Storm Chandra reveals 400 year old ship timbers at Studland The remarkable discovery of part of a shipwreck, believed to be from the 17th Century, has been found buried in the sand at Studland Bay in Dorset, following winter storms
Show goes on at Purbeck Folk Club after singer’s car ‘blew up’ The curse of Purbeck Folk Club struck again after one of their stars nearly missed a performance when her car broke down just as she was about to set off ... 
Supersized Greggs planned for Swanage The fast food and bakery chain Greggs is proposing to double the size of its store in Swanage, Dorset, to include a larger seating and eating area for customers 
New exhibition and reunion to mark Swanage Railway’s 50th As part of a community weekend to celebrate 50 years since the start of the rebuilding of Swanage station, there will be a photographic exhibition detailing the restoration of the ... 
A Lidl in love: Opening date for Purbeck store confirmed Shoppers are counting down the days to getting Purbeck’s first budget supermarket, as Lidl has set an opening date for its new store in Sandford, Dorset 
Swanage coastguard warns of hazards as coast takes ‘battering’ Following three storms in the first month of 2026 and the continued pounding of the sea along the Purbeck coastline in Dorset, the Swanage coastguard has issued a warning 
Dummy washes up in Durlston Bay after stormy weather A surprising casualty of the recent storms was rescued by Swanage lifeboat crew after the National Coastwatch Institution team at Peveril Point spotted an object on the shoreline of Durlston ... 
Swanage RNLI crew join hijack exercise on cross channel ferry Local emergency crews, including a Swanage lifeboat team, joined a huge anti terrorist training exercise aboard a cross channel ferry in Poole Harbour in Dorset, after a simulated attack on ... 
First shout of 2026 for Swanage lifeboat crew and coastguard During the evening of New Year’s day, pagers sounded for the first time in 2026 for the Swanage lifeboat crew and coastguard teams, following information that a small boat with ... 
Dog missing for eight days rescued by coastguard near Chapman’s Pool An eight day ordeal ended for Willow the dog and her owner, when the spaniel was spotted on a remote beach at the bottom of a cliff near Chapman’s Pool ... 
Dorset blue light services train for chemical crisis at The Tank Museum Dozens of Dorset police, fire and ambulance officers took part in an emergency training exercise at the Tank Museum in Bovington to test their response to a chemical incident. 
Second home owners boost Swanage Town Council budget Latest financial figures indicate that most of Swanage’s second home owners are paying double council tax, rather than selling up or letting out their property to avoid the additional cost
Technical reports into Swanage seafront stabilisation published In response to public demand, engineering reports monitoring the ground movement of a subsiding section of Swanage’s seafront have been released, along with a document detailing the best method to ... 
Bid by Dorset Council to elect Wessex Mayor in 2027 With the chance to get millions of pounds in extra funding, Dorset Council is pushing ahead to create a new Wessex authority along with neighbouring councils, to be headed up ... 
Langton House gets go ahead for holiday cottages and shepherd huts Despite objections from local residents and Langton Matravers parish council in Dorset, the historic Langton House has been granted planning permission to build two new holiday homes and locate two ... 
Name of newly elected Swanage Town councillor announced Following a by-election, a new councillor has been appointed to Swanage Town Council in Dorset 
Names of candidates for Swanage Town Council election announced The official list of candidates who are standing for election in Swanage in Dorset has been announced, following the resignation of Sarah Brookes 
Swanage residents air views on plans for new housing In an attempt to meet government targets on building new homes, Dorset Council has produced a draft Local Plan allocating land for development but it’s proving controversial especially in environmentally ... 
Swanage skipper delivers hope and help to Gambia orphans Swanage sea skipper Doug Hamlen along with his wife Rose, are helping to change lives in The Gambia, on their annual trip to take medical aid to one of the ... 
Coastal walk to honour life of much loved Swanage dancer Friends of Swanage dancer Alistair Moss are being urged to join a walk in his memory from Bournemouth to Worth Matravers in Dorset, while also raising money for mental health ... 
Service of thanks for long serving soldier of Swanage church A special church service is to be held to pay tribute to a long standing soldier in Swanage’s Salvation Army, who has just retired after 22 years of selling his ... 
High Sheriff honours Wareham volunteer for exceptional service A Wareham man who has become a driving force behind three major Purbeck charities has been recognised with one of Dorset’s highest honours for voluntary service. 
Boris Johnson enjoys Studland break with his new baby Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has taken an autumn break in Purbeck with his wife and new baby daughter - and even braved a dip in the sea at Lulworth ... 
Two boys and van driver incident in Wool investigated by police There’s an appeal by police for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, following a suspicious incident in Wool, in Dorset. It was reported to Dorset Police that at ...
Police increase patrols after burglary spree in Swanage Three properties in Swanage, Dorset, have been broken into within a period of four days and Dorset Police says it has increased its police presence in light of these burglaries 
Cause of Purbeck heath fires believed to be ‘deliberate’ Four fires across Purbeck heathland, which all happened within hours of each other, are believed to have been started intentionally according to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service 
Man in hospital with serious injuries after assault in Swanage Following an assault in Swanage in Dorset, a man has been arrested by police, while another is in hospital with a serious head injury 
Man and woman sought after burglary in West Lulworth Dorset Police have issued an image of a man and a woman that they would like to identify as they investigate a burglary in West Lulworth in Dorset 
Arson attack on Wytch Farm barn causes £30,000 worth of damage A series of fires close to the Perrenco UK oil and gas site at Wytch Farm near Corfe Castle in Dorset are thought to have been deliberately started, according to ... 
Man headbutted during ‘altercation’ in Swanage Dorset Police have issued an image of a man they would like to identify following an incident when a man was headbutted near Swanage Cricket Club in Day’s Park 
Evidence suggests Shore Road survey deliberately distorted A deliberate attempt to distort the outcome of the consultation about the future of Shore Road - the road which runs parallel to the beach in Swanage, Dorset - has ... 
Wareham ground level rail crossing to temporarily close The pedestrian crossing at Wareham station in Dorset, which connects two halves of the town, is to be closed for up to four days due to electrical work 
Road closures in Swanage for Christmas market The centre of Swanage in Dorset is to be closed to traffic to allow the Swanage Christmas Market to take place, and there’s a warning about overnight parking 
Sandbanks Ferry gets approval for inflation linked fare rises In a long drawn out battle between Purbeck residents and the Sandbanks Ferry company, which operates between Studland and Sandbanks in Dorset, it's been decided by the UK Government’s secretary ... 
Work starts to give Swanage more accessible kerb appeal A series of improvements are underway to make it easier for wheelchair and pram users to navigate around Swanage town centre in Dorset Storm Chandra reveals 400 year old ship timbers at Studland The remarkable discovery of part of a shipwreck, believed to be from the 17th Century, has been found buried in the sand at Studland Bay in Dorset, following winter storms
Swanage coastguard warns of hazards as coast takes ‘battering’ Following three storms in the first month of 2026 and the continued pounding of the sea along the Purbeck coastline in Dorset, the Swanage coastguard has issued a warning 
New film about Kimmeridge’s Jurassic monster to be shown in Swanage A behind the scenes documentary about the rescue of the fossilised skull of a Jurassic sea creature nicknamed the Sea Rex, is to be screened in Swanage, Dorset, to help ... 
Future of North Swanage’s coastline to be discussed at The Mowlem Long term plans for adapting and managing North Swanage in the face of coastal change, are being drawn up and residents are being invited to find out more at a ... 
Storm Chandra flooding leaves much of Purbeck cut off Only days after Storm Ingrid closed part of Swanage’s seafront due to flying debris, Storm Chandra blew in and brought a deluge of rain, causing severe flooding to routes out ... 
Rubbish year for plastic pollution at Chapman’s Pool An environmental charity Project Planet Earth, has released data about the amount of plastic and rubbish collected at Chapman’s Pool near Worth Matravers, Dorset, in 2025 
Chris Packham to make guest appearance at Wareham festival Wildlife warrior and TV presenter Chris Packham, along with Megan McCubbin, is to headline a festival at Careys Secret Garden near Wareham in Dorset, which explores wildlife and human migration New exhibition and reunion to mark Swanage Railway’s 50th As part of a community weekend to celebrate 50 years since the start of the rebuilding of Swanage station, there will be a photographic exhibition detailing the restoration of the ... 
Special Railway 200 train to visit Corfe Castle during half term As part of its tour of Britain, the Railway 200 train is to visit Corfe Castle station in Dorset to celebrate 200 years since the first passenger train journey 
Swanage Railway’s Winter Warm Up melts ice over freezing weekend Despite the zero degree temperature, visitors braved the weather for the Swanage Railway’s Winter Warm Up event in Dorset, which saw diesel and steam locomotives in action along the heritage ... 
Swanage Railway gets floral awards for its blooming lovely stations Volunteers who maintain the floral displays on the Swanage Railway station platforms have received well deserved recognition by the Royal Horticultural Society for their impressive work and are now looking ... 
Swanage Railway marks 50 years of rebuilding with special event Steaming into 2026, a special Winter Warm Up event at Swanage Railway in Dorset will celebrate 50 years since work started to restore the branch line 
Yee-haw! Swanage Carnival gets ‘wild’ about its 2026 theme Volunteers posing on the platform at Swanage station in Dorset, needed little encouragement to get dressed up in double denim and ride inflatable horses at the official launch of Swanage ...
What happened in Swanage in 2025? In a year when global news remained gloomy, Swanage and Purbeck mainly offered lots of good news - helped by a glorious spring and summer of sunshine! 
Hundreds join in Swanage Boxing Day swim despite plunging temperature The Boxing Day swim became a Boxing Day dip at Swanage Bay in Dorset, as cold temperatures and weather conditions meant it was less desirable to spend too much time ... 
Swanage Pier gets flying visit from Santa’s reindeer Santa’s reindeer finally landed on Swanage Pier in Dorset at the second attempt - and proved a stomping success! 
Visitors view winter solstice sunrise from Corfe Castle window of kings Visitors to Corfe Castle in Dorset were given an opportunity to see the sunrise on the shortest day from a unique vantage point which was once only the privilege of ... 
Festive success for Swanage Christmas Market Swanage Christmas Market in Dorset was blessed with perfect weather conditions as it went ahead after being postponed for a week due to strong wind gusts - for the second ... 
Christmas tree festivals light up Purbeck Two Christmas tree festivals, the first in Langton Matravers and the second in Swanage, Dorset, have attracted hundreds of visitors to see the twinkling decorations, while raising much needed funds ... Show goes on at Purbeck Folk Club after singer’s car ‘blew up’ The curse of Purbeck Folk Club struck again after one of their stars nearly missed a performance when her car broke down just as she was about to set off ... 
Swanage steals the show on C4’s Great Pottery Throw Down When hosts of Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down set a challenge to make retro souvenirs from their favourite seaside resorts, there was only one winner - Swanage in ... 
New Purbeck poetry group to launch for better or verse! A community initiative aimed at raising the profile of poetry across Purbeck will be officially launched with a free public event in Swanage, Dorset 
Studland Bay wreck treasures get pride of place in new exhibition One of the world’s most important medieval shipwreck finds, from just off the coast of Studland in Dorset, has gone on permanent display in a newly reopened £10 million museum. 
Local artists invited to take part in Purbeck Art Weeks 2026 Applications are now open to exhibit during the two week annual summer showcase of art in Purbeck, Dorset, with opportunities for established artists and those who are just starting out 
Forget me not club launches in Swanage A new group has started in Swanage, Dorset, offering support for those living with dementia and their carers
More cooking inspiration being dished up for free in Swanage The Friendly Food Club is offering more community cooking classes for adults, plus there’s a new course to support parents moving their babies from milk to meals, in Swanage, Dorset 
Purbeck’s family hubs to get funding boost Dorset is to get £2.3 million in government funding to grow and enhance its network of family hubs which provide support for children, parents and carers - and the Swanage ... 
Swanage cooking course serves up new skills and friendship A new community cooking course in Swanage in Dorset, has got off to a strong start, with a dozen residents attending the first Friendly Food Club session 
Foleys Garage leads drive for new Harman’s Cross defibrillator Plans to install a second life saving defibrillator in Harman's Cross near Swanage in Dorset, have taken a big step forward thanks to a fundraising campaign led by staff at ... 
Working together is top of agenda for Purbeck healthcare providers Health and wellbeing professionals got together in Swanage, Dorset, to showcase what they do, with the aim of breaking down silos and creating a more joined up experience for patients 
NHS team brings health and wellbeing event to Swanage There’s an opportunity to find out what health and wellbeing services are available to Purbeck residents and a chance to speak to the providers at an event at The Mowlem ... 
High tech drones scour Bovington Camp for the Mother of all tanks A high tech hunt is being carried out on the British Army base at Bovington Camp in Dorset to find a unique piece of military history - the buried remains ... 
Swanage school hosts Christmas tea party for local community Excited students welcomed guests for a Christmas tea party at The Swanage School in Dorset, reviving a tradition that had been abruptly halted by the Covid pandemic in 2020 
Bovington mum dreams up plan to ensure a perfect prom for all A late night thought from sleepless mum of four Louise Burns about the cost of living has snowballed into a generous idea to make school prom dreams come true for ... 
Purbeck primary pupils get 24-hour outdoor adventure An initiative by Swanage outdoor company Land and Wave has made it possible for local school children to have a subsidised 24-hour camping adventure, just like the thousands from across ... 
Gold medal winning florist to put on show for Purbeck Flower Club The Purbeck Flower Club, which meets monthly at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset, is to take over the main auditorium to host a talk and demonstration by a former UK ... 
Supersized Greggs planned for Swanage The fast food and bakery chain Greggs is proposing to double the size of its store in Swanage, Dorset, to include a larger seating and eating area for customers
A Lidl in love: Opening date for Purbeck store confirmed Shoppers are counting down the days to getting Purbeck’s first budget supermarket, as Lidl has set an opening date for its new store in Sandford, Dorset 
Innovation park at Wool to expand site after land purchase A further 15 acres of land has been acquired for the Dorset Innovation Park at Wool, to allow new tenants to move to the site and existing companies to expand 
Dream job opportunity on Brownsea Island Retailer John Lewis which runs the castle on Brownsea Island in the middle of Poole Harbour in Dorset, has advertised for a boat skipper and is offering live-in accommodation on ... 
New food delivery service to launch in Swanage Swanage in Dorset is set to welcome a brand new food and grocery delivery service, designed to support local businesses and serve the community seven days a week 
Is love in the air as Sandford Lidl aims at February opening? Work on Purbeck’s new Lidl store at Sandford in Dorset may have been halted for the holidays, but a countdown to a love match with locals has started in earnest. 
Purbeck groups urged to apply for Talbot Village Trust grants A Dorset based charitable trust that has transformed lives across Purbeck is urging community groups to come forward for its next round of funding. 
Permission granted for new outdoor gym in Corfe Castle Corfe Castle in Dorset is to get replacement outdoor gym equipment but it will be located on a new site, despite objections from some local residents 
Major work starts to install new ramps at Swanage skatepark Brand new specially designed ramps are being welded in place at Swanage skatepark in Dorset after a successful £75,000 community fundraiser to rejuvenate part of the much loved facility 
Traitors star Jonathan Ross pays surprise visit to Swanage’s football club Dropping in to Swanage Town and Herston Football club in Dorset, Celebrity Traitors star Jonathan Ross offered his allegiance (or was it an alliance!?) to the club's under 11 girls’ ... 
Brave swimmer raises £3,000 for Swanage lifeboats A near blind Swanage sea swimmer has marked his comeback to the sport with a gruelling challenge to raise more than £3,000 for Swanage lifeboat station. 
Chess success as Purbeck teenager joins England team Teenage Purbeck chess champion Florence has made her move on a place in the England squad after a remarkable year of success on the national stage Most read
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