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As the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, Swanage is a wonderful place for you and your dog to stay if you’re planning an archaeological adventure. Here you will find pet-friendly cottages that offer food and water bowls, pet washing facilities and scoop/disposal supplies. Cute bungalows and historical thatched cottages will make you and your fur baby feel right at home in Swanage as you take an early morning stroll on the beach or head out for an evening jaunt. You can even find dog-friendly cottages in Dorset on working farms, adding local livestock to the list of things your dog will want to investigate.
Swanage has exciting kid-friendly sites to explore on your trip. Holiday rentals can be found near places like Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, a clifftop nature reserve with the historic Durlston Castle, and the Corfe Castle, an iconic royal castle with ruins and a wildlife walk. You could also visit the Anvil Point Lighthouse, a 19th-century lighthouse along the English Channel.
On a balmy afternoon, nothing beats a leisurely stroll along Swanage Pier. Originally constructed in 1895, and meticulously refurbished in recent years, this elegant, Grade II-listed structure offers mesmerising views of the Isle of Wight's chalky cliffs. Another quintessential Dorset experience is a ride on a vintage steam train along the Swanage Railway. The verdant countryside you'll pass through is sumptuously scenic at any time of year. Continue your trip back in time with a tour of Durlston Castle, an opulent house set in sprawling gardens, which is somewhat misleadingly named, having been purpose-built as a restaurant in the late 19th century.
During the bustling summer holiday season, life in Swanage revolves around the blissful beach. For a tranquil adventure, hire a kayak or pedal boat, and explore the captivating coastline at your leisure. If you're hankering for an adrenaline fix, you could try your hand at jet skiing or enjoy a wet-and-wild donut ride. The town is also home to diving schools and clubs, should you fancy plunging beneath the waves and exploring mysterious local shipwrecks. If all of that sounds too much like hard work, you may prefer to retreat to an elegant tea room for a wildly self-indulgent Dorset afternoon tea, replete with dainty finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, homemade preserves and lashings of clotted cream.
Swanage holiday rentals are much sought-after throughout the peak summer season of June to August, when the weather is generally pleasantly warm, with plenty of sunshine and blue skies. If your travel dates are flexible, May and September are particularly great times to visit, with agreeably mild temperatures and fewer out-of-towners competing for a prime spot on the beach. Winters are cool, but rarely extremely cold. Rainfall is at its highest between October and January, but it's a good idea to pack something waterproof regardless of when you visit, as summer showers are also fairly common.
It may be the beaches that keep visitors flocking to Swanage in their droves, but the surrounding countryside is thrillingly diverse, encompassing vertigo-inducing sea cliffs, lush meadows, fragrant forests and rolling hills. Each season brings a fresh natural spectacle, from wild orchids and butterflies in spring, to crashing waves and visiting Arctic birds in winter. The region is a haven for budding ornithologists at all times of the year, with over 250 species known to spend time here. And, if you're exceptionally lucky, you may catch a glimpse of mesmerising marine creatures like bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.
Fly into Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.), the closest airport, located 13 mi (20.9 km) from the city centre.
If you're travelling by train, Swanage Station, Swanage Herston Halt Station and Wareham Harman's Cross Station are the main stations that serve the city.
Our 2022 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 1,166 holiday lettings around Swanage. From 531 houses to 185 cottages, find unique self catering accommodation for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends for a long holiday or a weekend break.
Vrbo UK offers a large selection of holiday accommodations near great places in Swanage. From Vrbo UK travellers, the most popular points of interest to stay near are:
But there are many other points of interest around Swanage listed on Vrbo UK where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.
Yes, of course. Vrbo UK offers 531 Houses in Swanage. Our other popular types of Swanage holiday rentals include:
But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other holiday rentals including Flats and more.
Yes, you can select your preferred holiday accommodation with pool among our 46 holiday homes with pool available in Swanage. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available.