Out and About
Exploring the area
Out and About
There are endless places to visit and explore within a few miles of Swanage. We have picked a handful of ideas on this page, but a little local research will provide you with plenty to keep yourselves busy!
Much of the local area is managed by the National Trust, including Corfe Castle, the Studland beaches, Brownsea Island and Kingston Lacey. If you have a membership, this area is a great place to make the most of it.
Corfe Castle
The first stone of Corfe Castle was laid more than 1,000 years ago. Since then it’s seen its fair share of battles, mysteries and plots. It’s been a treasury, military garrison, royal residence and family home.
Studland Beaches
From bucket and spade fun to watersports, beach games and blow-away-the-cobwebs walks, Studland is a place for all seasons.
The beaches of the Studland peninsula stretch from the boundary of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site at Old Harry Rocks to Shell Bay, where a chain ferry provides a link to Poole & Bournemouth.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of the Jurassic Coast’s most iconic landscapes. It is a natural arch, formed from a layer of hard limestone standing almost vertically out of the sea.
Brownsea Island
An island a million miles away but just across the water - Brownsea Island is home to diverse habitats, rich nature and rare wildlife.
Old Harry
Pinnacle and Haystack
Lulworth
Swanage Bay
Swanage Railway
Beautifully restored trains running through the heart of Purbeck
Bournemouth Air Festival
This is free of charge and normally happens in August.
A great day out if you happen to be here at the right time!