What to do in Swanage

Activities, attractions and tours

Swanage
Swanage
Photo by Illy Cotter
Photo by Illy Cotter
Photo by nick board
Photo by nick board
Photo by Steve Hocking
Photo by Steve Hocking

Places to Visit in Swanage

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Swanage, England while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Swanage attractions from NZ$11, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Swanage tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 20 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Swanage. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Swanage

Tours & day trips

See all 16 activities
City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
8.8 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$39 per adult
City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 3 activities
Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Bournemouth

Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Bournemouth

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$28 per adult
Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in BournemouthOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 3 activities
Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$58 per adult
Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance TicketOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Swanage

Number of things to do
20
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bournemouth Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: NZ$11
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Swanage

Discover the most popular places to visit in Swanage

Swanage Beach

Swanage Beach

4/5(1 review)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Swanage Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Swanage. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Swanage Beach
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, a lovely green space in Swanage. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
Old Harry Rocks

Old Harry Rocks

Explore the great outdoors at Old Harry Rocks, a lovely green space in Swanage. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Old Harry Rocks
Shell Bay Beach

Shell Bay Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Shell Bay Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Swanage. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Shell Bay Beach
Durlston Country Park

Durlston Country Park

Explore the great outdoors at Durlston Country Park, a lovely green space in Swanage. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Durlston Country Park
Anvil Point Lighthouse

Anvil Point Lighthouse

Find out about the history of Swanage when you spend time at Anvil Point Lighthouse. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Anvil Point Lighthouse
Dancing Ledge

Dancing Ledge

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Dancing Ledge during your travels in Langton Matravers. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Dancing Ledge

Isle of Purbeck

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Isle of Purbeck during your travels in Worth Matravers. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Isle of Purbeck

Great Globe

Find out about the history of Swanage with a stop at Great Globe. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Great Globe

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Swanage

Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture

Poole

Durdle Door featuring a sunset, a bay or harbour and rocky coastline

Wareham

Photo by Georgina Smith

Langton Matravers

Frequently asked questions

Is Swanage worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Swanage is explore Sandbanks Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's watersports and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Swanage?
When you've checked off top attractions like Sandbanks Beach and Swanage Beach, spend some time enjoying Swanage's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Swanage?
Don't leave without visiting Sandbanks Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Swanage.
Is three days enough to stay in Swanage?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, like Sandbanks Beach, Swanage Beach and Studland Beach and Nature Reserve. The average stay in Swanage is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Bournemouth isn't far away.
Is Swanage a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Swanage. Several sights, like Swanage Beach and Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Swanage's best neighbourhoods, Studland is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Ulwell is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Swanage with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all of your group, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Swanage with kids.

What to do in Swanage for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Swanage for adults including Rockley Sands Beach and Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum.
Are there free things to do in Swanage?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Swanage is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Sandbanks Beach is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.