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The coastal town of Swanage is famous for its long sandy beach popular with swimmers and families. Swanage is located on the farthest East tip of the Isle of Purbeck.
Swanage is linked to neighbouring Studland by a coastal path and to Corfe Castle by a steam railway service.
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Swanage Beach - The beach at Swanage a long stretch of soft sand which runs from near the centre of town all the way to the white cliffs at the other end of the bay. In the summer there are organised events for families at the town end of the beach as well as boat trips and much more.
Durlston Country Park - The Durlston Country park is a wonderful area of protected nature south of Swanage. The park has wonderful sea views which can be enjoyed from a pleasant and well marked cliff top walk which is dotted with view points. There are a number of places where you can get a good view of the cliffs and the bird life living and nesting on them. Puffins are a favourite sight but there is also a good population of other seabirds. In the water it is possible to see dolphins and the occasional whale. To reach the park simply follow the coastal path from Swanage Pier (south end of town). The path crosses an open park before following a pavement before entering a wooded area which leads all the way to the park. Alternatively you can drive to Durlston.
Diving at Swanage - A number of companies offer diving from Swanage and this is a great opportunity to dive some exciting wrecks along the Purbeck coastline. Find out more about diving at Swanage at www.swanagediving.co.uk and www.diversdownswanage.co.uk
Walk the Coastal Path - Swanage lies on the Dorset Coastal path which follows the Jurassic Coast all the way to Weymouth and beyond. From Swanage one can walk as far a Worth Matravers with relative ease and this walk takes in Durlston Country Park, Dancing Ledge and Winspit. At Worth Matravers there is a lovely public house where you can enjoy a drink and food (as long as you want vegetable pie or pasties). From Worth Matravers there is a quicker route back along the well marked Priest's Way.
Ride on the Swanage Steam Railway - The famous Steam Railway was reopened in the 1980's due to the determination and hard work of volunteers (www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-16715251). Now there is a summer service between Swanage and Corfe Castle which allows you to visit this historic village on a nostalgic trip which cuts through the Purbeck countryside. For walkers it is lovely to walk to Corfe Castle along the Purbeck hills and take the train back to Swanage. Find out more about the Swanage Steam Railway at www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Play Golf at Purbeck Golf Club - Between Swanage and Studland there is a golf course with beautiful views over Studland and Poole Harbour. For more information visit Purbeck Golf Club
Swanage has been a holiday destination since the early 19th Century and Swanage became known for a temperate climate and pleasant bay for swimming. Nowadays Swanage is the principle holiday destination this part of Dorset. The long sandy beach and picturesque seaside town atmosphere draw in summer visitors as well as those wishing to walk, cycle and enjoy the surrounding countryside all year around.
Swanage is ideally located with Studland to the North, the coastal path running off to the South West and the expanse of beautiful countryside extending back from behind the town to the West.
The town of Swanage has a number of notable attractions. Popular with those of all ages is the Swanage Steam Railway which takes passengers across Purbeck to the historic village of Corfe Castle.The town also has a number of small parks and gardens scattered along the sea front which afford a great view of the sea and are liberally scattered with stone benches. A number of historic buildings and sites are found in the older part of Swanage and notable amongst these include the Wellington Clock Tower and the Swanage Mill Pond surrounded with pretty stone cottages. For the more active there are a number of activities on the water including a diving school and sailing.