Swanage is the principle town on the Isle of Purbeck and is a popular seaside holiday destination due to the long sandy beach and old world seaside atmosphere. Fresh sea air fills the town of small shops, cafes and restaurants. At the top of the small high street is the railway station from where steam trains takes passengers to Corfe Castle.
Swanage beach is long, sandy and much loved by bathers. The shallow water is clear and clean which makes swimming in Swanage a really special pleasure. The sea offers up a good range of local seafood which can be sampled in the local restaurants.
Self Catering Cottages in Swanage
A number of holiday cottages are available for self catering holidays in Swanage. Here are a few to choose from.
Sleeps 6 in 4 bedrooms; Children welcome Central Villa is attractively situated in a small lane in the centre of the lovely seaside town of Swanage. The sea is less than a 2 minute walk away. Swanage is renowned for its sandy beach and beautiful bay set amidst wonderful Purbeck countryside. This is part of the Jurassic coast and is a fantastic walking area. The coastal path, which is only 2 minutes walk away, leads westwards to the pretty Dorset villages of Langton & Worth Matravers, Kimmeridge and Lulworth.  Swanage, DorsetNew Cottage; Sleeps 5 + 1 in 3 bedrooms; This lovely grade II listed stone cottage stands close to the centre of Swanage and is less than a 5 minute walk from the beach. Here the golden sand gently slopes into the water making it ideal for paddling and swimming. The town centre is a 3 minute walk away and is particularly pleasant with its small shops, various restaurants, cafes and public houses.  Swanage, DorsetSleeps 4/5 in two bedrooms plus a baby in a cot Sanjernin is a detached bungalow within a 20 minute walk of the lovely sandy beach at Swanage – a wonderful spot to swim or paddle with the sand gently sloping into the water. This small resort offers all the traditional entertainments of ‘Punch & Judy’, pedalos and candy floss. Fishing can be enjoyed from the attractive Victorian pier and there is also a centre for diving.  Swanage, DorsetNew Cottage; Sleeps 6 in 3 bedroom Seascape stands within a stones throw of the sea and enjoys lovely open sea views from several rooms. These views are panoramic, extending across the whole bay, from Ballard Down on the East to the westward extremity of Peveril point. The sandy beach of Swanage bay is only a half minute walk away. Here visitors can enjoy swimming, paddling and boating.  Swanage, DorsetSleeps 4 + 2 in 2 bedrooms; Children welcome This lovely stone cottage is peacefully situated within 1 mile of the beach of Swanage – a lovely sandy beach which curves around the bay and gently slopes into the water making it ideal for paddling and swimming. There are a variety of boating activities available including canoes and paddle boats. On the shore there are a variety of seaside entertainments including crazy golf and Topsail House is within a 10 minute walk of the coastal path as it winds its way past Durlston and heads towards some of the most beautiful parts of the coastline of Worth Matravers, Kingston and Kimmeridege.  Swanage, Dorset |
Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck
Beyond Swanage on can enjoy the beauty and unspoiled coast & countryside of Purbeck. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty contains the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Jurassic Coast which is best enjoyed by following the coastal path.
Corfe Castle at the heart of the Isle of Purbeck draws visitors with the impressive ruined castle. The Castle is open to the public and from the top one gets panoramic views over Purbeck.
Just north of Swanage is Studland with its long golden beach and beautiful nature reserve. It is only a short drive but some prefer to take the coastal path which takes in Old Harry's Rock, one of Purbeck's most dramatic sights.
Find more accommodation in Purbeck at www.islandcottageholidays.com/purbeck/ or visit the Swanage Holiday Cottage page at Island Cottage Holidays.
Swanage Photographs
Swanage Links
Central Villas - Swanage
Studland Cottage
Worth Matravers Cottages
Corfe Cottage Cottage
Swanage Steam Railway
Swanage Folk Festival
Swanage Sea Rowing Club
Swanage Sailing Club