Our most recommended things to do in Swanage

From Poole: Round-trip Jurassic Coastal Cruise to Swanage

1. From Poole: Round-trip Jurassic Coastal Cruise to Swanage

Discover the impressive Jurassic Coast on a cruise through Dorset. See Round Island, marvel at the iconic chalk formations on the coast, and learn fascinating facts about the area from live commentary onboard. Begin your trip at Poole Harbour and board an open deck boat with seating and comfortable saloons. From here, start your journey through 185 million years of history along the Jurassic Coastline. As you cruise, pass some of Dorset's most famous landmarks. See the golden beaches of Sandbanks, Brownsea Island, and the Old Harry Rocks, named after a notorious pirate. Enjoy expert commentary from your captains as you glide by. Sail by Dorset's small islands, including Furzey, Long, Green, and Round Islands, as you make your way to Swanage. Once reaching Swanage, head back towards Poole and capture the perfect picture of the famous chalk formations from the boat's outer deck.

From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

2. From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

Catch the early morning ferry across to the Isle of Purbeck. View Old Harry Rocks, the starting point of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in breath-taking views across Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island. By mid morning you will arrive at Durlston Country Park. Visit the brand new Jurassic Coast visitor center housed in the recently refurbished Durlston Castle. There’s time for a morning coffee stop overlooking the famous Great Globe and a chance to take the cliff top walk along to Tilly Whim Caves and the Anvil Point Lighthouse. For every visitor brought to Durlston Country Park, a contribution towards a bursary that helps to support their volunteer programme is made. Heading west drive through some of the tiny lanes and villages that give Purbeck its unique character. Take lunch in the village of Corfe Castle, dominated by the ruins that give it its name. Entrance to the castle itself not included (Free to NT members). After lunch take a gentle drive along the coast taking in more stunning scenery as you head for an afternoon at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Walk down to Man o’ War Rocks and view the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door, hewn from the Portland limestone beds. Finally, head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole. Hotel pick up request: Please email us to info@discoverdorset.co.uk with your date, booking number and the name and address of your hotel. We will confirm the place and an approximiate time in a reply email, please be 10-15 minutes early and outside.

Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

3. Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

Your Dorset holiday has just become a lot more fun with our Guided Electric Bicycle tours. As easy to ride as a conventional bike, your electric bike will take you to some of the best sites and around the Jurassic Coast, sweat-free, relaxed and at an easy pace. For a fun day out, a guided electric bike tour is one of the most fun things you can do. Grab a helmet and head off with our experienced guide to explore. Our hire bikes are so much fun you won’t be able to stop smiling. As soon as you feel the bike doing the hard work you’ll realise this has to be the best way to see the area. Most people comment they had as much fun riding the electric bike as they did seeing the sites! We have a number of suggested day trips for you and because our bikes require so little effort, you’ll be able to see much more of the area than you would with conventional bike hire. Itinerary Start At:Poole Harbour, Poole England Stop At: Sandbanks, Poole, UK We will have a quick stop to take in the lovely views of the beach with its golden sand, stretching for over 10km to Christchurch. Stop At: Studland beach and Nature Reserve, Ferry Road National Trust Area, Studland We will see the beach and the nature reserve while cycling past it and stoping for some photos. Stop At: Old Harry Rocks We will make our way to Harry's Rock from the Obelisk while looking all over Swanage and Poole Harbour, one of the highest points with magical views. Stop At: Corfe Castle, Corfe Castle, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, England Corfe Castle - We will make our way from Harry's Rock back to Studland and all the way through the Forrest to Corfe Castle. Stop At: Poole Harbour, Poole England We will travel back passing Poole Harbour and Park stopping for some photos. Pass By: Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Dorset, England Season depending we will cycle on Bournemouth Promenade too Sandbanks.

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What people are saying about Swanage

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 659 reviews

It was a really well organised trip. Great commentary on board about the area. Unfortunately i felt somewhat sea sick nearly half way into the journey so i can't tell you much sbout the bar/snacks facilities apart from saying it looked like a great place to get a tea/coffee/other beverage/snack area. If i hadn't felt so yuk i would have enjoyed it much more. I would highly recommend it.

Though the day started with gloomy sky and rain poured, our guide, Paul Knight did a fantastic job. He was absolutely knowledgeable, warm and friendly. The scenery was absolutely magnificent.

Paul was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. The sights and views were breathtaking and more than we bargained for. This trip was worth every penny and more.

Very happy to see the Jurassic Coast and excellent commentary. The boat was not crowded and plenty of space. Overall excellent experience and will recommend to my friends.

Lovely trip. Very picturesque. Staff very friendly and commentary informative