Swanage

Approximately 18 minutes’ drive (7 miles) from The Sandbanks Ferry Shell Bay Terminal

Swanage is a coastal resort town on the eastern side of the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.

This family holiday hotspot is home to the award-winning Swanage Beach, with golden sands and clear waters.

The area has an abundance of water sports and outdoor activities on offer, including scuba diving, abseiling, paddle-boarding, and sea fishing.

Catch the iconic Swanage Railway, with steam trains running through the Purbeck countryside and past iconic sites including Corfe Castle.

Swanage Pier is a town highlight, reflecting its rich Victorian heritage with unrivalled sea views.

Swanage is also the perfect spot to sample local Dorset produce, with plenty of markets, restaurants, traditional pubs and tea rooms.

The Grand Hotel serves an exceptional afternoon tea, while several beach bars and cafes including The Cabin and Down The Beach serve food, hot and cold drinks all year round.

The town has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and takeaways, offering everything from local seafood and British classics to Italian, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Many establishments use locally sourced produce, including fish caught in Swanage Bay.

The town plays host to various lively events throughout the year, including Swanage Carnival, the Fish Festival, and Pirate Festival.