New clues give fresh hope in hunt for Mother tank at Bovington A hunt for the world's first tank has gathered fresh momentum after a series of new clues have pointed investigators towards what may be her final resting place beneath heathland ...
What’s on: Swanage summer 2026 It’s been a sizzling start to the summer in Swanage, Dorset, with three heatwaves so far, encouraging many to head to the beach and a dip in the sea, but ...
Sam runs 100km for air ambulance that saved his life at Winspit Quarry A climber who nearly died after falling from cliffs at Winspit Quarry, Worth Matravers, has run 100 km to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Countdown to Sea Rex rescue as Kimmeridge dig is set for 2027 A public appeal to fund the excavation of the most fearsome marine monster of all time from a cliff face in Kimmeridge has smashed through the half million pound barrier.
Swanage Carnival launches its wacky Wild West programme Summer’s most anticipated publication, the official Swanage Carnival programme, has arrived hot off the press in shops and businesses across Purbeck.
Smoke warning in Studland as heath fire breaks out Studland residents were told to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed after 5,000 square metres of heathland went up in flames.
Sam runs 100km for air ambulance that saved his life at Winspit Quarry A climber who nearly died after falling from cliffs at Winspit Quarry, Worth Matravers, has run 100 km to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Smoke warning in Studland as heath fire breaks out Studland residents were told to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed after 5,000 square metres of heathland went up in flames.
Man arrested following two vehicle collision near Norden Dorset Police say a man has been arrested on suspicion of a driving offence after the vehicle he was driving was involved in a crash on the A351 near to ...
Latest Wareham Forest fire ‘started deliberately’ A fire in Wareham Forest which was tackled by crews from across Dorset, including firefighters from Wareham and Swanage, is believed to have been started deliberately
Public asked to name new air ambulance covering Purbeck Life savers who run the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are asking for public help to name their new £10 million helicopter - already a familiar sight in the skies ... New plan for more homes in Swanage A blueprint for development of Swanage in Dorset has been published to guide future growth of the seaside town, rather than allow building work to happen with no strategic plan
Developers exploit loophole to create holiday let on Malthouse site In a surprising move, Dorset Council planners have allowed developers to get round a restriction on second homes on the Malthouse development in Langton Matravers
Lady Mayor of London pays visit to Swanage Swanage in Dorset, or ‘Little London on Sea’ as it’s sometimes nicknamed due to all its old monuments and artefacts salvaged from the capital, played host to the Lady Mayor ...
Swanage gets cash for ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity A major £5 million investment to stabilise part of the seafront and redesign the road which runs parallel to the beach in Swanage, has been unanimously approved by Dorset Council
Youngest ever Swanage mayor elected to town council Councillor Chris Tomes who is 40 years old, has been voted in as the new Swanage town mayor, taking over from Councillor Mike Bonfield who served a total of five ...
Decision made to back £6.9m Swanage seafront option Swanage Town Council has revealed its preferred scheme to stop ground slippage along a section of the town’s seafront in Dorset, is the more expensive £6.9 million option, but to ...
Legal change proposed to let Swanage stabilisation work go ahead It’s being proposed that two sections of land on Swanage’s seafront in Dorset, should lose their charitable status to allow Swanage Town Council to spend millions saving the area from ...
Warm Studland welcome at end of trek to help fight Alzheimer’s A Dorset man whose family has been devastated by neurological brain conditions has completed an emotional 630 mile solo walk along the South West Coast Path, finishing on Studland Beach
Swanage survivor of childhood TB celebrates 100th birthday A Swanage woman who survived three childhood bouts of tuberculosis and went on to play an important role in World War Two has marked her centenary with friends and family
High Sheriff to walk through Purbeck in 200 mile trek for youth The High Sheriff of Dorset is to walk more than 200 miles around the county’s boundary this summer, including a leg through Purbeck, to raise awareness of a drugs threat ...
New research rewrites Studland’s famous wartime story A long standing wartime anecdote linking some of the most famous Allied leaders to the famous Fort Henry observation post in Studland, Dorset, has been challenged by fresh evidence. It ...
Swanage community champions receive top town awards The winners of the Swanage Town Council community awards 2025 were revealed during a ceremony at the annual parish assembly in Swanage, Dorset Police issue CCTV images as investigation into Lulworth rave continues Detectives have issued images of six people they would like to identify as they continue to investigate reported disorder at an illegal rave near East Lulworth in Dorset
Woman gets police caution after dog attacks Church Knowle sheep A rare breed of Shetland sheep received serious injuries after it was attacked by a dog in Church Knowle near Corfe Castle in Dorset
Police in riot gear shut down illegal rave in East Lulworth Dorset Police said its officers faced "a violent and hostile reception" as they moved in to close down an illegal music rave attended by more than 2,000 people in a ...
Burglars target Wool petrol station just minutes from Dorset Police HQ Police are searching for two masked men after they stole tobacco products from a petrol station in Wool, just down the road from the new multi million Dorset Police headquarters ...
Transit van seized in Wareham by waste enforcement officers As part of an investigation into the illegal dumping of waste in Dorset, a white Ford transit van has been seized from an industrial estate in Wareham
Driver makes knife threats outside Swanage restaurant A vehicle was seen to collide with pedestrians and the driver was reported to have produced a knife and made threats outside a seafront restaurant in Swanage, Dorset
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 ...
More enforcement officers to patrol parking on Swanage’s streets A review of parking across the Dorset Council area including Purbeck, is recommending to recruit more civil enforcement officers - the team who issue parking tickets on yellow lines - ...
Campaigners win battle to stop expiry of Sandbanks Ferry paper tickets Blue paper tickets to travel on the chain ferry between Studland and Sandbanks in Dorset will not have an expiry date imposed, following protests on the first day of its ...
Pay online or face £30 fine once Sandbanks ferry cameras go live Automatic number plate recognition cameras are to be installed at Shell Bay in Studland, Dorset, as payment for the Sandbanks Ferry moves completely online
Wareham’s level crossing to close again for £50,000 repairs A vital pedestrian railway crossing which connects two halves of Wareham is to shut for the next 11 days - the second closure in a year, this time to replace ...
Swanage school trials road closure to help keep pupils safe A road in Swanage, Dorset, is to be closed twice a day to make it safer for students walking to and from The Swanage School Bovington bees build huge hive under family’s garden decking An experienced beekeeper says a hive that made its home under a Bovington family’s garden decking is one of the largest he’s ever seen
Dorset retailers urged to stop selling disposable BBQs during extreme heat While shops in Swanage haven’t sold disposable barbecues for several years due to the fire risk, many major retailers in Dorset like Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons continue to sell them, ...
Views sought on affordable rented homes in Purbeck People in Harman’s Cross and the neighbouring villages of Worth Matravers and Corfe Castle in Dorset are being invited to share their views on the need for affordable rented homes ...
New plan for more homes in Swanage A blueprint for development of Swanage in Dorset has been published to guide future growth of the seaside town, rather than allow building work to happen with no strategic plan
Developers exploit loophole to create holiday let on Malthouse site In a surprising move, Dorset Council planners have allowed developers to get round a restriction on second homes on the Malthouse development in Langton Matravers
Speed marker buoys to stay further out in Swanage Bay after protest Plans to move speed limit buoys closer to the shore in Swanage and Studland Bays in Dorset, have been dropped following a consultation with the public, although minor adjustments will ...
TV dinosaur star is first ambassador of Kimmeridge museum A world renowned dinosaur expert has become the first ambassador of the Etches Museum in Kimmeridge, Dorset - 15 years after founder Steve Etches inspired the start of his career.
New ‘bigger and better’ location for Swanage Railway’s steam rally Due to its growing popularity, Swanage Railway’s three day Roads to Rail steam rally is moving to a larger field close to Norden station near the village of Corfe Castle ...
Bid to make Swanage Railway carriages wheelchair friendly Swanage Railway in Dorset has launched a £25,000 public appeal to help fund the overhaul and conversion of two former 1950s and 1960s British Railways Mark One carriages to enable ...
New Class 99 loco whips up excitement at Swanage Railway gala Usually showcasing the locos of yesteryear, Swanage Railway in Dorset, turned the tables by featuring the UK’s most advanced hybrid freight locomotive at its Diesel Gala and Beer Festival - ...
Diesel and beer back on Swanage Railway timetable for gala weekend Seven heritage diesel locomotives are to travel down to Swanage Railway in Dorset, to join the home fleet for the annual Diesel Gala and Beer Festival, plus there’s a guest ...
Author of books featuring Thomas The Tank Engine to visit Swanage Railway Christopher Awdry, who has continued his father's legacy by writing more stories for the world famous railway series featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, will be signing his books during the ... New clues give fresh hope in hunt for Mother tank at Bovington A hunt for the world's first tank has gathered fresh momentum after a series of new clues have pointed investigators towards what may be her final resting place beneath heathland ...
Swanage Carnival launches its wacky Wild West programme Summer’s most anticipated publication, the official Swanage Carnival programme, has arrived hot off the press in shops and businesses across Purbeck.
Rescued Swanage Jazz Festival hits all the right notes A jazz festival which feared it might never return was hailed a resounding success after music lovers flocked to Swanage for a weekend of world class performances.
Perfect weather hooks record crowd for Swanage festival Swanage Fish and Food Festival reeled in record crowds after a weekend of glorious sunshine helped make its latest event the biggest and best in its 11 year history.
Swanage Information Centre celebrates 90th anniversary Opened on 10th June 1936, the Swanage Information Centre in Dorset, is believed to be the longest serving visitor information centre in the UK still operating from its original premises, ...
Famous Five return for new larks in Corfe Castle and Studland Enid Blyton’s Famous Five have returned to Purbeck for the first time in more than 60 years, through adventure trails launched at Studland Bay and Corfe Castle.
Jack Sparrow drops in at Swanage Pirate Festival’s 10th birthday bash Swanage Pirate Festival has celebrated its 10th anniversary in perfect Caribbean weather - and even welcomed a special guest star in Captain Jack Sparrow.
What’s on: Swanage summer 2026 It’s been a sizzling start to the summer in Swanage, Dorset, with three heatwaves so far, encouraging many to head to the beach and a dip in the sea, but ...
Corfe Castle to serve up its biggest food and drink festival Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Corfe Castle in Dorset, as the popular food and drink festival returns for its biggest event yet, bringing together almost 30 producers ...
No holds baa-ed as Steeple sheep farmer becomes WWE star A Purbeck sheep farmer who spent years supporting his son’s unlikely dream of becoming a World Wrestling Entertainment superstar says he couldn't be prouder to see him wrestling in front ...
Purbeck church celebrates US heritage which inspired Stars and Stripes A tiny Purbeck church in Dorset, hopes to receive American visitors on Saturday 4th July 2026 to help celebrate its remarkable links to George Washington and the birth of the ...
Top films to be shown outdoors in stunning Purbeck locations Some of Purbeck’s most magical places are to be transformed into open-air cinemas, as part of Purbeck Film Festival’s 30th anniversary celebrations Focus Centre honours Swanage councillor with building dedication Part of a community wellbeing hub in Swanage, Dorset, has been dedicated to the memory of former local councillor Bill Trite, with the event providing the first opportunity to visit ...
Swanage therapists take on hilly 25km hike to fund new defib Seven friends and colleagues from Swanage Therapy Centre in Dorset, are to tackle a very hilly 25 kilometre walk to raise £2,000 for a defibrillator for their community
Plea to help get Allsort’d cafe in Swanage all sorted! A new cafe at The Focus Centre in Swanage, Dorset, run by the youth group Allsort’d, is all set to open at the end of May 2026 but funds are ...
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
St Mary’s school celebrates 90 years of history in Swanage A Swanage primary school with generations of family connections is marking its 90th anniversary by inviting everyone back to help celebrate its remarkable history.
Threat of closure lifted from Langton Matravers village school Following a hard fought campaign from parents, carers and the wider community, the consultation recommending the closure of the St George’s CE primary school site in Langton Matravers in Dorset, ...
Consultation to close Langton’s school site is ‘biased’ say parents Parents of St George’s CE primary school in Langton Matravers in Dorset have appealed to Dorset Council to scrutinise a multi academy trust’s consultation into the proposed merger of their ...
Langton Matravers rallies to stop loss of village school At a meeting of the Langton Matravers parish council in Dorset, residents expressed their devastation at the possibility of the closure of the village school site, although the school’s academy ...
Dorset charity gives thousands of pounds to Purbeck projects Good causes in Purbeck including The Swanage School and The Mowlem, have received a boost to their funds after a Dorset grant-making charity distributed thousands of pounds aimed at strengthening ... Countdown to Sea Rex rescue as Kimmeridge dig is set for 2027 A public appeal to fund the excavation of the most fearsome marine monster of all time from a cliff face in Kimmeridge has smashed through the half million pound barrier.
Rotary gives away £35,000 and honours Swanage’s unsung heroes Swanage and Purbeck Rotary has celebrated another year of fundraising and community service by giving generously to good causes, recognising local unsung heroes and welcoming a new president
Swanage Con Club rebrands to welcome all to historic venue A bar and restaurant in Swanage, Dorset, with more than a century of history has unveiled its new identity in a bid to secure its future and encourage more people ...
Pottery, interiors and design shape new Swanage shop A centre for creativity has opened its doors in Swanage, Dorset, bringing a home interiors store, pottery studio and bespoke kitchen showroom together under one roof
Wareham Shedders launch song to raise roof for new home A bid to raise £200,000 has been launched by Wareham Men’s Shed as the charity, which fought off an eviction attempt two years ago, looks to secure its long term ...
New multi million pound plans for Studland’s Knoll House A new planning application is to be submitted to redevelop Knoll House hotel in Studland, Dorset, with ambitions to transform it into a world-class luxury destination comparable to some of ...
Wareham butcher branches out at garden centre After 75 years in business, a butcher shop in Wareham, Dorset, has expanded for the first time - creating a slice of history in the process
Flags and football fever as Swanage backs England Swanage in Dorset is gearing up for England's World Cup quarter final match against Norway, with pubs preparing to pull in the crowds
New gig for Swanage Sea Rowing as Old Harry is christened Swanage Sea Rowing Club celebrated a highly successful weekend of gig rowing, combining championship racing with the official blessing and christening of its newest pilot gig
Push to get funding over the line for Purbeck’s first 3G sports pitch The local community has been urged to rally behind a major fundraising campaign to help secure a £1.2 million all weather sports pitch at Swanage Town and Herston Football Club ...
Half term skate jam to mark major milestone for Swanage Skatepark Purbeck families are invited to celebrate a major milestone in the redevelopment of Swanage Skatepark with a free skate jam event.
Isle of Purbeck golfers to get a shot at Masters glory A state of the art indoor golf simulator is set to open at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club near Swanage in Dorset, offering players the chance to practise and ... Most read
Swanage News – Independent local breaking news
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