The latest tourism and events news, including the Information Centre and all the music, art, film, sport and food festivals in Swanage and Purbeck.
Plans in Swanage to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day To celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe towards the end of World War Two - known as VE Day - a number of events are being planned in Swanage, ... 4 days ago
Easter egg trails in and around Swanage With the start of the Easter school holidays, visitor attractions in Swanage and across Purbeck have been busy planning egg-citing activities to entice more families to pay them a visit 2 weeks ago
Festivals happening in Swanage 2025 The line up for festivals taking place in and around Swanage in Dorset, is taking shape for 2025 and there’s a bonus extra festival now being organised in March, that ... 2 months ago
Swanage town mayor holds Golden Charity Ball Back by popular demand, the Mayor’s Charity Ball is being held again and this time it’s to mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of Swanage Town Council 2 months ago
Purbeck Cider hopes ancient Wassail tradition will bear fruit Crowds gathered to bless the apple orchards at Purbeck Cider near Corfe Castle in Dorset, in the hope that winter temperatures will plummet - to ensure the perfect cider harvest ... 3 months ago
Swanage Rotary raises thousands for charity in run up to Christmas Despite having to reschedule the Swanage Christmas Market at short notice due to stormy weather, Swanage and Purbeck Rotary still managed to raise thousands of pounds for good causes over ... 3 months ago
What happened in Swanage in 2024? Although Swanage is well known as a perfect corner of England, it doesn’t always feature high on national news agendas - thank goodness! 4 months ago
Misty but mild for Swanage’s Boxing Day swim The Boxing Day swim in Swanage Bay, which started as a small event for a few hardy folk, has grown into a highly successful mass participation affair and 2024 was ... 4 months ago
Crowds gather to celebrate winter solstice at Corfe Castle More than 200 people arrived before sunrise at one of the most mystical locations in Dorset to experience the winter solstice among the ancient ruins of Corfe Castle 4 months ago
Rudolph’s pals to make flying visit to Swanage Pier Although Santa was blown off course by Storm Darragh, he's now returned to Swanage Pier in Dorset - and is bringing two of his reindeer with him! 4 months ago
Christmas lights bring festive colour to Swanage In a switch from white to muti-coloured, the Christmas lights in Swanage, Dorset, have been given an update for the 2024 festive season - WATCH VIDEO 5 months ago
When will Santa be visiting Swanage and Langton Matravers? Back on his sleigh for 2024, Santa will be visiting all the streets around Swanage and Langton Matravers in Dorset in the run up to Christmas and he’s appealing for ... 5 months ago
What’s on at Christmas in Swanage 2024 Preparations are underway to celebrate the festive season in Swanage in Dorset, as organisations, charities and businesses all get into the Christmas spirit 5 months ago
Runners get chance to do a lap round Blue Pool The inaugural Blue Castle Run, to be held around the beautiful Blue Pool near Wareham in Dorset, has proved so popular that there’s already a waiting list to take part 6 months ago
Swanage webcam with perfect bay view is back online A webcam with a panoramic view across Swanage is now streaming 24 hours a day, allowing anyone to check the local weather conditions or admire the scenery 7 months ago
Brolly good show at soggy Swanage Folk Festival Swanage Folk Festival in Dorset, sailed through the wettest weekend of the summer with a smile as the heavens opened, sadly damping down the chances of making a bumper profit ... 7 months ago
New place for Swanage Fish Festival is a huge success Despite challenging weather conditions, Swanage Fish and Food Festival finally went ahead in a new location over the August bank holiday weekend. 8 months ago
Sun shines on Swanage charity after summer soaking Swanage Disabled Club made up for getting drenched at a rain-soaked summer fete, with a highly successful fund raising seafront sale in altogether sunnier weather 8 months ago
Pirates make a splash along Wareham’s river banks Hundreds of people gathered on Wareham Quay in Dorset to witness a pirate invasion of the town - and to help fight it off with the help of militia cannon ... 8 months ago
Classic Swanage Carnival parade as Rampage bows out The spectacular dance group Rampage International performed for the last time in the Swanage Carnival procession in Dorset, but made it one to remember as the sun shone and the ... 9 months ago
Carnival spirit brings summer to Swanage! With sunshine forecast, the heat is rising just in time for a sizzling eight days of Swanage Carnival festivities including competitions, games, displays, food and drink, music and of course ... 9 months ago
Swanage fun park ride removed after controversy A funfair ride that towered over Swanage seafront in Dorset, has been dismantled and sold by its owner, following the realisation that it required planning permission. 10 months ago
New funfair ride divides Swanage community Described as a ‘monstrosity’ by some but a ‘wonderful addition to the town’ by others, the future of a newly erected pirate-themed funfair ride in Swanage, Dorset, has yet to ... 10 months ago
Swanage Carnival programme 2024 arrives in shops Hot off the press, Swanage Carnival’s programme for 2024 is being distributed across the town, ready to be snapped up by those keen to plan their week of festivities. 10 months ago
What’s on: Swanage summer 2024 The Swanage Fish and Food Festival has been rescheduled for August 2024 and will now be taking place over the summer along with lots of other events in Swanage, Dorset. 10 months ago
Purbeck’s secret role during WWII revealed in new exhibition The somewhat forgotten story of how Langton Matravers in Dorset helped to win World War Two is being told in the village museum to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 12 months ago
Festival makes substantial donation to Swanage food bank A hot weekend back in September 2023 brought in the crowds and brought in the cash, allowing the organisers of the Swanage Folk Festival to hand over a large cheque ... 1 year ago
More Purbeck visitors urged to take trip to Brownsea With the National Trust now running its own ferry from the jetty at Sandbanks, it’s hoping to encourage more people to explore Brownsea Island in Dorset. 1 year ago
Holi smoke! New landmark event in Corfe Castle’s history For the first time, an official Hindu celebration has been held at a National Trust property, and the festival at Corfe Castle in Dorset was a joy-filled success. 1 year ago
What’s on in Swanage over Easter 2024 Plenty of events are happening in and around Swanage over Easter, as well as the usual attraction of the beach and enjoying the countryside views. 1 year ago
Splash of colour for jolly Holi day at Corfe Castle Bright colours at Corfe Castle in Dorset this spring will have less to do with daffodils or bluebells, but more to do with a festival in which rainbow paints are ... 1 year ago
Swanage Carnival theme for 2024 revealed With the world going fossil crazy and visitors flocking to Purbeck in Dorset to see the newly discovered fossilised marine reptile from the Jurassic era, Swanage Carnival has chosen a ... 1 year ago
Swanage Information Centre scoops Gold in tourism awards Swanage Information Centre has won Gold in the Dorset Tourism Awards 2024 and in other categories, there was a Silver award for National Trust’s Corfe Castle and Bronze for Swanage ... 1 year ago
Planning upset for new luxury resort in Studland Plans for a £65 million rebuild of Studland’s much loved Knoll House Hotel, creating 86 new jobs, have been refused by Dorset Council. 1 year ago
What happened in Swanage this year? Review of 2023 In many people’s eyes, 2023 will go down as a washout year, with seemingly endless rain and storms - yet the national picture of Swanage is likely to be of ... 1 year ago
Purbeck’s deadly Sea Rex to go on display at Kimmeridge museum The day after Sir David Attenborough tells the world about the most dangerous creature ever to swim along the Jurassic Coast, visitors to The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, Dorset will ... 1 year ago
Inspiring Christmas trees at Swanage festival A dazzling display of decorated trees is delighting visitors to the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Swanage, for the annual Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival. 1 year ago
Enchanted evenings light up Purbeck secret garden Dark December nights have just become a little more magical at Carey’s Secret Garden near Wareham in Dorset, with hundreds of multi coloured festive lights sparkling throughout the grounds. 1 year ago
Corfe Castle celebrates a big birthday at Xmas Corfe Castle in Dorset again served up a dazzling show to mark its 70th year of community Christmas decorations in the village - WATCH VIDEO 1 year ago
Full steam ahead for Santa and Swanage Xmas lights switch on Characters from The Polar Express are to join Santa for the Swanage festive lights switch on before he heads off around the town and over to Langton Matravers and Corfe ... 1 year ago
What’s on in Swanage for Christmas 2023 There’s lots planned for this Christmas, perhaps more than ever in Swanage and across Purbeck as festivities return in full swing. 1 year ago
Swanage Carnival’s charity gifts go down a storm Swanage Carnival committee brought sunshine to 20 local charities by handing out more than £27,000 from summer's somewhat rain soaked success. 2 years ago
Spotlight on Studland’s Fort Henry over heritage week An important piece of World War Two history in Studland in Dorset, is to be shown off to the public as part of English Heritage’s week of open days. 2 years ago
Harmans Cross fete bids farewell to lifelong supporter After a lifetime devoted to the promotion of Harman’s Cross near Swanage, well known Purbeck Gazette columnist and Purbeck Coast presenter David Hollister is upping sticks and moving to Buckinghamshire. 2 years ago
National Trust sets up camp in Worth Matravers Within a short walking distance of the legendary Square and Compass pub in Worth Matravers in Dorset, the National Trust has opened a family friendly campsite for the summer. 2 years ago
Swanage Carnival 2023 in pictures and video High winds and rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of Swanage Carnival 2023 and there were plenty of times over the eight days of entertainment when the sun shone on the ... 2 years ago
Swanage bandstand centenary concert cancelled as storm sweeps in History has repeated itself almost 100 years to the day that Swanage Bandstand was first opened, as the worst summer storm in years has now forced its centenary celebrations to ... 2 years ago
Rain clears in time for Swanage Carnival procession Despite fears that wet and windy weather would put a damper on the Swanage Carnival procession, the earlier showers dried up to allow the parade to go ahead as planned ... 2 years ago
BBC Springwatch boosts visitor numbers at RSPB Arne RSPB Arne has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of visitors since the BBC broadcast the wildlife show Springwatch from the nature reserve near Wareham in Dorset. 2 years ago
What’s on in Swanage for summer 2023 With schools out for summer, there’s a full programme of events in Swanage and across Purbeck, with lots more happening as organisations recover from the disruption caused by the pandemic. 2 years ago
French impound German tank heading for Tankfest at Bovington Near capacity crowds at Bovington in Dorset made the Tank Museum’s Tankfest 2023 the biggest and best yet - even if French border control did stop the star exhibit at ... 2 years ago
Swanage Pirate Festival welcomes record crowds to town Batten down the hatches - Swanage has been overrun by pirates again for a good natured festival, which has attracted hundreds of landlubbers into town. 2 years ago
Sun finally comes out for Swanage’s Big Help Out King Charles’s Coronation event The Big Help Out had to be postponed in Swanage due to wind and rain but eventually took place with the sun shining in all its ... 2 years ago
In pictures: Coronation events across Purbeck Lots of people across Purbeck got out their picnic rugs and dressed up in red, white and blue to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. 2 years ago
Bumper turnout for Swanage’s carnival classic car show Swanage’s classic car show was back for 2023 and this time it’s become an official Swanage Carnival event as a curtain raiser to its main week of summer festivities. 2 years ago
Pin-up posters launch tourism week in Swanage The drive to attract tourists to Swanage for the 2023 season has officially begun with a series of posters showing the best of what the town has to offer. 2 years ago
What’s on in Swanage: Festival line-up for 2023 Dates for the big events in Swanage for 2023 have been released with plenty of festivals taking place throughout the whole of the year. 2 years ago
Swanage Carnival announces plans and theme for 2023 The programme of events for this year’s carnival is taking shape and the theme for the traditional parade through the town has been revealed. 2 years ago
Santa goes down a storm on Swanage Pier Due to popular demand Santa’s grotto on Swanage Pier looks set to return next Christmas along with a visit from the donkeys. 2 years ago
Santa arrives by lifeboat to light up Swanage Pier Swanage Pier has been illuminated by more than a thousand lights as it reopened following the last stage in its £2.8 million renovation programme - WATCH VIDEO 2 years ago
Donkeys on Swanage Pier for Christmas When Santa visits Swanage Pier in the run-up to Christmas, he will have some extra help from his donkey friends. 2 years ago
Swanage and Harmans Cross fete committees join forces In the spirit of cooperation, Swanage and Purbeck Rotary and the Harmans Cross village hall committee have been helping each other out, to make their separate summer fairs a success. 3 years ago
Swanage Carnival kicks off for 2022 after two year break Following an unprecedented two successive years of cancellations due to Covid restrictions, Swanage Carnival is finally back, bringing fun and good humoured mayhem to the town. 3 years ago
Swanage takes part in new coast path passport scheme A new way for walkers to keep track of their progress along the South West Coast Path has been launched and Swanage Information Centre is getting involved. 3 years ago
What’s on in Swanage for summer 2022 With schools out for summer, there’s a full programme of events happening in Swanage and across Purbeck. 3 years ago
Swanage to get free air show as Red Arrows fly across bay Ahead of the Isle of Wight festival, Swanage will be treated to a military fly-past by the Red Arrows who will be crossing the bay before heading to the pop ... 3 years 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 ... 3 years 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. 3 years 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. 3 years 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. 4 years 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 ... 4 years 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. 4 years 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. 4 years 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. 4 years 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. 4 years 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 ... 4 years ago
Swanage Carnival cancelled for second year With a “heavy heart” the Swanage Carnival team say they’ve decided that Swanage Carnival will not take place this year due to continued uncertainty. 4 years ago
Swanage memorial to a queen’s consort takes shape Haysom Quarry in Langton Matravers has finished cutting the new stone for the restoration of the Albert Memorial, that was erected in Swanage in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband. 4 years ago
Swanage Co-op celebrates a £2.5m refit A “much overdue” refurbishment of the Co-op in Kings Road West has now been completed and a pupil from Swanage’s St Mary’s School got to cut the ribbon at the ... 4 years ago
Decision on Swanage Carnival 2021 hangs in the balance The Swanage Carnival committee has posted an update on whether the event will be able to go ahead this year and detailed a number of problems that need to be ... 4 years ago
Work to restart on new Swanage Railway rolling stock shed Construction of a new carriage storage shed had to be halted at the start of lockdown but now volunteers are hoping to raise £65,000 to get the project back on ... 4 years ago
Swanage Pier awarded nearly half a million pounds The National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced that Swanage Pier Trust is to receive a substantial grant to get its restoration project back on track. 4 years ago
Foundations laid for the Albert Memorial in Swanage The concrete slab has been poured to form part of the base for the Purbeck stone obelisk that is to be reconstructed in Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage. 4 years ago
Proposal to turn Wareham Quay into a piazza A group of residents, backed by the environmental group, Planet Purbeck have come up with a proposal to pedestrianise Wareham Quay. 4 years ago
Rotary brings Christmas cheer to Swanage and raises £9,000 Swanage and Purbeck Rotary’s festive activities had to be scaled back due to Covid but it still managed to help those alone at Christmas and raise money for charity. 4 years ago
No lack of festive fizz in Swanage despite pandemic Christmas bubbles may have gone flat but Swanage has still managed to sparkle through the festive season and Santa has raised thousands of pounds for local charities. 4 years ago
Swanage Railway lights up Christmas! In a first for Swanage Railway, bookings have now opened for a ‘Steam and Lights’ festive train trip, which replaces the 'Santa Specials' that have been cancelled due to COVID-19 ... 5 years ago
Historic boat plans to make return to Swanage A historic ferry is set to make its first trip to and from Swanage in years - and it could soon be offering trips to Brownsea Island too. 5 years ago
“Absolutely gutted” says Swanage Carnival team Swanage Carnival should have been in full swing this week but despite the cancellation due to coronavirus, the committee are still hoping to raise a smile. 5 years ago
Durlston Castle set to fully reopen next week The rangers at Durlston Country Park are preparing for the full reopening of Durlston Castle with the first art exhibition since lockdown. 5 years ago
More ‘Soggy Swanage’ than ‘Super Saturday’! The day dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ due to the reopening of the tourist trade, was quieter than expected as wet weather kept visitors away - SEE PHOTOS. 5 years ago
Swanage opens for visitors as tourism restarts After months of no income, the town is cautiously starting to reopen its attractions, hotels, B and Bs and campsites, alongside pubs, cafes and restaurants. 5 years ago
Swanage Railway is back on track! The heritage railway, that’s been facing a funding crisis due to the pandemic, is to reopen soon but it won’t be back to normal yet. 5 years ago
Swanage Market is back in business! Much missed during lockdown, Swanage Market is now fully operational, increasing its number of stalls and offering more than just fruit and veg. 5 years ago
Durdle Door by appointment only A car park pre-booking system is introduced from today by the Lulworth Estate to prevent overcrowding and antisocial behaviour at Durdle Door. 5 years ago
Swanage’s Albert Memorial to be re-erected Hopes have risen that an impressive obelisk that was erected in Swanage to commemorate the life of Prince Albert, will be restored to its full glory. 5 years ago
Respect our communities pleads Dorset Ahead of a meeting to prevent a repeat of last weekend's scenes at Durdle Door, visitors are being asked to head home if it's too busy. 5 years ago
VE75 – Keep calm and stay at home! With the planned 75th anniversary of VE Day celebrations cancelled due to coronavirus, we’re being told to stay at home, but fortunately there’s plenty on the telly - SEE WHAT’S ... 5 years ago
Further blow to Swanage, as Carnival is cancelled With a "heavy heart" organisers say Swanage’s biggest annual event, that brings in over a million pounds into the town, won't go ahead. 5 years ago
Tourists asked to stay away from Swanage Swanage Town Council has asked tourists and second homeowners to not visit the town, to protect residents from coronavirus. 5 years ago
National Trust to close Corfe Castle Corfe Castle, the scene of many battles, is to close “until further notice” as a result of the UK Government’s coronavirus advice. 5 years ago
Blues Festival kicks off at the Legion The Swanage Blues Festival got off to a rip-roaring start on Thursday with a brilliant evening of entertainment. 5 years ago
Big Blues party swings into town The 33rd Swanage Blues Festival gets underway this Thursday, with music fans filling the pubs and venues across the town. 5 years ago
Locals up for 2020 tourism excellence awards Swanage Information Centre and Durlston Country Park are finalists in the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards. 5 years ago