Clare's Guidebook
Food scene
Really good coffee and veggie and vegan food offers.
28 locals recommend
Java Independent Coffee House
Unit 3 Commercial RdReally good coffee and veggie and vegan food offers.
Best fish and chip shop in my opinion. Please be careful to check closing times though, sometimes it can shut as early as 7pm out of season!
28 locals recommend
The Fish Plaice
14 The SqBest fish and chip shop in my opinion. Please be careful to check closing times though, sometimes it can shut as early as 7pm out of season!
Family friendly and something for all ages. Gets booked up quickly, so booking as early as possible is advisable.
10 locals recommend
La Trattoria
12 High StFamily friendly and something for all ages. Gets booked up quickly, so booking as early as possible is advisable.
probably my favourite restaurant to eat in Swanage. It is a fish restaurant and does fantastic dressed crabs, oysters and mussels. Please be aware that they do not have a phoneline, to book you need to either pop in or contact them via Facebook.
12 locals recommend
Pier Head
probably my favourite restaurant to eat in Swanage. It is a fish restaurant and does fantastic dressed crabs, oysters and mussels. Please be aware that they do not have a phoneline, to book you need to either pop in or contact them via Facebook.
is a butchery (and café), all of the meat is comes from local farms within an 8 mile radius of the shop. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations. They also have a fish counter and a hot deli, serving a range of items from sausage rolls to quesadillas.
65 locals recommend
The Salt Pig
6 North Stis a butchery (and café), all of the meat is comes from local farms within an 8 mile radius of the shop. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations. They also have a fish counter and a hot deli, serving a range of items from sausage rolls to quesadillas.
The Cabin is located on the seafront in front of the Grand Hotel. It is a jolly little café with great views and has a decent selection of sandwiches, snacks and ice creams. It gets very busy at peak times, with queues forming from around 11am.
8 locals recommend
The Cabin
Burlington RoadThe Cabin is located on the seafront in front of the Grand Hotel. It is a jolly little café with great views and has a decent selection of sandwiches, snacks and ice creams. It gets very busy at peak times, with queues forming from around 11am.
This is a Michelin recommended seafood restaurant with amazing views across to Brownsea Island and Poole. It is very romantic and my sister actually got engaged there over 20 years ago!
This is a firm favourite of the family.
92 locals recommend
Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant
Ferry RoadThis is a Michelin recommended seafood restaurant with amazing views across to Brownsea Island and Poole. It is very romantic and my sister actually got engaged there over 20 years ago!
This is a firm favourite of the family.
A traditional fishmonger and the fish is caught either by themselves or other local fishermen. They use sustainable fishing methods and do not believe in discards. They are open on Tuesday-Saturday, 8.30am-2pm.
Swanage Bay Fish
A traditional fishmonger and the fish is caught either by themselves or other local fishermen. They use sustainable fishing methods and do not believe in discards. They are open on Tuesday-Saturday, 8.30am-2pm.
This is a five minute walk from the flat, via the footpath next to the Grand Hotel. They have an array of breakfast and lunch dishes available alongside ice creams. I would probably avoid the coffee if you are looking for a decent espresso...
6 locals recommend
Down The Beach
Burlington ChineThis is a five minute walk from the flat, via the footpath next to the Grand Hotel. They have an array of breakfast and lunch dishes available alongside ice creams. I would probably avoid the coffee if you are looking for a decent espresso...
This is seriously good Neapolitan pizza! Originally a pizza truck, Kate the owner took over the unit and runs it with her partner and mum, so it really is a family affair! You will need to book a table well in advance, as it books out quickly. The same also goes for take-aways.
Coastal Crust Pizza
This is seriously good Neapolitan pizza! Originally a pizza truck, Kate the owner took over the unit and runs it with her partner and mum, so it really is a family affair! You will need to book a table well in advance, as it books out quickly. The same also goes for take-aways.
Sightseeing
The steam train from Swanage to Corfe is a fantastic way to spend a morning/afternoon. Once in Corfe, you can explore the castle and shops and then relax in one of the many pubs that Corfe has to offer. I would recommend The Greyhound Pub, service is always good, a decent menu and great views of the castle. During the summer months, they also have live music in the garden.
425 locals recommend
Corfe Castle
The steam train from Swanage to Corfe is a fantastic way to spend a morning/afternoon. Once in Corfe, you can explore the castle and shops and then relax in one of the many pubs that Corfe has to offer. I would recommend The Greyhound Pub, service is always good, a decent menu and great views of the castle. During the summer months, they also have live music in the garden.
Swanage Railway station
Station RoadDorset Adventure Park