Dog Friendly Attractions Near Swanage

August 25th, 2021

There are a wide selection of dog friendly attractions near Swanage to explore during your stay at Ulwell Holiday Park. From historic castles to scenic country parks, you’ll find plenty of places to while away the day with your four-legged friend. Many places of interest have special facilities for dogs to enjoy – including water bowls, treats and even showers!

We’ve compiled a list of just some of our favourite dog-friendly attractions and activities to visit during your camping or caravan holiday in Swanage.

 

Swanage Railway

swanage railway dog friendly

Photo credit: Alan Wilson, Flickr

The team at Swanage Railway welcome well-behaved dogs aboard their fleet of steam trains. Enjoy a scenic ride through the Dorset countryside, taking in spectacular views of Corfe Castle as you travel along the historic line. There is a small fee to bring your dog on the trip – £2 single / £3 return. They even get their own ticket, which we think is a lovely touch!

Dogs must stay on a lead throughout the journey and kept on the floor. They are not allowed in the buffets or dining trains. Only assistance dogs are permitted in the Station shop or on the Santa Specials.

 

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle Dorset

 

Corfe Castle is a must see for any visitors interested in history. Spend an hour or two exploring the ruins while learning more about the buildings interesting past. There are plenty of information boards dotted around the site, which give an insight into the castle’s inhabitants throughout the years. Younger members of the family will love the dressing up box and taking part in medieval games!

The castle ruins are managed by the National Trust and dogs go free. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, but are welcome in all areas of the site. If you’re lucky the friendly gate keepers might give your four-legged friend a treat on arrival!

 

Kingston Lacy

kingston lacy dog friendly attraction dorset

Photo credit: Marilyn Peddle, Flickr

Kingston Lacy was recently named one of the UK’s most dog friendly National Trust properties. Dogs are welcome in a number of areas throughout the grounds, including the woodland walks, parkland and Stables courtyard. There are miles of footpaths to explore and take in the scenery, flora and fauna. Visitors are requested to keep dogs on a lead so as not to disturb the abundant wildlife.

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the house or formal gardens. If you’re feeling peckish during your visit, be sure to stop by the on-site café. The courtyard area is dog friendly and there are water bowls to keep your four-legged friend hydrated.

 

Blue Pool

blue pool in autumn

Photo credit: Alison Day, Flickr

Blue Pool is an idyllic destination for a leisurely dog walk on the Isle of Purbeck. Spend a relaxing afternoon walking around the expansive grounds while stopping to admire the impressive lake. The water colour changes throughout the day, depending on the conditions. Whenever you choose to visit, you’ll be treated to magnificent views and a network of forest trails to explore.

blue pool dorset dog walk

 

Photo credit: Herry Lawford, Flickr

This dog friendly attraction is open year-round, making it a great choice of activity during a spring, summer or autumn break at Ulwell Holiday Park. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and are not allowed to swim in the water. The tea rooms even serve doggy ice cream – perfect for keeping your canine companion cool on a sunny day.

 

City Cruises

city cruises swanage

Photo credit: Metrogogo, Flickr

If you fancy getting out on the water during your holiday in Swanage, there are a number of boat operators that welcome dogs onboard. City Cruises are perhaps the largest company – they offer scenic cruises along the Jurassic Coast from Swanage Pier.

During the two-hour round trip, you’ll experience the landscape from a completely different perspective and can take in popular sites including Old Harry Rocks, Studland Bay, Sandbanks and Poole Harbour. Dogs must be kept on leads throughout the trip.

 

Durlston Country Park

durlston country park

A trip to Durlston Country Park is an absolute must for any dog owners visiting Swanage. The whole site is dog friendly – including the castle, park and café, meaning you’ll be able to go wherever you please. It’s easy to spend the day here, enjoying scenic walks and searching for wildlife. There’s often an art exhibition in the castle and activities lead by the team of rangers to keep children entertained.

Owners are respectfully asked to keep dogs on a lead indoors and under close control outside. There are plenty of dog bins for disposing of waste and water bowls are available on the terrace outside of the castle.

 

Upton Country Park

upton country park dog friendly

Picture credit: Ian Stedman, Flickr

Upton Country Park is slightly further afield (around 30 minutes’ drive), but well worth the additional time spent in the car. Like all good country parks, this popular attraction boasts a variety of activities – but it’s the dog friendly facilities that really make it special.

In addition to a wide selection of on and off lead walks, there is a dog training area and play pen. These secure areas are completely fenced in, so you can let young or reactive dogs off lead, safe in the knowledge that they won’t run off!

If your four-legged friend gets wet and muddy during your visit, there’s no need to worry. There’s a DIY dog wash next to the main car park. For a small fee you can make use of warm water, specialty dog shampoo and a 2-speed hair dryer – leaving your dog smelling fresh before heading back to the park!

 


 

Ulwell Holiday Park is one of the best dog friendly caravan parks in Swanage. Our popular holiday park is situated within easy reach of a range of dog friendly beaches , attraction and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for visitors bringing their four-legged friend.

Dogs are permitted in a selection of our holiday homes and up to 2 dogs are allowed per camping or touring pitch.

Call our friendly reception team to book a Dorset getaway today. Or, search availability and book online via our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Dorset holiday park soon!

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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