There’s always something happening in Swanage and there’s plenty of ways to find out the latest news. The local media is very active with a community radio station, social media channels, news websites, newspapers and of course, Swanage Online.
You can listen to Purbeck Coast FM, which is based on Swanage Pier, by tuning in to 101.2 FM or by listening online. There’s also the Swanage Facebook page, Swanage TV on YouTube, the Swanage Town Council website and the Virtual Swanage website.
If you prefer more traditional media there’s the Swanage and Wareham Advertiser that is out weekly and the Purbeck Gazette which publishes monthly.
Massive month of art kicks off in Swanage Over the next four weeks, artists in Swanage will be opening their doors to visitors - first as part of Dorset Art Weeks then swiftly followed by Purbeck Art Weeks. 1 week ago
Matt Le Tissier substituted as Swanage British Legion call off event Swanage Royal British Legion club has cancelled an event featuring Matt Le Tissier following the media controversy over comments the former Southampton and England footballer made on social media. 1 week ago
Durlston bus service cut back due to lack of funding The bus service that usually operates from Swanage town centre up to Durlston Country Park and back via the hospital will only run for six weeks this year. 1 week ago
Supermarket chain buys McColl’s including Swanage store Jobs at the convenience store McColl's in Swanage have been saved after the supermarket Morrisons bought all of McColl’s 1,100 shops across the UK, including the one in Institute Road. 2 weeks ago
Swanage Railway’s smallest diesel loco steals the show While many eyes were on the 1960s diesel locos at Swanage Railway’s Diesel Gala and Beer Festival, it was the smallest loco that grabbed much of the attention - WATCH ... 2 weeks ago
Corfe Castle art gallery branches out A new arts hub - based around the old Boilerhouse Gallery - has been launched in Corfe Castle with exhibitions, music and spoken word events planned throughout the summer. 2 weeks ago
Stop selling disposable barbecues this summer plea Litter Free Dorset is renewing its call to end the sale of disposable barbecues in Swanage and across Dorset after the Canford Heath wildfire. 3 weeks ago
End of an era for Swanage’s classic car show The Swanage Charity Day and Classic Car Show, which motored back into town after a two year break, will be the last for the show’s founder who is handing over ... 4 weeks ago
Old and new Swanage gardens opening for charity in 2022 An 88 year old gardener is celebrating nearly thirty years of opening her historic gardens, while another garden in Swanage is opening for the very first time. 4 weeks ago
Swanage resident pioneers new 5G care monitor A Swanage resident is one of just three people in Dorset who helped in a ground breaking trial of a new 5G monitoring system for vulnerable and disabled people. 4 weeks ago
Swanage bakery goes Italian as new owners take over The well-known Hayman's bakery in Swanage – popular for traditional British bread, cream cakes and pasties - has been bought by a Wareham firm that specialises in Italian cuisine. 1 month ago
Swanage RNLI called out to kitesurfer in Studland Swanage Lifeboat crew were tasked to investigate reports of a father and daughter in difficulty, who had anchored their boat in Studland Bay. 1 month ago
Swanage community awards launched to recognise local heroes Nominations are being invited for the Swanage Town Council Community Awards 2021/22, to reward individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to the community. 1 month ago
What’s on in Swanage over Easter Plenty of events are happening in and around Swanage over Easter 2022, as well as a chance to enjoy the usual attractions of the beach and the countryside. 1 month ago
Planning granted for 90 homes on old Swanage Grammar site The former Swanage Grammar School site next to St Mary’s RC Primary School and nursery has got permission to be redeveloped, despite concerns from some parents. 1 month ago
The Pig Hotel at Studland sold to private equity group A private equity firm that specialises in travel and leisure, has bought the parent company of the Pig Hotels with a view to increasing the number of its properties. 2 months ago
Couple launch post lockdown venture in Swanage Studio South, located in the heart of Swanage, is aiming to create a hub for artists to draw or paint while relaxing and eating cake. 2 months ago
Midnight rescue by Swanage RNLI and coastguard Following a medical incident on the cliff path above Durlston Bay in Swanage, the lifeboat crew were paged to help get the casualty to hospital. 2 months ago
Large quantity of fuel stolen in Studland Purbeck Police are appealing for information after the theft of a large amount of diesel from a location in the central area of Studland in Dorset. 2 months ago
Main Swanage road to be closed for repairs Pot holes along Kings Road West in Swanage are to be fixed but it will mean overnight closures for the resurfacing work to be carried out. 2 months ago
Follow the yellow brick road to Corfe Castle! Members of Corfe Castle amateur dramatic group Double Act are hoping it will be third time lucky for their latest production, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 2 months ago
Post office service returns to Langton Matravers Filling the gap left when the old post office closed, a new outreach post office has started up in Langton Matravers near Swanage. 2 months ago
Plenty of drama going on at The Mowlem A weekend of gripping theatre and film is planned for The Mowlem in Swanage - one production in support of the local school and the other for Ukraine. 2 months ago
Rapid community response saves Swanage Ambulance Car! The power of a community, united behind the single cause of keeping the Swanage Ambulance Car in Purbeck, has been credited for the decision by NHS bosses to retain the ... 2 months ago
Swanage’s missing defib turns up after three months! To the delight of the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership, the defib and trauma pack that went missing just before Christmas 2021, has now been returned. 2 months ago
Swanage responds to Ukraine crisis Spurred to help Ukrainians fleeing from the Russian invasion, essential supplies are being sent from Swanage and Purbeck. 3 months ago
Old explosive device found in Studland pond Purbeck Police had to put in place a 50 metre cordon near Ferry Road in Studland after the discovery of old ordnance. 3 months ago
Purbeck Health Hub scrapped as NHS pulls out of plans A new vision for the old Wareham Middle School site is being proposed after NHS Dorset Healthcare decided not to build new hospital facilities on the site. 3 months ago
Storm Eunice blows through Swanage with gusto As Storm Eunice approached Swanage, the Met Office upgraded its wind warning for the area from Amber to Red - the highest level of alert - WATCH VIDEO. 3 months ago
Police investigate after rare eagle found dead in Dorset Dorset Police are appealing for information after a white-tailed eagle was recovered by a multi agency operation, one of two found dead in the south of England. 3 months ago
Ambitious £60m plans for Studland hotel rejected by councillors The general manager of Knoll House Hotel in Studland says he’s disappointed that proposals to transform it into an upmarket five star resort have been refused planning permission. 3 months ago
Jobs up for grabs at Swanage Town Council With 13 vacancies, Swanage Town Council is holding a jobs fair so people can find out more about the roles based in the Dorset seaside town. 3 months ago
Police appeal after 14 year old assaulted in Wool Following reports that a 14 year old boy was punched by two other teenagers in Wool near Wareham, Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come ... 4 months ago
RNLI on the lookout for new Swanage Beach lifeguards Getting ready for summer 2022, the RNLI is inviting applications from those who would like to be beach lifeguards along the South Coast including Swanage. 4 months ago
Police hunt for driver of car ‘hidden’ in Swanage The driver of a Mercedes car is being sought after they failed to stop for police and tried to hide the vehicle behind some flats in Swanage. 4 months ago
Dig this – Swanage seafront gets spruced up! The operations team for Swanage Town Council has been busy planting out more trees, shrubs and perennials to improve the appearance of the town and its eco credentials. 4 months ago
Swanage and Wareham firefighters do animal rescue! Ideally equipped for reaching the top of buildings and trees, animal loving fire crews were called to save a bird in Swanage and a cat in Wareham. 4 months ago
Swanage Panto performers say: Covid? It’s behind us…! This year’s Swanage panto has been the ‘hardest ever’ with illness and positive Covid tests causing one cast member after another to miss rehearsals. 4 months ago
Cyclist’s leg bitten by dog in Swanage Purbeck Police are asking for the owners of a dog that caused a puncture wound to a man’s leg, to come forward and tell their side of the story. 4 months ago
First shout of the year for Swanage Lifeboat crew Following reports of a kayaker in difficulty in Swanage Bay, both lifeboats from Swanage Lifeboat Station launched for the first time this year. 4 months ago
Celebrity couple share photos of New Year trip to Swanage While many famous people visit Swanage and keep it quiet, one well-known couple let everyone know what a good time they were having by posting on social media. 5 months ago
Purbeck quarry celebrates its 100th anniversary A quarry at Worth Matravers - which supplies around half of Dorset’s crushed stone - is celebrating its centenary and a family achievement. 5 months ago
Corfe Castle horse rider celebrates amazing year A disabled rider from Corfe Castle is celebrating a year like no other as she competed first at national and then international level. 5 months ago
Brave Swanage swimmers take a Boxing Day dip Disorganised in the best possible way, hundreds took the plunge for the annual Boxing Day swim in Swanage - WATCH VIDEO. 5 months ago
Swanage bike repair man changes gear to show off his art From bike art to North American Indian-inspired suncatchers as well as paintings by David Bowie tribute act, there’s plenty to discover at Artisans on the Beach in Swanage. 5 months ago
Dog rescued after falling over cliff in Swanage Both the Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams were called in to save a dog that had gone over the edge of the cliff on Swanage Downs. 6 months ago
Investigation into Studland heath fire reveals cause Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says the fire that destroyed around 20 hectares of heathland in Studland in Dorset was started accidentally. 6 months ago
Injured woman rescued from Dancing Ledge by Swanage RNLI A walker who’d fallen and injured her leg at Dancing Ledge along the Purbeck coastline had to be rescued by the Swanage lifeboat crew, in order to get to hospital. 6 months ago
What’s on in Swanage for Christmas 2021 In stark contrast to last year’s festive season, events are going ahead in 2021 to celebrate Christmas in Swanage and across Purbeck. 6 months ago
Swanage residents’ views sought on a pocket of open land The future of the old St Mark’s School playing field and sports court in Herston is under discussion since Swanage Town Council signed a lease to take over the land. 6 months ago
Swanage Rep company gets Covid grant boost The production company behind the Swanage Rep theatre season at The Mowlem has won a government grant, raising hopes of a return next year after the ‘unprecedented and unpredictable’ impact ... 6 months ago
Volunteers at Swanage Railway Museum celebrate a cash boost Audio recordings from Swanage branch line staff and passengers in the 1950s and 1960s, will transport visitors back in time, after the museum was awarded grant funding. 6 months ago
Swanage remembers all those who died in war This year, Remembrance Sunday was able to be marked in Swanage with a parade, church service and the laying of wreaths at the war memorial. 6 months ago
Swanage-based radio station scoops silver at national awards Community radio station, Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM located on Swanage Pier, has achieved recognition in the prestigious 2021 Community Radio Awards, less than three years since its launch. 6 months ago
Firework extravaganza set to light up the Purbeck sky Bonfire night is back with a bang with the spectacular annual event at Swanage and Wareham Rugby Ground returning after a gap of two years because of Covid. 7 months ago
Swanage library invites views on future services The future of Swanage library - along with others in the county – is the subject of a public consultation that’s been launched by Dorset Council. 7 months ago
Helicopter used for Ulwell reservoir repairs A helicopter was brought in to carry around 44 tons of machinery and materials up a steep hill near Swanage as part of a tricky reservoir improvement project. 7 months ago
Surprise discovery of baby red squirrels in mild Purbeck autumn Rare baby red squirrels, normally born in spring, were an unexpected find in a nesting box on Brownsea Island, part of the recently designated Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve. 7 months ago
Campaign success as Swanage Hospital walk-in access restored Hailed as a victory for common sense, Friends of Swanage Hospital say that patients will now be allowed to turn up at Swanage Hospital Minor Injuries Unit without an appointment. 7 months ago
Durlston receives international award in record breaking year The international quality mark for parks and greenspaces - the Green Flag Award, has been awarded to Durlston Country Park, alongside five other Dorset Council countryside sites. 7 months ago
Seafront road closure for Swanage Rowing Club event With 30 boats taking part in the Swanage Rowing Club SuperVets Championship, the south end of Shore Road in Swanage will be closed for the day. 7 months ago
Woman bitten on leg by dog on Swanage footpath Dorset Police are investigating after a large dog bit a woman puncturing her skin, as she was walking her two Jack Russell dogs. 7 months ago
Swanage on-street parking charges set to go up The cost of parking in Station Road and Shore Road is to increase, along with Dorset Council owned car parks in Wareham and Corfe Castle, if the plans get the ... 7 months ago
Dorset Police use podcasts to help crack rural crime In a bid to connect effectively with hard-to-reach communities in remote areas like Purbeck, the rural crime team from Dorset Police have recorded a series of podcasts. 7 months ago
Latest on Swanage Ambulance Car In response to concerns from Swanage residents, a special committee is to be set up by Dorset Council to scrutinise proposals about the future of the ambulance car. 8 months ago
Prizes awarded to support young artists across Purbeck The Isle of Purbeck Arts Club has awarded cash prizes to the latest winners of its annual children and young people’s art competition, made possible by a generous legacy. 8 months ago
Boat stuck on Studland nudist beach Both Swanage Coastguard and Poole RNLI were called out to a 45 foot sailing yacht that ran aground on a Studland beach. 8 months ago
Car and motorbike seized by police in Swanage The Dorset Police No Excuse team patrolling in Swanage, have confiscated a motorbike and a silver Audi car for having no insurance. 8 months ago
Chance to visit eco homes in Swanage and get inspired Environmentally friendly homeowners in Swanage are opening their doors to the public to show what they’ve done to encourage others to do the same. 8 months ago
Secondary schools in Purbeck holding open evenings again Open evenings for prospective parents and children to look round secondary schools in Purbeck, including The Swanage School, are happening again this autumn. 8 months ago
Purbeck Art Weeks’ Rollington Barn exhibition is back! With plenty of work produced during lockdown, the Rollington Barn exhibition near Corfe Castle is bursting with paintings, photography, prints, ceramics and greetings cards. 8 months ago
Wanda the Waste Warrior fights plastic pollution in Purbeck A six metre fish sculpture to encourage the recycling of plastic and cans, as well as refilling and reusing bottles, is travelling to Studland, Swanage and Wareham. 9 months ago
What’s on in Swanage in September 2021? With so many events having been postponed due to Covid, there’s lots happening in September 2021 in Swanage. 9 months ago
Bank Holiday speedboat rescue for Swanage RNLI Swanage Lifeboat crew, who are to feature tonight in the latest BBC TV Saving Lives at Sea episode, were paged to help the owners of a speedboat, who were at ... 9 months ago
Modelmakers return to The Tank Museum at Bovington More used to putting on a show with some of the big beasties of the armoured world, The Tank Museum is now preparing for a display on a smaller scale. 9 months ago
Swanage Railway hosts bank holiday steam extravaganza In its first big event since the latest lockdown, Swanage Railway is staging a four day rally, celebrating steam-powered transport from trains to rollers. 9 months ago
Dorset Council appeal to find homes for Afghan refugees The need to accommodate Afghans fleeing the Taliban has prompted Dorset Council to urge private landlords and owners of second homes in Swanage and across the county to come forward. 9 months ago
Popular Swanage Lifeboat Lego movie gets a sequel Following the runaway success of last year’s Swanage Lifeboat Week Lego animation, 12 year old Christian has now released a follow up movie. 9 months ago
Purbeck’s district nurses get on their e-bikes! Inspired by healthcare staff in Holland, district nurses in Purbeck have been turning to pedal power to get them to appointments in Swanage and the surrounding area. 9 months ago
Swanage Rep show postponed after positive Covid test The opening nights of The Princess and the Pauper at The Mowlem in Swanage have been delayed after a production team member tested positive for Covid. 9 months ago
Escape the crowds by popping up to the Purbeck viewpoint An idea born out of lockdown has come to fruition for Henry Bond, who's turned a field into a food and drink pop-up next to the Isle of Purbeck viewpoint. 9 months ago
Swimmer pulled from sea in Swanage in early hours Emergency services were called just after 1 am in the morning, following reports of a person in trouble in the water by the Stone Quay in Swanage. 10 months ago
Plans to create a Purbeck ‘New Forest’ take shape Cattle, ponies and pigs are to be allowed to freely roam across an extended area of heathland between Stoborough, Corfe Castle and Arne. 10 months ago
Simon and Garfunkel tribute act returns to Swanage Stopping off in Swanage before appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years is at The Mowlem. 10 months ago
Swanage Lifeboat goes to the aid of midnight swimmer The crew of a boat anchored in Swanage Bay at night called the UK Coastguard after they spotted a person swimming in the sea and were concerned. 10 months ago
Purbeck Police to listen to Swanage’s concerns Throughout the summer holidays, Purbeck Police are to hold pop up sessions on Swanage seafront to hear what residents and visitors say are their priorities for local policing. 10 months ago
Warning of traffic delays ahead of Camp Bestival at Lulworth A temporary one-way road system, reduced speed limits and parking restrictions are to be put in place to help manage traffic in Purbeck, ahead of the music festival at Lulworth ... 10 months ago
RNLI rescue a boat pinned against Sandbanks Ferry The crew of the Sandbanks Ferry had to lower the ramp in mid passage to prevent a 16 foot sailing boat from getting into further danger. 10 months ago
Three vehicle crash at Harmans Cross petrol station An off-duty paramedic stopped to help two people with minor injuries, after a van and two cars collided outside the BP garage near Swanage. 10 months ago
Flashing speed indicator installed on Swanage roads In a bid to remind drivers travelling into Swanage to slow down, Swanage Town Council has purchased a speed indicator device, otherwise known as a SID. 10 months ago
No parking in new loading bays comes into effect in Swanage While the work to create new loading bays in Swanage town centre was completed in June 2020, the rules to enable fines for illegal parking have just come into effect. 11 months ago
Swanage shops get more dog friendly There should be lots of happy wagging tails in town, now more and more shops are displaying ‘dog friendly’ signs in the window. 11 months ago
Man in 80s has Rolex watch stolen by woman in Wareham Purbeck Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her 40s made unwelcome sexual advances to an elderly man in his car and then robbed him. 11 months ago
New bins give Swanage seafront a better look Shore Road in Swanage is being given a tidier appearance for the summer, as the old wheelie bins have been replaced with new smarter litter bins. 11 months ago
Back in action – Rotary fete in Swanage to go ahead After many months that saw events and fundraising put on hold due to Covid restrictions, planning has started for Swanage and Purbeck Rotary's main summer fundraiser. 12 months ago
The Swans end the football season with a flourish It was a game of two pitches - as Swanage Town and Herston football club enjoyed a 'bonus' final at the end of another season marred by lockdowns. 12 months ago
Injured woman airlifted from St Albans Head The coastguard helicopter was called upon to rescue a woman who had sustained a serious ankle injury along the Purbeck coastline at St Albans Head near Worth Matravers. 12 months ago
Car speeding in Swanage seized by police A vehicle that was caught speeding along the High Street, was also found to have the wrong level of car insurance by the Dorset Police No Excuse team. 12 months ago
Man airlifted to hospital after Durdle Door jump Despite warnings about the dangers, a man injured himself after leaping off the top of the limestone arch near Lulworth in Dorset. 12 months ago
New measures to help Swanage cope with visitor influx As tourists flocked to the beach over the Bank Holiday weekend, improvements to Swanage’s seafront are being introduced as Covid restrictions ease. 12 months ago
Swanage care home closes after Covid crisis Following the death of 16 residents from Covid, Wordsworth House in Swanage has closed, after it was unable to financially recover. 12 months ago
The Durlston bus is back in business It’s been a long wait for passengers but the D5 bus between Swanage and Durlston is finally back after a ‘fallow year’ last year. 12 months ago
Chief constable for Dorset to retire in autumn Dorset's chief constable James Vaughan is to take retirement this year, after delaying the decision because of the pandemic. 12 months ago
Winners of Swanage community awards announced Awards have been presented to individuals and organisations in Swanage for their outstanding contribution to the community. 12 months ago
Avril, the first Labour Mayor of Swanage! After four years, councillor Mike Bonfield has stepped down as Swanage Mayor and councillor Avril Harris has been elected to become the town’s 20th mayor. 12 months ago
New eco group Sustainable Wareham meets for first time The environmental group Sustainable Swanage has a new neighbour – Sustainable Wareham and the two have started to work together to tackle important issues. 12 months ago
Workman rescued from Wareham roof by firefighters Firefighters from Wareham, Weymouth and Westbourne were all called to help a roofer who had become stuck on top of a house, after being taken ill. 1 year ago
Twenty years of flying the Blue Flag in Swanage! Swanage Beach has just been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag and the Seaside Award for 2021, which are only presented to well managed beaches with excellent water quality. 1 year ago
Swanage Folk Festival threatened by shortage of stewards One of the few big events in the town most likely to go ahead this year, the Swanage Folk Festival is desperately short of stewards and without them it can’t ... 1 year ago
Injured climber rescued from Purbeck cliff ledge The coastguard helicopter airlifted a man to hospital, who'd dislocated his knee while climbing along the coast, half way between Anvil Point and Dancing Ledge. 1 year ago
Great Dorset Beach Clean to go ahead in Swanage Despite being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, the Great Dorset Beach Clean is back and will take place across 22 local beaches including Swanage and Studland. 1 year ago
Studland to get vehicle tow-away zone for summer A new tow-away zone is to be introduced along Ferry Road to help prevent a repeat of last year’s chaos when vehicles parked illegally. 1 year ago
Two people run over by own car at Lulworth Emergency services responded quickly to reports that a car had rolled 30 metres down the cliff near Durdle Door Holiday Park. 1 year ago
Swanage voters go to the polls The polling stations will be open from 7 am for residents to choose a new Swanage Town Council councillor and the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner. 1 year ago
Gales up to 65mph cause damage in Swanage Forecast high winds caused disruption in Swanage as scaffolding, trees and phone wires were all toppled by the gusts. 1 year ago
Fundraising appeal to restore Wareham Forest raises £45,000 Work to regenerate Wareham Forest from the devastation of last year’s fire is now underway, nearly a year since the blaze, following a successful fundraising appeal. 1 year ago