The Lookout

5763 - New

Swanage | Sleeps 4 + cot*

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7 Nights from £644

The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.

Nearby pub

The Black Swan Inn is a charming grade II listed building situated in the heart of Swanage where you will find cosy interiors and secluded gardens for alfresco dining. A good range of ales, ciders and wines are available alongside pub grub and dogs are welcome both inside and out.

Nearby beach

Swanage Beach has won many awards and is a popular spot amongst visitors and locals alike. With clean, safe swimming and a gently sloping shelf, you can cool off with a dip in the refreshing waters that lap the beach. Rent a kayak and paddle around, hire a deck chair to relax in style or build the mightiest of castles in the sand, the choice is yours. There is easy access onto the beach, as well as disabled facilities.

Nearby walk

Thanks to Visit Dorset we can bring you a fabulous collection of walks in and around Swanage, taking in miles of scenic coast path and beautiful countryside. Take a look a their website, pull on your walking boots and enjoy exporing this stunning part of England.

Nearby town

This small Victorian seaside town lives up to the reputation of the World Heritage area in which it is situated. A traditional atmosphere with plenty of shops, but not too many to spoil the small town aesthetic. Swanage is a great base from which to visit attractions around the Isle of Purbeck, and ideal for popping over Poole harbour on the car ferry. Corfe Castle is a short drive and there are plenty of quiet little beaches to explore along the Jurassic Coast. You can even travel between historic sites on the Swanage steam railway.

Also nearby

A National Trust nature reserve, this three-mile curve of sand is home to many breeds of rare bird. Voted the UK's 4th top beach by Which? Magazine - though locals would probably place it higher. Studland is also a popular family beach famous for its nudist section at Knoll Bay, the National Trust's only designated naturist beach. With safe shallow waters, sandy beach and a cafe this is a great place for children. National Trust members can park for free.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

July 2009

Gets pretty busy at peak times, but it's a great place all year round - as sandy as the Bournemouth beaches but totally sheltered from the prevailing south westerly breezes. National Trust Membesr park for free. Use the road from Corfe or chain ferry from Sandbanks.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Get all ‘Brief Encounter’ with a steam train trip on the Swanage Railway.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

March 2013

A fantastic heritage steam and diesel railway line. Stunning Corfe Castle is one of the stops. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Large prams can be accommodated in the guards carriage.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

July 2008

A load of chuff?

According to my boyfriend, the keen railway enthusiast, this is very good - I particularly remember how loud the 'choo choo' was!

A gem of a country pub, the Square and Compass has heaps of character. Award winning beers and ciders are served through old serving hatches and food consists mainly of good old home-made pasties. There are lovely views across the fields to the sea and some great stretches of the South West Coast Path to walk nearby.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

June 2013

Fantastic Pub

Stumbled across this pub totally by chance. Although not very big inside, and only serving pie to the hungry walkers and cyclists, it has a charm that is slowly being lost across the country. The beer garden is somewhere to enjoy on a sunny day, with large granite tables and benches offering views over fields to the sea beyond. It even has a fossil museum underneath. One off my favorite pubs now and I cannot wait till I visit again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

High on a windswept hill, this atmospheric castle is a dark and brooding place indeed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

May 2019

Rich history - combine with Kinsgston Lacy

William the Conqueror founded a castle on this site but the current ruins date from the 12th Century. Sir John Bankes bought the castle in 1635, and was owner during the English Civil War during which his wife led the defence of the castle when it was twice besieged by Parliamentarian forces. The ultimate settlement of the siege involved Lady Banks 'retiring' to Kingston Lacy House, near Wimborne. Now owned by the National Trust (as is Kingston Lacy, and Studland Bay, also originally owned by the Bankes family), it is a great visit, particularly for history buffs. The NT shop in Corfe is one of the Trust's biggest and busiest.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

October 2010

Events at Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is a great setting for open-air theatre and cinema events. Living history days and castle quests during school holidays help to bring the history of these fascinating ruins to life.

Imagine the stunning setting of the Jurassic Coast, then set that image to a laidback jazz accompaniment. Well you don't have to imagine. You can go to the Swanage Jazz Festival in July.

Articles | From around the area

Things to do

Miracle Theatre

Places to Go

Gardens in Dorset