ll find plenty of useful information about attractions in the area. They have maps, walks and cycle routes, guide books and souvenirs plus the staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. They have also produced a quick guide to the town that can be viewed here Swanage Essential Guide pdf (external link)

Dogs are not permitted on the beach from 1st May until 30th September.

Blue Flag Beach Award ensuring excellent water quality.

Related Pages: Knoll Beach / Studland South Beach / Studland Village / Old Harry Rocks / Swanage / Swanage Beach / Durlston Country Park / Corfe Castle / Corfe Castle Village / Worth Matravers / Kimmeridge Bay