61a Guidebook
Sightseeing
Swanage
It is part of the Jurassic coastline and a World Heritage Site and has fabulous award-winning sandy beaches and pier, along with a wide range of attractions and beautiful countryside. It offers many sports and activities; walking, cycle routes, rock climbing and water sports. There are several restaurants and cafes, as well as many bars. There is an old steam railway where you can catch a train to Corfe Castle. There are plenty of carparks in and around Swanage.
Swanage
The quaint village of Worth Matravers has some wonderful walks in addition to an award-winning pub, The Square and Compass, famous for its top quality live music, homemade pasties ,cider and ales and fossil museum.
Check out their website for some great events such as stone carving, sausage and cider festival.
A great place visit after a coastal walk - sit and have a drink while enjoying spectacular views.
92 locals recommend
The Square and Compass
Worth MatraversThe quaint village of Worth Matravers has some wonderful walks in addition to an award-winning pub, The Square and Compass, famous for its top quality live music, homemade pasties ,cider and ales and fossil museum.
Check out their website for some great events such as stone carving, sausage and cider festival.
A great place visit after a coastal walk - sit and have a drink while enjoying spectacular views.
Studland beach boasts 4 miles of sandy beaches and is worth a visit in all seasons. It is a fabulous place to walk, relax, swim, snorkel, walk or have a go at water sports. There are several beaches all with parking and some have a cafe with a selection of hot food and drinks.
The car-parks can get fairly busy so best to get there early in the morning during the summer weeks.
51 locals recommend
Knoll Beach Studland
Studland beach boasts 4 miles of sandy beaches and is worth a visit in all seasons. It is a fabulous place to walk, relax, swim, snorkel, walk or have a go at water sports. There are several beaches all with parking and some have a cafe with a selection of hot food and drinks.
The car-parks can get fairly busy so best to get there early in the morning during the summer weeks.
The historic village of Corfe Castle not only boasts a castle but also a model village, cafes, a steam train and some great walks. A favourite haunt for all ages the romantic castle ruins have breathtaking views across Purbeck.
The Boilerhouse is worth a visit for local arts and crafts. There are many places to stop for drink or bite to eat.
425 locals recommend
Corfe Castle
The historic village of Corfe Castle not only boasts a castle but also a model village, cafes, a steam train and some great walks. A favourite haunt for all ages the romantic castle ruins have breathtaking views across Purbeck.
The Boilerhouse is worth a visit for local arts and crafts. There are many places to stop for drink or bite to eat.
With 260 rescued & endangered primates, there's plenty of things to do this half term. Bring your little monkeys to have a great day out at Monkey World... about a 20 drive from Swanage. There is a cafe and picnic areas.
319 locals recommend
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
LongthornsWith 260 rescued & endangered primates, there's plenty of things to do this half term. Bring your little monkeys to have a great day out at Monkey World... about a 20 drive from Swanage. There is a cafe and picnic areas.
Located in the centre of Swanage, the rebuilt Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy a great family day out on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The heritage railway attraction operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victoria seaside town of Swanage.
The line has stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross as well as a halt at Herston, on the outskirts of Swanage. There are refreshment buffets at Norden and Swanage stations with picnic tables at most of the stations so you can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a picnic.
80 locals recommend
Swanage Railway station
Station RoadLocated in the centre of Swanage, the rebuilt Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy a great family day out on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The heritage railway attraction operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victoria seaside town of Swanage.
The line has stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross as well as a halt at Herston, on the outskirts of Swanage. There are refreshment buffets at Norden and Swanage stations with picnic tables at most of the stations so you can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a picnic.
Old Harry Rocks
A local stone carving centre, check their website for availability for carving tutorials.
Burngate Stone Carving Centre
Kingston RoadA local stone carving centre, check their website for availability for carving tutorials.
Food scene
A great place to eat or stop for coffee and cake. The service is warm and welcoming. This is located in Corfe Castle on East Street, just a minutes walk from the Castle.
9 locals recommend
The Pink Goat Corfe Castle
5 West StA great place to eat or stop for coffee and cake. The service is warm and welcoming. This is located in Corfe Castle on East Street, just a minutes walk from the Castle.
A fantastic setting with gorgeous views, The Pig is about a 10minute drive from Swanage. Check their website for current menu and availability.
165 locals recommend
The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadA fantastic setting with gorgeous views, The Pig is about a 10minute drive from Swanage. Check their website for current menu and availability.
For fabulous fresh fish and seafood, head to Pier Head. Great service and menu.
12 locals recommend
Pier Head
For fabulous fresh fish and seafood, head to Pier Head. Great service and menu.
A perfect place for lunch or breakfast and not far to walk. Almost opposite 61a is Love Cake. A breakfast and lunch menu with a delicious selection of cakes.
38 locals recommend
Love Cake Etc
42 High StA perfect place for lunch or breakfast and not far to walk. Almost opposite 61a is Love Cake. A breakfast and lunch menu with a delicious selection of cakes.