Swanage Landmarks and Monuments

(Swanage, Dorset, England, UK)

The Isle of Purbeck contains many grand houses, ancient castles and fortresses, and historical landmarks, which are often open to members of the general public. The Avil Point Lighthouse and Durlston Castle are two particularly noteworthy landmarks, while in the town centre, Swanage Pier is a true Victorian classic and dates back more than 100 years, being opened in 1897.

For something more natural, landmarks come in the form of the surrounding Purbeck Hills, which are a popular countryside attraction for both locals and holiday makers, since they are full of trails and pathways. Also look out for the eroded Old Harry Rocks, which have become a much-photographed sight in Dorset.

Swanage Pier

Address: Swanage, Dorset, England, UK
Built to accompany the original pier, which was completed in 1860 and is now nothing more than a few remaining broken piles standing just above the actual surface of the sea. Swanage Pier was originally constructed to serve the regular steam boats sailing to Bournemouth and Poole between the 1890s and 1960s. After the steamer services ceased in the sixties, the pier soon fell into a state of disrepair and was completely restored and renovated in the 1990s, at the cost of £1 million, which included sizeable donations from the National Lottery and the English Heritage. Highlights on the pier include a scuba diving school, ferries to Poole Quay and annual visits by historical paddle steamers. Look out for the pier shop, which displays an array of artefacts collected by local scuba divers, and also the thousands of personal interesting brass plaques on the boards.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 08:00 to 19:00 (often later); October to March - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge for strollers, divers, anglers, visiting boats and parking

Anvil Point Lighthouse

Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, England, UK
Tel +44 01929 424693
A famous landmark in this part of Dorset, the Anvil Point Lighthouse is part of the Durlston Country Park and is located just 3 km / 2 miles from Swanage town centre. The Anvil Point Lighthouse was built in the latter part of the 19th century and was officially opened in 1881 by the father of Neville Chamberlain, who at that time was serving as the Minister of Transport. Designed to be viewed by vessels sailing along the coastline of the English Channel, the lighthouse is visible as far away as the Christchurch Ledge (east) and Portland Bill (west). Now fully automated, Anvil Point is often opened for guided tours, which are provided by the local attendant.
Open hours: Thursday and Saturday - 11:30 to 16:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00, hours can vary
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families and groups

Purbeck Hills

Address: Isle of Purbeck, England, UK
The Purbeck countryside is a breathtaking attraction in its own right and its beautiful hills are especially appealing to those who enjoy walking, cycling and horse riding. Offering a unique character, the southern hills are rich in Dorset flora and fauna, and have been quarried in the past. On a fine day, it is even possible to enjoy distant views of the Isle of Wight, Portland, Southampton and Weymouth. The northern ridge of the Purbeck Hills provides something a little different and consists of much chalk, which stretches between Swanage and Tyneham, and passes through Corfe Castle. From the northern ridge, the views across Poole Harbour and the chalk stack known as Old Harry are quite unmissable.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Durlston Castle

Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, England, UK
Tel +44 01929 424693
Situated within the spreading Durlston Country Park, the magnificent landmark that is Durlston Castle dates from the 1880s, when it was built entirely out of locally quarried stone. An attractive Victorian folly standing on Durlston Head and known for its projecting turrets and fortress-like architecture, Durlston Castle is surrounded by a series of stone tablets, which are inscribed with poetry and are well worth looking out for, as is the huge stone globe at the base of the steps. Now owned by Dorset County Council, Durlston Castle is home to the popular Lookout Cafe, where you can dine whilst enjoying spectacular views of the English Channel, the Jurassic Coast and even the Isle of Wight.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Old Harry Rocks

Address: Ballard, England, UK
The Old Harry Rocks can be found directly to the east of Studland, and on the northerly side of Swanage, being just below the chalk cliffs of Ballard. This section of the cliffs has been gradually eroded over the centuries and 'Old Harry' stands at the far end, being rather isolated and often compared to the Needles of the Isle of Wight. The original wife of Old Harry collapsed in 1896, although a smaller chalk stack has become affectionately known as his new wife.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free