Swanage Town and the Surrounding Area
The Victorian town of Swanage has a multitude of attractions for visitors. History buffs will be keen to follow the historic trail around Swanage, revealing its Victorian heritage. For more information, visitors can pay a visit to Swanage museum and heritage centre, based in the town Square. Here you can find out about the natural and social history of Swanage including the development of the town by the entrepreneurs John Mowlem and George Burt. Top off your cultural day with a walk on Swanage pier, which has recently been restored to its original Victorian splendour.
One of the must-see attractions of Swanage town must be the steam railway station, which is home of Swanage’s award-winning steam railway- Dorset’s premier standard gauge preserved steam railway. Take a day trip on the railway and park at Norden’s Park & Ride then ride the steam train to Corfe Castle, Harmans Cross or Swanage Town. Throughout the year Swanage Railway holds special events such as Thomas the Tank Engine days and Santa Specials, which are of particular interest for those with children! During the summer months Swanage Railway Company holds special evenings where you can dine on the Wessex Belle Dining Train, see their website for further details.
If you are travelling by train, you will definitely want to disembark at the picturesque village of Corfe Castle, towered over by the ruins of the eponymous castle. Built in 1086 Corfe Castle was once considered one of the major strongholds of England; however it was brought down by betrayal from within. The castle and surrounding village are a beautiful sight, stunning in the sunshine and mysterious and eerie on greyer days- well worth the visit.
Purbeck is proud to boast more than 50 pubs in the area, all of which offer their own unique charm. Whatever you prefer, whether it be: live music, good food, traditional Ales, charm, family areas, romantic nooks and crannies, you will find a pub in Swanage or the surrounding towns and villages to fulfil your needs. There are links to various pub guides below so that you can research each pub before you visit if you wish. If you are not a fan of pubs then there are many other places to get refreshment in Swanage town. From traditional tea rooms and bakeries to modern cafes and restaurants, the town offers food and drink to satisfy every pallet and every budget. And of course, you shouldn’t leave without indulging in the British institution of fish and chips on the beachfront- it’s a seaside rite of passage. You can even pick up some local delicacies to take home with you at Swanage Market, which is held at the Main Beach Car Park every Tuesday morning from Easter to the end of October, a great way to remember your trip to Swanage.
There are many villages in Purbeck, all of which have their own special charm. You will find more information on every village in the area, plus maps from Swanage Tourist Information, so that you can plan which ones you would like to visit on your trip to Swanage. Links to Swanage and Purbeck tourism can be found below.