Attractions Nearby Swanage, Day Trips and Excursions

(Swanage, Dorset, England, UK)

If you have chosen to drive to Swanage, then the endless attractions of Dorset really are at your feet. If you are looking for an alternative to Swanage Beach, then many similar coastal attractions await day trippers, with the bustling seaside town of Bournemouth being an absolute must.

A busy Dorset market town, Dorchester is located around 45 km / 28 miles to the west of Swanage and is especially famous for being the home town of renowned novelist and author, Thomas Hardy (1840 to 1928). Locals often choose to shop in Poole, while tourists often see Poole as a convenient gateway to the National Trust nature reserve of Brownsea Island.

Bournemouth

One of the busiest seaside resorts on the southern coast of England, Bournemouth has everything that summer holiday makers could possibly wish for, and then some. Popular attractions in Bournemouth include a stunning golden sandy beach, which stretches for literally miles and lies right next to Boscombe. For families, the best places to visit include the Oceanarium , the helium-filled Bournemouth Eye balloon, land trains along the seafront, and a traditional pier, complete with an amusement arcade, theatre and fun fair rides, which often include a tall helter skelter. The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is often a major draw card for the town, since it regularly hosts various concerts and shows, as well as seasonal ice skating and exhibitions. Bournemouth is around 21 km / 13 miles from Swanage and best reached via the chain ferry at Studland. Christchurch is conveniently nearby and home to the Alice in Wonderland Family Park,

Arne

A sizeable village lying roughly 18 km / 11 miles to the north-west of Swanage, Arne also serves as a civil parish within Dorset's Purbeck region. Sited on the Arne Peninsula and alongside Poole Harbour, the village is often of interest to daytrippers, since it is the location of the Arne RSPB reserve and many appealing nature trails, and stands within the acclaimed Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Church of St. Nicholas is also of note and dates back to the 13th century.

Dorchester

The main places of interest in central Dorchester are to be found lining South Street, which heads northwards, meeting the pedestriansed Cornhill area. A number of museum attractions reside within Dorchester, such as the Keep Military Museum, the Dinosaur Museum and the Dorset County Museum, the latter of which is brimming with Thomas Hardy memorabilia. Thomas Hardy fans may also like to pay a visit to Max Gate House on Arlington Avenue, which is a National Trust property where Hardy himself lived from 1885 until the year of his death.

Kimmeridge

The Purbeck village of Kimmeridge is to be found approximately 14 km / 9 miles to the west of Swanage and is known for its geological structures, rocky shoreline and Jurassic shale cliffs. Kimmeridge Bay is a leading surf destination, with strong breaking Atlantic waves suiting all levels of surfer. Many people also come here to search for fossils on the beachfront, which include ammonites in all sizes.

Poole

The port town of Poole is located next to Bournemouth and 30 km / 19 miles to the north of Swanage. Poole Quay is where the most enticing attractions reside, with various gift shops and cafes overlooking the waterfront and its expensive yachts. For Poole, various ferry excursions are possible, including popular trips to the neighbouring Brownsea Island. For children and families, the Poole Tower Park Leisure Complex is well worth visiting and comprises the Splashdown water slides, a cinema complex, a nightclub and multi-screen cinema.

Studland

Studland is so close to Swanage that its coastline is often considered to be an extension of the town's beachfront. It is the beach at Studland that is by far the main attraction, which is managed by the National Trust and attracts crowds of thousands during the summer sunshine. Also in Studland are some excellent sites for bird watching, such as Brand's Bay, Shell Bay and the Studland Heath.

Salisbury

A magnificent cathedral city, Salisbury is a great place to spend a day shopping and sightseeing. Apart from Salisbury Cathedral itself, the city is also home to a host of medieval buildings and period Tudor attractions. Twice-weekly markets have been held in Salisbury for more than 600 years and continue to attract quite a crowd. The museums of Salisbury are another very good reason to visit Salisbury and include the Wardrobe Military Museum, the Mompesson House, and the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum. Next door, the town of Wilton is where the Wilton Carpet Factory is situated, along with the 16th-century estate of Wilton House.

Wareham

The charming and historical Saxon town of Wareham is some 16 km / 10 miles to the north-west of Swanage and is based around the River Frome, which bounds its southerly side. The ancient walls of Wareham are a particular highlight and were built during the 9th century. Attractions close by and near to Wareham include the Blue Pool, Clouds Hill (a National Trust house), Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove and Monkey World, all of which are just a short drive away.

Weymouth

A popular seaside and tourist resort town, Weymouth is famed for its sailing and is all set to host some prestigious sailing events on behalf of the up-and-coming 2012 London Olympics. Weymouth is just 45 km / 28 miles to the west of Swanage and under an hour's drive away. When you arrive, you will immediately be greeted by the site of a gorgeous sandy beach and adjacent esplanade. Based around Brewers Quay and the beachfront area are a series of shops and eateries. The much-photographed Jubilee Clock stands next to the beach and is typically Victorian in character. The Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary is a great place for those with children, while many come here for the scuba diving and kite surfing alone. A rather unexpected local Weymouth landmark is the Victorian Nothe Fort, which is over 300 years old and a great spot for a picnic.