What to do in Swanage

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

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Swanage has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Swanage, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Swanage with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Swanage

Swanage is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Swanage, and make it a breeze to explore Swanage and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Swanage to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Swanage, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Swanage.

Swanage attractions

Swanage has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Swanage to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Swanage.

Looking for things to do in Swanage can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Swanage or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Swanage attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Swanage

Tours & day trips

See all 17 activities
City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
8.8 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £17 per adult
City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 3 activities
Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Bournemouth

Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Bournemouth

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £12 per adult
Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in BournemouthOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 3 activities
Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £25 per adult
Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance TicketOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Swanage

Number of things to do
20
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bournemouth Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: £5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Swanage

Popular places to visit

Swanage Beach

Swanage Beach

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

Swanage Beach
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve

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 lively bars.

Old Harry Rocks
Shell Bay Beach

Shell Bay Beach

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

Shell Bay Beach
Durlston Country Park

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 top-notch restaurants.

Durlston Country Park
Anvil Point Lighthouse

Anvil Point Lighthouse

Find out about the history of Swanage when you spend time at Anvil Point Lighthouse. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Anvil Point Lighthouse
Dancing Ledge

Dancing Ledge

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Dancing Ledge during your travels in Langton Matravers. Stroll along the seaside 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 beautiful beaches 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 seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Swanage

Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture

Poole

Photo by Catherine Slee

Studland

Durdle Door showing a bay or harbour, rugged coastline and a sunset

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 which includes heritage architecture and a park

Canford Cliffs

Frequently asked questions

Is Swanage worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Swanage is explore Sandbanks Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's watersports and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Swanage?
When you've checked off top attractions like Sandbanks Beach and Swanage Beach, spend some time enjoying Swanage's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Swanage?
Don't leave without visiting Sandbanks Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Swanage.
Is three days enough to stay in Swanage?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, like Sandbanks Beach, Swanage Beach and Studland Beach and Nature Reserve. The average stay in Swanage is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Bournemouth isn't far away.
Is Swanage a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Swanage. Several sights, like Swanage Beach and Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Swanage's best neighbourhoods, Studland is 3 kms (2 miles) away from downtown, while Ulwell is 2 kms (1 mile) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Swanage with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all of your group, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Swanage with kids.

What to do in Swanage for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Swanage for adults including Rockley Sands Beach and Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum.
Are there free things to do in Swanage?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Swanage is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Sandbanks Beach is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.