Cottages in Swanage

Dreaming of a holiday by the sea? Swanage on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty may just be the place for you. With a bustling town centre and gorgeous beach, Swanage has plenty to see and do and we have some lovely properties in the area ready and waiting for your visit.

Swanage has been one of England’s most famous seaside resorts since the Victorian era. The town began developing as a tourist hot spot as early as 1823 and to this day, Swanage retains much of its Victorian-style architecture and the seafront is home to an array of colourful beach huts, making Swanage a textbook example of the best of the English coast. Our holiday cottages in Swanage boast amazing sea views, with some looking out across Swanage Bay and Pier, or Peveril Point just a little further down the road. We also have a selection of pet-friendly cottages in Swanage, meaning that both you and your faithful dog can explore the region together.

Swanage, like most of Dorset, is famed for its beaches, which will no doubt leave you spoilt for choice. Swanage Bay Beach is at the heart of the town and its golden sands and clean sea are always a hit with families. There’s no shortage of things to do here either - hire out a deckchair or beach hut for ultimate relaxation or hop in a kayak or pedalo in the water for a mini aquatic adventure. The beach is also dog-friendly, although you must keep your furry friends on a leash between May and September every year. If your pup simply must roam free, Monkey Beach between Stone Quay and Swanage Bay is lead-free all year round!

Studland, a coastal area just north of Swanage town, is another outstanding spot. It is part of the Studland Bay Marine Conservation site and has 4 beaches: Knoll Beach, Middle Beach, South Beach (most popular with locals) and Shell Bay. There is a ferry that connects Studland to Sandbanks just north of it, which can be a great way to take in the views of the area. There is also a naturist section of Knoll Beach dating back to the 1920s, which is both clearly signposted and secluded.

Swanage is in a prime location on Dorset’s coastline and popular attractions such as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are within comfortable driving distance. If you’d prefer to stay put in Swanage and the local area, however, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Corfe Castle is just five miles away (or 15 minutes by bus or train) and is a beautiful site. At over 1,000 years old, the castle has seen many things, from Norman conquests to Civil War battles. Today, the castle remains are open to the public for National Trust events, tours and general rambling. Other popular activities in Swanage include Swanage Railway, Prince Albert Gardens and Putlake Adventure Park.