Information
Swanage is located in South Dorset at the Eastern end of the world-famous Jurassic Coast.
Swanage is:
- 127 miles from London (Charing Cross)
- 53 miles from Southampton
- 82 miles from Bristol
- 114 miles from Oxford
and a lot further from lots of other lovely but far flung places.
Your SatNav or mobile phone will tell you how long it will take, by car, bus, train, etc
How to get to Swanage
From London
Take the M3 to just past Southampton. This then turns into the A31. Take that through the New Forest to Ringwood. Just past Ringwood continue on the A31, passing Wimborne. A few miles past Wimborne turn left onto the A350. This brings you to the A35. Go west on that for 2 – 3 miles and then turn left onto the A351 to Wareham. Go past Wareham and Swanage is 11.5 miles down the A351.
From Bristol
Take the A4 to Bath and the A36 to Warminster and the A350 to Shaftesbury, Blandford and Poole. This brings you to the A35. Go west on that for 2 – 3 miles and then turn left onto the A351 to Wareham. Go past Wareham and Swanage is 11.5 miles down the A351.
From Oxford and The Midlands
Take the A34 past Newbury and Winchester to the M27 just north of Southampton. Take the West-heading M27 towards Bournemouth. This then turns into the A31. Take that through the New Forest to Ringwood. Just past Ringwood continue on the A31, passing Wimborne. A few miles past Wimborne turn left onto the A350. This brings you to the A35. Go west on that for 2 to 3 miles and then turn left onto the A351 to Wareham. Go past Wareham and Swanage is 11.5 miles down the A351.
Where to stay
Swanage, being a popular seaside resort, has naturally plenty of places to stay to suit all budgets. From campsites and yurts to luxury hotels and apartments, there is plenty of accommodation available unless you have friends and family to stay with.
We would advise booking your accommodation as soon as possible to avoid the summer rush as the town can get very busy in mid-July. The Visit Dorset website offers the best range of places to stay.
Car Parking
Swanage Town Council operates six pay and display car parks in Swanage at the following locations:
- Broad Road Long Stay | Three Days: £18.00
- Recreation Ground Mermond Place | Short Stay | Overnight Free
- Recreation Ground Residents’ Car Park Short Stay | Overnight Free
- North Beach De Moulham Road | Long Stay | Three Days: £18.00
- Main Beach Victoria Avenue | Long Stay | Three Days: £18.00
- Central Co-op | Short Stay | Overnight Free
The Three-day and weekly tickets are transferable between all long stay car parks and are available when using the Phone and Pay service only.
Full details on the Swanage Council website
Dogs
Sorry but our indoor venues have a no dogs policy except for Guide Dogs.