Swanage is a popular summer resort on the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. It is famous for its sandy, wide beaches and a wide range of active leisure activities.
Until the second half of the 19th century, Swanage was one of the many fishing villages on the south coast of England. There were also quarries from which limestone was extracted. Everything changed in the Victorian era when John Mowlem, owner of a London construction company, came to the area in search of stone for his buildings. Swanage captivated him with views and a beautiful beach, and he decided that he and his partner would create a fashionable resort here.
In this way, Swanage quickly began to develop from a small village into a seaside resort. A promenade and a pier were built and they have survived to this day. Hotels and guesthouses with beautiful facades were built in the center. The town started to be teeming with life and it still is today. Because Swanage's fame as a great place to relax has not passed away.
In addition to the beach and promenade, Swanage has many leisure opportunities. At the beach, you can rent floating equipment, such as kayaks, boats and paddleboards. Local companies offer cruises, coast sailing and sea fishing trips. You can also go to sea safaria in the hope of meeting dolphins that appear in the area.
The advantage of Swanage is its location on the beautiful Jurassic Coast characterized by picturesque rocky cliffs, coves and numerous headlands. It is a great place for hiking and there are several hiking trails along the cliffs. They run, among others to Cape Anvil Point, where the historic lighthouse stands.
