Swanage holiday rentals: cottages & more

Discover a selection of 1,000 holiday rentals in Swanage that are perfect for your trip. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo holiday homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including parking available and internet/WiFi. Prices start at £ 75 per night, and cottages and cabins are popular options for a stay in Swanage. Either way, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs.

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Find the best place to stay — Swanage

Search 811 holiday rentals

Stayed Dec 2020

Perfect apartment choice and location

The apartment size and location was perfect for our family holyday! The property is very well equipped and had everything needed, including private car park at the front. It was our first time in Swanage and we were not disappointed. Plenty of activi...

Stayed Oct 2020

Perfect location, roomy apartment

Spent a week here in fabulous apartment, everything you need with plenty of space and arty decor with a local twist. Double aspect views just add to its enjoyment. Although the weather was variable (gusting 60 mph) we always felt cosy once we returne...

Stayed Oct 2020

Quirky

Definitely shabby chic! But charming. The main complaint is the lack of a Door or even a curtain between the kitchen and lounge, and between the kitchen and the stairwell. In a cold evening, therefore, it is impossible to keep the ground floor warm w...

Stayed Oct 2020

Wow! A wonderful apartment.

The apartment was just perfect for our half term stay - despite so much rain! It was more like a hotel and we appreciated so much all the little touches - like towels and toiletries, as well as the bottle of fizz! We also appreciated the excellent co...

Stayed Oct 2020

Cosy accommodation in great location

Cosy and welcoming. Covid restrictions notwithstanding, everything was provided. The beds were comfortable, the lounge small but cosy and comfortable, everything we needed in the kitchen. Tiered secure rear garden with BBQ and summerhouse. Ample off ...

Stayed Oct 2020

Perfect 2 night stay

Ideal for 4 people, the location of this property was perfect for long coastline walks and the town centre. Apartment was spotless and had everything a self catering property should have. Lovely views across the bay from the apartment. Free parking s...

Stayed Oct 2020

Lovely apartment - highly recommend

We booked this as a last minute weekend break. The price was extremely reasonable and when we arrived we were pleasantly impressed. Despite the escape room type instructions to get the key :-) we found it perfectly well, excellent tip about a torch...

Stayed Oct 2020

Handy location!

We were very pleased with The Old Bakery. It was more spacious than we expected, the large hallway was particularly useful when coming in with a push chair and wet footwear. We particularly liked the mezzanine level which was good for the 3 year old ...

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Destination guide

Find family-friendly fun and food from Swanage cottages

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.

History

Historic sites near Swanage holiday homes

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.

Things to do

Attractions near your holiday rental in Swanage

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.

Activities

Fun things to do near Swanage holiday homes

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.

Weather

Local weather for your stay in Swanage holiday homes

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.

Natural features

Mother Nature works her magic around Swanage

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.

How to get there

Transport to and around Swanage

Fly into Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.), the closest airport, located 12.6 mi (20.3 km) from the city centre.

If you're travelling by train, Swanage Herston Halt Station, Swanage Station and Wareham Harman's Cross Station are the main stations in the city.

Good for couples

Romantic holiday homes in Swanage

Couples will enjoy all the romantic sites near Swanage holiday homes, such as Knoll Beach Studland, a sandy beach with sheltered waters and nature trails, and Brownsea Island, a tranquil site with hiking, picnics and wildlife viewing. You’ll also enjoy Old Harry Rocks, a natural chalk formation with cliffside views that are accessible by scenic walks.

Can I find a vacation rental around Swanage?

Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 811 vacation rentals near Swanage. From 151 cottages to 152 cabins, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Swanage for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.