Out and About

Local Walks

Whether you are as fit as a butchers dog or just want an easy stroll, Swanage has something for you.
Swanage Beach is a wonderful flat sandy bay and an easy stroll in any weather.
Peveril Point
If you fancy a little bit of exercise you can walk up to Peveril Point at the western end of the bay. From here you get spectacular views over Swanage, Durlston Castle and over the sea to the Isle of Wight.
Durlston Castle
If you continue around the point you can take a 30 minute walk up to the castle although up a slight incline it's an easy walk. 1.5 miles one way.
Old Harry Rocks
At the eastern end of the bay up onto the headland there is a stunning walk over to Old Harry Rocks. Following the coastline, climbing steeply for the first section it levels out all the way until you drop down into Studland Bay. Once again the views are spectacular. 5 miles one way
Corfe Castle
Climbing up out of Swanage, it's steep at first but once up on the ridge across Nine Barrow Down it's flat all the way.  As you drop into the town you have a great view of the castle itself and the quaint Purbeck stone village of Corfe. After you have wandered around the castle (admission fee required) and had a bite to eat in one of the many pubs, restaurants or tea rooms, why not take a ride on the wonderful Heritage Steam Railway back to Swanage (fees apply)










Corfe castle


Just a few miles drive away Corfe is a great day out whether you walk, drive or get the bus, it's easy to get to from Swanage.
Corfe Castle is a fortification built by William the Conqueror. The castle dates back to the 11th century and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. The first phase was one of the earliest castles in England to be built, at least partly using stone when the majority were built with earth and timber. Corfe Castle underwent major structural changes in the 12th and 13th centuries. In 1572, Corfe Castle left the Crown's control when Elizabeth I sold it to Sir Christopher Hatton. Sir John Bankes bought the castle in 1635, and was the owner during the English Civil War. His wife, Lady Mary Bankes, led the defence of the castle when it was twice besieged by Parliamentarian forces. The first siege, in 1643, was unsuccessful, but by 1645 Corfe was one of the last remaining royalist strongholds in southern England and fell to a siege ending in an assault. Now owned by the National Trust, the castle is open to the public.




Steam Railway

The Swanage Railway is the picture postcard branch line to the seaside. Steam trains run for 6 miles, weaving their way through the beautiful Purbeck countryside.
The picturesque stations provide an ideal starting point to explore the railway and the surrounding area on foot or by bicycle. With museums, picnic areas, refreshments and souvenirs, there a lot to see and do during your visit. The Swanage Railway makes a very special day out. The Swanage Railway offers a more intensive heritage steam and diesel timetable train service than virtually any other preserved railway. Visitors can experience a unique journey through 6 miles of beautiful scenery passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle, travelling down to the blue flag beach at Swanage. You can even take charge of a train by taking one of their Driving Experience courses.

Studland Bay

Studland Bay is a glorious slice of Purbeck coastline with a 3 mile stretch of golden, sandy beach. Studland is sheltered and protected from the South westerly winds. Behind the beach is heathland, which is a haven for native wildlife and features all 6 British reptiles. Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands allow for exploration the spotting of deer, insects and birdlife.
There is a café, a discovery centre on Knoll Beach and bird hides for a lovely day out.
Look for the all year round, dog friendly sections of the beach.

The Beaches

The choices are endless with our very own safe, sandy, blue flag beach here in Swanage or nearby the 3 mile golden beach at Studland. A little further away along the stunning Jurassic coast lie the beaches and bays of Kimmeridge, St Oswald's and Lulworth where you can swim, stroll or try your hand at a little fossil hunting. 
Look for the all year round, dog friendly sections of the beach.

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