Guidebook for Dorset
Food Scene
The coffee is second to none in Swanage and great a varied food with a good GF selection.
28 locals recommend
Java Independent Coffee House
Unit 3 Commercial RdThe coffee is second to none in Swanage and great a varied food with a good GF selection.
Haymans Bakery
8 Institute RdGreat variety in Bread and Pastries, good hearty English breakfast - friendly service
Great setting, Eclectic and rustic decoration. with great food and coffee. The Breakfasts are especially good For afternoon tea, you won't find better or larger portions of cake in Swanage!! A few outside seats which are lovely for Breakfast on a sunny morning.
38 locals recommend
Love Cake Etc
42 High StGreat setting, Eclectic and rustic decoration. with great food and coffee. The Breakfasts are especially good For afternoon tea, you won't find better or larger portions of cake in Swanage!! A few outside seats which are lovely for Breakfast on a sunny morning.
You cannot get better Fish and Chips for miles around! A great team of fryers dedicate themselves to quality and service. The Fish Cakes are especially good.
28 locals recommend
The Fish Plaice
14 The SqYou cannot get better Fish and Chips for miles around! A great team of fryers dedicate themselves to quality and service. The Fish Cakes are especially good.
Purbeck Deli (right beneath the apartment) stocks a great range of Dorset produce, alongside the best from wider afield. Home made Pastries, Pasties, quiches and cakes provide a great take away lunch with Ploughmans and Salad Boxes also available. Don't leave without trying the renown Home Made Scotch Eggs. a good range of Gluten free products also available.
If cheese is your thing - you wont find a wider range of cheeses for mile around!
The Purbeck Deli
26 Institute RdPurbeck Deli (right beneath the apartment) stocks a great range of Dorset produce, alongside the best from wider afield. Home made Pastries, Pasties, quiches and cakes provide a great take away lunch with Ploughmans and Salad Boxes also available. Don't leave without trying the renown Home Made Scotch Eggs. a good range of Gluten free products also available.
If cheese is your thing - you wont find a wider range of cheeses for mile around!
Drinks & Nightlife
The Top Deck has the best Cocktails in town, with the Porn Star and Espresso Martinis being especially good. The food is all fresh and great value. Stunning views over Swanage Bay to Ballard down, but all open air, so take a jacket/Cardigan for those especially late nights!!
29 locals recommend
Gee Whites Seafood Restaurant
1 High StThe Top Deck has the best Cocktails in town, with the Porn Star and Espresso Martinis being especially good. The food is all fresh and great value. Stunning views over Swanage Bay to Ballard down, but all open air, so take a jacket/Cardigan for those especially late nights!!
Sightseeing
Although Uphill all the way, a short walk from Swanage Centre, but the views from the Castle and restaurant are amazing and a range of short walks take you both East and West along the Coastal path. Suitable for all, including families and good disabled access to the Castle Restaurant.
20 locals recommend
Durlston Castle
Lighthouse RoadAlthough Uphill all the way, a short walk from Swanage Centre, but the views from the Castle and restaurant are amazing and a range of short walks take you both East and West along the Coastal path. Suitable for all, including families and good disabled access to the Castle Restaurant.
Great picturesque journey through the Purbeck Countryside to Corfe Castle and Beyond pulled by beautifully restored and authentic early 20th Century Steam Engines. Lunch in Corfe Castle then a trip back is a must for any visit to Swanage.
80 locals recommend
Swanage Railway station
Station RoadGreat picturesque journey through the Purbeck Countryside to Corfe Castle and Beyond pulled by beautifully restored and authentic early 20th Century Steam Engines. Lunch in Corfe Castle then a trip back is a must for any visit to Swanage.
Parks & Nature
Stunning 4 miles of unspoilt beach stretching from the Sandbanks Ferry to Studland village. 4 main beaches: Shell Bay (closest to the ferry) Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach; all managed by the National Trust. The sea gently slopes to a depth of around 1.5 metres at 100 yards. Great for Families. There are refreshments available at each beach with the main National Trust centre at Knoll Beach. Water Sports are also available here, with Fore Adventure based at Middle Beach being the prime suppliers of great sea adventure.
23 locals recommend
Knoll Beach Studland
Stunning 4 miles of unspoilt beach stretching from the Sandbanks Ferry to Studland village. 4 main beaches: Shell Bay (closest to the ferry) Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach; all managed by the National Trust. The sea gently slopes to a depth of around 1.5 metres at 100 yards. Great for Families. There are refreshments available at each beach with the main National Trust centre at Knoll Beach. Water Sports are also available here, with Fore Adventure based at Middle Beach being the prime suppliers of great sea adventure.
Entertainment & Activities
Fore Adventure offer a great selection of water activity. Dan and Jade are great hosts and bend over backwards to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. From Spider Crab fishing to Kayak and Snorkelling around Old Harry Rocks, you will not be disappointed. They also offer courses in Foraging where you get the opportunity to gather, cook and eat your own dinner. You really must try this out - its great!!
10 locals recommend
Fore/Adventure
Beach RoadFore Adventure offer a great selection of water activity. Dan and Jade are great hosts and bend over backwards to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. From Spider Crab fishing to Kayak and Snorkelling around Old Harry Rocks, you will not be disappointed. They also offer courses in Foraging where you get the opportunity to gather, cook and eat your own dinner. You really must try this out - its great!!
The Dorset Water park is a great location for getting wet and going wild!! With two extensive lakes filled with inflatable obstacle courses suitable for all ages from 6 upwards. In addition to the two obstacle courses, there is a crazy mud run, again suitable for all ages. Come rain or shine, you will have great fun here, but please book before arrival as it is very popular.
44 locals recommend
Dorset Adventure Park
The Dorset Water park is a great location for getting wet and going wild!! With two extensive lakes filled with inflatable obstacle courses suitable for all ages from 6 upwards. In addition to the two obstacle courses, there is a crazy mud run, again suitable for all ages. Come rain or shine, you will have great fun here, but please book before arrival as it is very popular.
Shopping
Superb selection of good quality Meats and a range of fresh food to sit down and eat or take away.
65 locals recommend
The Salt Pig
6 North StSuperb selection of good quality Meats and a range of fresh food to sit down and eat or take away.
Essentials
Open until 11pm during summer months. All your basic grocery needs can be et here
15 locals recommend
Budgens
36 Station RdOpen until 11pm during summer months. All your basic grocery needs can be et here