Swanage is the perfect choice for a traditional seaside holiday and the perfect base from which to explore the eastern half of Dorset's newly designated World Heritage Coastline.

This compact, friendly resort, picturesquely set in a broad, gently curving bay, is the gem of the Purbeck coast. With its award-winning beach, safe bathing, lots of leisure activities , fascinating all-weather attractions and good all-round family entertainment Swanage offers a warm welcome for everyone! Swanage beach with its gently shelving, golden, sandy shore and clear, unpolluted water has won the prestigious European 'Blue Flag' award on many occasions as well as the Tidy Britain Group's 'Seaside Award'.

A varied events programme keeps the town alive throughout the summer months. The renowned Jazz Weekend in July is followed by the colourful, fun-filled Regatta and Carnival Week. In September the town comes alive to the sights and sounds of the annual Folk Festival. Swanage's many attractions ensure that, no matter what the length of your stay, there will always be plenty to see and do. Swanage makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding, unspoilt Purbeck countryside with its enchanting villages and many visitor attractions.

On the clifftop lies Durlston Country Park, 263 acres of delightful countryside overlooking Purbeck's Marine Research Area. The Park is perfect for walking, picnics or just relaxing. At the Park Centre visitors of all ages can learn about the fascinating local ecology and wildlife; watch Durlston's nationally important Guillemot colony live on TV and listen to sounds from the seabed picked up by an underwater microphone. There truly is so much to discover in and around Swanage that after just one visit you're sure to want to return again.

Click here To view a gallery of pictures of Swanage and the surrounding area.