Labels can be misleading and give rise to misconceptions. It’s certainly true in the case of Swanage. The reference to “a fun seaside resort” conjures up images of rowdy revellers, tacky tourist shops, music blaring from entertainment arcades. In reality I found very little semblance to these in Swanage!
At the tip of the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage is a charming coastal town in south west England, with an expansive sandy beach sweeping across Swanage Bay, a captivating fishing harbour, an imposing Victorian pier and more besides!
Let me unwrap the delights of Swanage!
Swanage Haven Boutique Guest House
For our stay we struck lucky with Swanage Haven Boutique Guest House! It’s situated within walking distance to the town and beach. It’s near enough for us to enjoy a morning walk down to the beach before breakfast, but far enough from the hustle and bustle of a rather busy resort in the middle of July, the beginning of the school summer holidays.
This a family-run establishment with 8 letting rooms was homely and comfortable. The English breakfast was cooked to perfection, which banished the description of “greasy” normally associated with cooked breakfast!
Favoured eateries
The Grand Hotel is near to where we stayed. We loved the food and the view from the restaurant there. It also has steps leading down to the quietest part of the beach.
Pier Head Café is at the Swanage Pier end of the bay looking out onto the harbour. It’s a great place for mid morning refreshment, lunch and evening meals We loved the seafood and the services there.
Swanage Beach
Swanage Beach in splendid isolation in the early morning and early evening is poetry in photos!
Swanage Harbour
Durlston Country Park and Nature Reserve
I knew little about the Durlston area before my visit, only that there’re walks that I could manage. In fact the park merges seamlessly with the National Nature Reserve rich in wildlife
We walked near the coastal path from Swanage Pier to reach the plateau with a great view of Swanage. We then entered the woodland path flanked by trees. Every so often a gap opened up to afford a glimpse of the sea.
Durlston Castle
About 2 miles from Swanage and above Durlston Bay we came upon Durlston Castle. We didn’t know about the castle, let alone that there’s a carpark there! Not that we intended to drive the short distance from our accomodation!
Durlston Castle was built in the late 19th century and was never a real castle. It was a purpose-built restaurant and visitors’ centre for the Durlston Estate. It’s now owned by Dorset County Council and serves the same purpose as originally intended. Many exhibitions are held there throughout the year.
The view from the back and top of the castle was rather stunning.
After lunch at Durlston Castle we walked on further as far as where Anvil Point Lighthouse was in sight and retraced our steps
Swanage Pier
This Pier was built in 1895 at the southern end of Swanage Bay to service passenger ships. It’s a restful place that offers charming views of the beach and harbour. The pier fell into disrepair in the 1960’s. It was reopened in 1998 after Swanage Pier Trust had it restored. The entrance fee of £2 per person is a price well worth paying for the preservation and maintenance of this charming Victoriana
We chose a perfect day for our visit. Apart from the sun being occasionally dimmed by bubbling clouds, it was a perfect summer’s day with bright blue sky; a perfect summer’s day to be on the pier enjoying the view and an ice cream!
Not only did I have a few enjoyable days blessed wonderful weather in Swanage, but I have these colourful mementos too!
Check out connecting blogs: “Welcoming Wareham and The Blue Pool”, http://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=14376“Steaming ahead from Swanage to Corfe Castle” http://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=14443
