Best Boat Trips in Swanage and Beyond

December 23rd, 2024

Boat trips and cruises offer the best way to relax and see an area from a different point of view. Imagine the sun glinting off the waves as you chug along the Jurassic coastline, taking in views of some of the most picturesque areas in the country. Whether you’re popping across to Poole Quay or visiting Brownsea Island there’s so many boat trips Swanage has to offer. With so much choice within a stone’s throw of Ulwell Holiday Park – here are some of the best. Welcome aboard!

City Cruises

 

poole harbour

With City Cruises you are spoilt for choice. They provide a range of trips from different departure points that allow you to see as much of the area as possible. From Swanage Pier you can either take the 2 hour Jurassic Coastal Cruise to Old Harry Rocks or travel to Poole Quay in style on the Poole Day Cruise.

The Sea Train Adventure combines multiple modes of transport for a fantastic day out. Enjoy a relaxing cruise from Poole Harbour into Swanage before boarding the historic Swanage Railway to Corfe Castle, where you’ll have time to explore. The day will end with another boat trip back to Poole!

With many boat trips that run throughout the year so you can really take advantage whatever the season. All of the City Cruises Boats have open decks, plenty of seating and toilets on board. There’s even a liscenced bar serving a range of drinks.

Hop aboard from: Poole, Swanage or Bournemouth

 

Brownsea Island Ferries

old harry rocks

Whether you’re taking a trip to Brownsea Island to visit the red squirrels, want to visit Swanage Bay or fancy a jaunt down to Wareham, these distinctive yellow boats are just the thing. A much-loved part of local history, Brownsea Island Ferries have been showing off the sights of the area for over 100 years – so you’ll be sure to learn a thing or two along the way.

Hop aboard from: Poole Quay or Sandbanks

Booking: Tickets can be purchased from Yellow Kiosk on Poole Quay (BH15 1HJ) and Sandbanks (BH13 7QN) or call 01929 462383

 

Wareham River Cruise

wareham river

This wonderful leisurely trip from Poole to Wareham takes 3.5 hours, including a stop off to explore Wareham. When moored, you’ll be able to visit boutiques, galleries, bistros and pubs and even the only Saxon church in Dorset. With refreshments available on the boat, this is the ideal way to unwind in the sun. Greenslade Pleasure Boats also run Poole Harbour and Swanage Cruises, a Brownsea Island Ferry as well as seasonal specials such as Fish ‘n’ Chip Suppers and Fireworks Cruises.

Hop aboard from: Poole Quay

Booking: Available online here

Marsh’s Boats

If you’d like to explore the beauty of the Jurassic Coastline from a smaller vessel, we highly recommend Marsh’s Boats. The friendly team run a variety of scenic cruises from the Stone Quay. Trips range from 45 to 90 minutes and take in a variety of sights, including Dancing Ledge and Old Harry Rocks.

The Dancing Ledge Trip is popular with bird watchers hoping to see nesting seabirds. Colonies of guillemots, gulls, razorbills and even puffins can be seen on the rocky ledges. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars!

Hop aboard from: Stone Quay, Swanage

Booking: Available online here

Swanage Sea Fishing

boat fishing rod and reel

If you’re looking for a boat trip with a difference, why not head out on a charter fishing boat? As well as getting a different view of the Jurassic Coast you’ll have the opportunity to catch yourself something tasty for tea. Fishing is great fun and the friendly team at Swanage Sea Fishing have a range of trips on offer, with something to suit younger family members and those that haven’t fished before.

Hop aboard from: Swanage Harbour

Booking: Contact Swanage Sea Fishing via the form on their website

 

 

 

What our guests say

  • A lovely quiet site

    Andy Blackwell

    A lovely quiet site, nice warm amenities with good sized shower cubicles, shop not open yet as it’s too early but the local pub is ideal. Staff were very friendly and helpful. If you’re reasonably fit you can walk into Swanage but the bus service is great so why would you want to. Overall a very nice break, we will be back.

  • Super swimming pool

    Joseph Molford

    Fantastic site, we have had a brilliant holiday. Super swimming pool and changing facilities. Site really handy to get to Swanage and Studland. Will definitely return. Thanks to all the staff for a lovely holiday.

  • Excellent quality caravan site

    Peter Skrobacz

    Excellent quality caravan site, top quality, small and friendly, location fantastic. Been visiting Ulwell for over 25 years now and every year is special.

  • An amazing week at Ulwell

    Jenny H

    We have just returned back from our weeks stay at Ulwell Holiday Park with our 2 small children and dog. It was an absolute brilliant week! The site has everything you need, and more! A lovely comfy pub on site for drinks and a bowl of chips, a small shop, swimming pool, large play are with park, and the bus stops right outside.. what more could you want

  • Easter break

    Mit

    We have just returned after a brilliant Easter break. Couldn’t fault anything at all and we didn’t want to leave. We didn’t visit the pub but the shop is stocked with local produce and essentials. The facilities are great and the location convenient. Our van was spotless and had everything we needed. We will definitely be back

All reviews

4.5

We are currently at an amazing 4.5 score at TripAdvisor, based upon 200+ reviews from verified guests.

Latest reviews

Proudly associated

Over the years the family has developed the park to award-winning standards and in a style which compliments its surroundings.

  • Camping and caravanning
  • British Holiday & Home Parks assocation
  • Poole Tourism
  • Visit Britain
  • ulwell holiday park 5 star rating
  • premier parks 2025

Finding us

BY ROAD

From Bournemouth via the Sandbanks chain ferry and following the B3351 into Swanage.

From Wareham using the A351 into Swanage, turn left along the seafront towards Studland.

BY BUS

The park is situated on the main bus route from Bournemouth to Swanage.

GPS

1 ° 58’ 16” West, 50° 37’ 34” North

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