We would like to offer you numerous ideas and web links to help you make the most of your stay in the Isle of Purbeck. We want you to have a great time!
Located a short walk from the house there is also tourist office and the Purbeck district council has a website. For an independent local website visit www.virtual-swanage.co.uk which contains a lot of local information, attractions and events.
You can contact Swanage Tourist Information at:
Swanage Tourist Information
The White House
Shore Road
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 1LB
Telephone: 01929 422885
Fax: 01929 423423
Email: mail@swanage.gov.uk
Below are just a few of the many attractions available
Corfe Castle (01929) 481294 is a popular destination and you can enjoy a return trip on the Swanage Steam Railway (01929 425800 or enjoy the stunning panoramic view along the Purbeck hills and Nine Barrow Down between the village and Swanage.
The village and thousand year old castle offers an insight into history of the area with both the National Trust centre and model village being interesting places to visit.
If modern history is for you, why not visit the Bovington Tank Museum (01929) 405096 which is mostly indoors making it the ideal day out for a rainy day. The museum offers the world's best variety of historic mobile tanks, featuring The Tank Museums own unique collection of fighting vehicles.
For animal lovers we recommend Monkey World (01929) 462537 which is located on the Bere Regis To Wool Rd which makes a great day out. . Monkey World is set amongst 65 acres of woodland and provides sanctuary for over 150 primates and is a sanctuary for Monkeys rescued from various forms of neglect or mistreatment from all around the world.
Sports and Leisure
Swanage is the ideal base for many activities, with its breathtaking scenery and countryside, it is ideal for walking, cycling and climbing.
If the thought of doing anything strenuous sounds too much you can always relax in one of the many parks and gardens in the town.
Climbing
Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck is a very popular area for climbing with many different climbs from Hard to E7 along the cliffs, Dancing Ledge, Hedbury and Winspit Quarry. It is best to bring everything you need with you as the nearest shop is at Portland near Weymouth.
Cycling and Mountainbiking
The Isle of Purbeck is an excellent location for cycling, either on road or off-road for the people who like to get muddy! The area has everything from quiet winding country lanes to extreme off-road downhills.
Walking
There are many miles of footpaths around Swanage and the Purbeck Hills. The South Coast walk route passes through the area. A good starting place for walks is at Durlston Park which is well sign posted from the town centre and ten minutes walk from the house.
The heathland at Studland is also a popular place for walking and Mountainbiking. The heathland and most of the surrounding area is owned by The National Trust, so it is always kept clean and the animals are well fenced in.
Horse Riding
Swanage and the surrounding area have a lot of bridleways which are very good for Horse riding, below is a list of some of the local stables in the area:
Studland Riding Stables, Ferry Road, Studland. Tel: 01929 450273
Rempstone Equestrian Stables, Rempstone, Corfe Castle. Tel: 01929 480490
Wareham Forest Equestrian Centre, Cold Harbour, Wareham. Tel 01929 55089
Hyde Woods Riding Centre, Hyde, Bere Regis. Tel: 01929 471087
Peartree Riding Stables, Peartree Farm, Organford, Nr Poole. Tel 01202 624203
RAC Saddle Club, Bovington Camp, Wareham. Tel. 01929 403580
Lulworth Equestrian Centre, Coombe Keynes, Wareham. Tel. 01929 400396
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Swanage and Studland bay are suitable for windsurfing in light conditions but in stronger winds the popular location of Poole Harbour is one of the best places for both windsurfing and kitesurfing along the south coast in any conditions.
Fishing
Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck is a very good area for fishing with beach and pier fishing to boat trips and mackerel trips, there is something to suit everyone from the beginner to the more experienced angler.
You can buy nearly everything you need from the Angling Centre 6 High St 01929 424989
For shore fishing, Ocean Bay is a good area for fishing in the evenings. Peveril Point is good for bass, mullet, rays and conger eels. Durlston Bay is good for bass, mullet, rays and conger eels. Durlston Head is good for bass, mullet, rays , whiting and conger eels.
You can fish from Swanage pier but a small fee is required. Some of the more popular fishing locations are:
Lighthouse, You can get down the cliff to a ledge a few feet above the waterline. You should take extra care in stormy weather as the sea can wash over the lower ledges.
Dancing Ledge, a popular spot with access all year round. You should take extra care in stormy weather as the sea can wash over the lower ledges.
Winspit, a popular spot with access all year round. You should take extra care in stormy weather as the sea can wash over the lower ledges.
Boat Fishing
There are boat fishing trips available in Swanage bay near the pier and the stone quay.
Swimming
The following swimming pools are located in and around Swanage
Ulwell Cottage caravan park has a small indoor pool, tel 01929 422823
Bay View Caravan Park has a medium sized indoor pool, tel 01929 422130
Purbeck Sports Centre at Wareham has a large indoor pool and various other sports facilities, tel 01929 556454
Tennis
Beach Gardens located near the beach and sea front are a set of public tennis courts just off Northbrook Road, For tennis, bowls, putting and refreshments. Equipment may be hired for all sports. Phone for bookings 01929 424339.
Other sports club contacts are listed below:
Swanage Sailing Club, tel: 01929 422987
Swanage and Wareham Rugby and Football Club, tel: 01929 552224
Swanage Hockey Club: contact Katie Black on 01929 424442
Cinema
If you would like to see a movie or show, the Mowlem Theatre has a selection of screenings and shows, for a wider choice we recommend the UCI cinema at Tower Park near Poole.