We know holidays can be expensive and that the cost of visiting an attraction every day can soon add up. If you’re on a budget why not try one of our top 10 free things to do in Swanage, all of which are easily accessible from our Swanage Holiday Park.
1. Swanage Museum Heritage Centre
Despite its size Swanage Museum Heritage Centre is a firm favourite with visitors. This small museum is packed full of information and gives a detailed insight into the town and ports history. Children will love the hands on activities, including puzzles, models and magnifying glasses which allow you to inspect fossils and local stone. There’s even a short film, which explains Swanage’s involvement in the quarry industry. This ‘little gem’ is an excellent way to spend half an hour or so!
2. Swanage Lifeboat Station
Swanage’s Lifeboat Station was reopened to the public in 2017 following a full refurbishment. It houses the new Shannon Class lifeboat, which is used by the volunteer crew to protect the waters of the south coast. View the slipway where the boat is launched and find out more about the RNLI’s heritage. Volunteers will be on hand to talk you through the role of the lifeboat and the challenges its crew face. Sometimes it’s even possible to try on some of their gear! This is a free attraction but donations to the RNLI are greatly received.
3. Keates Quarry Dinosaur Footprints
Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Keates Quarry, an old quarry located in the heart of the Purbecks. Scientists believe the site was once a watering hole and that giant plant eaters called Brachiosaurs made the fossilised tracks more than 140 million years ago. The footsteps are one of Dorset’s best kept secrets and can be accessed via a short walk from the National Trust’s Spyway car park.
4. King Georges Playing Field
Let the kids burn off some steam at King George’s Playing Field. The council managed park has a fantastic range of outdoor play equipment including climbing frames, swings, slides and monkey bars. There is an expanse of green open field, which is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a picnic when the weathers warm or play ball games with the family. For slightly older children there is a skate park with new ramps, where they can practice there skills. If you don’t want to travel into Swanage we also have our very own play park on site.
5. Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park is located on the outskirts of Swanage and boasts 320 acres of countryside. It is home to an abundance of wildlife and plant life including rare species. Durlston Castle has a visitor centre, which gives information on recent wildlife sightings and informative displays. The Fine Foundation Gallery exhibits work by local artists. There are live wildlife cameras to view and the rangers will be able to give you detailed information. Entry to the park is free, however there is a small daily fee for parking.
6. Swanage Events
Throughout the year Swanage plays host to a number of exciting family friendly events, which are free to attend. The carnival is a must see event, with a range of walking entries and floats as well as a firework display. There is also a seafood festival, folk festival and the annual lifeboat week, which see’s the lifeboat crews carryout a number of displays and activities.
7. Guided Walk of Swanage
Discover Swanage’s heritage during a guided tour. From Easter to September local historians run two-hour walking tours of the town, stopping to take in points of interest and to admire the Victorian architecture. The guide will also explain Swanage’s wartime involvement and links with London. Tours take place at 2.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and start at the Swanage Museum Heritage Centre. A percentage of donations are given to the museum.
8. Train spotting at Swanage Railway
Why not take a break at one of the stations along the Swanage railway line. Sit in the shadows of historic Corfe Castle and enjoy a picnic as steam engines pass by. At the Harman’s Cross station there is a viewing platform and an outdoor playground with zip wire at the nearby village hall.
9. Swanage Beach
Enjoy a lazy day spent on Swanage Beach soaking up the sunshine and the sea air. Pack yourself a picnic and spend the day outdoors paddling in the shallow waters and admiring the view.
10. Art and sculpture trail
Immerse yourself in Swanage’s art world with the ‘Swanage Seen Art Trail’. Discover some of the best paintings of Swanage and find out about the famous artists who painted them as you follow the trail around the town and along the beach. There is also a popular sculpture trail. You can pick up a printed copy of both the routes from the Swanage Tourist Information Centre.
