The beach at Swanage is a long sandy beach which extends from the centre of Swanage all the way to the foot of the Ballard Down. There is a popular end of the beach with amusements and cafes and a quieter end where you can get some sandy beach all to yourself.
Throughout the summer there are numerous events and sources of entertainment for the family including a traditional Punch and Judy show and the Swanage Regatta and Carnival.
There is a deeply ingrained sailing culture and rowing culture in Swanage so you will often sea the Swanage Rowing Club practicing or racing in the bay. Regular sailing races are run by Swanage Sailing Club so their are often a colourful display of sails visible from the beach.
In the dusk and evenings the beach is still popular as a place to walk and admire the last of the sun shimmering on the sea. A promenade runs behind the beach from Swanage Pier in the South towards Ballard Down in the north and it is a pleasant walk for the evenings when you will be joined by a number of others, both local and visiting, who will be doing the same thing.
There is are two large car park in Swanage, one along Victoria Avenue and one near Swanage Pier.
Notices explain beach safety are found at Swanage Beach. It is important to read about the local conditions and how to stay safe. Public toilets are available at several locations along Swanage Beach.
Getting There: Swanage is on the East coast of Purbeck just south of Studland. The main road from Wareham to Swanage will take you right to the beach. Alternatively, if you are coming from Poole or Bournemouth there is a chain link ferry from Sandbanks to Studland. Go through the village of Studland and from there there are clear signposts to Swanage.
New 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. Inglenook Cottage, Swanage, Dorset is available from to . View Inglenook Cottage Swanage, Dorset
Sleeps 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. Sanjernin, Swanage, Dorset is available from to . View Sanjernin Swanage, Dorset
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. Central Villa, Swanage, Dorset is available from to . View Central Villa Swanage, Dorset
New 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. Seascape, Swanage, Dorset is available from to . View Seascape Swanage, Dorset
Sleeps 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. Topsail House, Swanage, Dorset is available from to . View Topsail House Swanage, Dorset