Tourism and events
The latest tourism and events news, including the Information Centre and all the music, art, film, sport and food festivals in Swanage and Purbeck.
Swanage Carnival announces new events for 2022 After a difficult few years of cancellations, Swanage Carnival is back with a jam packed programme. 
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 ... 
Swanage celebrates Queen’s 70 year reign with huge tea party Not a town to shy away from a festival, Swanage marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style - SEE VIDEO AND PHOTOS. 
Purbeck pirates lose out in clash with the Queen’s loyal supporters The Swanage and Purbeck Pirate Festival returns to the town after a three-year break but the swashbuckling fun has been scaled back by the Royalists! 
Swanage holiday park gets new owners and a new direction Swanage Bay View holiday home park – once owned by the town council – has new owners who plan to give the site more of a holiday resort feel. 
The Rock opens new season for Dorset Adventure Park The inflatable water park and mud trail at Corfe Castle, reopens for summer 2022 and this year it's got a new star attraction. 
History of Swanage high street revealed in new exhibition A major new exhibition at Swanage Museum features bygone photographs of the town’s shops and restaurants showing what Swanage town centre used to look like. 
New street market along the beach comes to Swanage A totally new event will be taking place over a long weekend on Shore Road called The Swanage FreeWheelin FEASTival. 
Swanage businesses invited to enter Dorset Tourism Awards This year’s Dorset Tourism Awards are now open for entry and businesses from across Dorset including Swanage have just six weeks to submit their application. 
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 ... 
First ever livestream of Tank Museum’s Tiger Day in Bovington The Tank Museum’s special Tiger tank event will be broadcasting a free live programme via YouTube to help raise funds for Ukrainian children. 
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. 
Corfe Castle plans festivities for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Corfe Castle to mark the Queen's 70 year reign are being planned to match its Diamond Jubilee extravaganza in 2012. 
Big year for Swanage events as Diesel Gala and Beer Festival confirms date Swanage is facing its biggest year ever for events in 2022 and one of the most popular is the return of Swanage Railway’s Diesel Gala and Beer Festival. 
Massive Swanage street party planned for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee To celebrate the Queen's 70 year reign, events in Swanage are being planned across the June Bank Holiday weekend. 
Purbeck businesses among finalists of Dorset Tourism Awards In yet another seesaw year for tourism, a number of businesses in Purbeck have reached the finals of the Dorset Tourism Awards for 2021 / 22. 
More Blackpool than Blue Pool, Purbeck attraction gets illuminated Blue Pool near Wareham has undergone a dazzling transformation bringing light and music to a winter evening’s stroll. 
Swiss Army gifts Bovington Tank Museum a present too big to wrap A Swiss variant of a British post-war tank has been delivered back to the UK and is now on display at The Tank Museum in Bovington in Dorset. 
Winners revealed of best Christmas lights in Swanage A competition to find the best festive decorations in Swanage has proved a tricky task, as many residents created dazzling displays . 
First Christmas for Swanage Town Band at the new bandstand Breaking tradition for the first time, the Swanage Town Band performed Christmas carols at the newly refurbished bandstand - SEE VIDEO AND PICTURES. 
New Purbeck Christmas fair may become regular event Word of mouth and the power of social media ensured the success of the first ever Christmas fair at Hartland Stud near Norden. 
Competition launch to find best Christmas decorations in Swanage Swanage’s Chamber of Trade is inviting entries for its annual competition to find the best festively decorated residences and businesses. 
Light up Swanage Pier for someone special this Christmas Swanage Pier has been illuminated with 880 festive light bulbs as part of its Lighting up Lives event. 
Super Saturday as sun shines for Swanage Christmas market and events Swanage buzzed with activity as the Rotary Christmas Market took over Station Road, the artisan beach huts were busy and runners finished racing on the beach. 
Santa is coming to Swanage! Track his progress across Purbeck Find out where Santa will be and when, as he travels across Purbeck bringing his seasonal cheer. 
Swanage lights up for Christmas with switch on event despite gales Shoppers braved the strong winds of Storm Arwen to venture into Swanage town centre for the annual Christmas Lights switch on - SEE VIDEO 
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. 
Swanage Carnival recognises long serving dedicated volunteers Swanage Carnival volunteers with a collective 365 years of service between them, have been honoured with long service awards, following a difficult two years. 
Gory story of Corfe Castle by Swanage author, back in print by demand Swanage-based writer, Cathy Lewis has produced a new version of her guidebook to Corfe Castle that spares no blushes or detail of dastardly deeds. 
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. 
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. 
Swanage’s Punch and Judy man thanks locals for support after making national news The Punch and Judy man has thanked the people of Swanage who rallied round after it was revealed that mean beachgoers had refused to pay. 
It’s up! The Albert Memorial in Swanage is completed The obelisk in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert, that lay in ruins for 50 years has at last been re-erected in Swanage. 
Beach huts go like “hot cakes” as Swanage seaside lovers snap them up Swanage beach huts all but sold out within hours of becoming available for this summer, with one man queuing from 6.45 am. 
Who’s in the driving seat? Launch of ambulance car challenge in Swanage A new activity trail for children has been launched in Swanage featuring Purbeck's much-loved and appreciated ambulance car. 
Aled Jones in Swanage for filming of BBC’s Songs of Praise Hundreds of residents and visitors flocked to Prince Albert Gardens for the first Songs of Praise filming of hymn singing for 18 months - SEE PHOTOS. 
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 ... 
“Worst ever” summer for staff recruitment across Purbeck An unprecedented shortage of staff has hit pubs, shops and holiday destinations in Swanage and across Purbeck. 
Rotary cancels Swanage summer fete as Covid cases double in a week Swanage and Purbeck Rotary has called off its summer fete due to a rise in Covid cases and fears the event would attract a large crowd. 
Stolen Corfe Castle family bronze tortoises come home… slowly Thirty years after they were stolen, bronze tortoises that used to belong to the Bankes family that once owned most of Purbeck, have been returned. 
Sporting events return to Swanage as Covid rules ease After a year’s absence, Swanage Coastal Rowing Regatta and the Swanage Triathlon are back on for 2021. 
Kimmeridge expert unlocks secrets of newly discovered fossil A new and rare ichthyosaur fossil found in Dorset is to be unlocked from the rock, live on camera at The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge. 
Princess Royal braves Swanage weather to visit National Coastwatch Institution As patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, the Princess Royal flew into Swanage to meet the volunteers who keep a watch for those in trouble along our coast. 
Events at Durlston Country Park set to continue – but outside! From park yoga to Shakespeare, activities to go ahead at Durlston Country Park helped by the park's newly appointed public engagement assistant. 
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. 
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. 
American military vehicle display to mark Swanage D-Day A collection of World War Two American military vehicles will stage a ‘static’ parade on Shore Road to mark the 77th anniversary of D-Day. 
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. 
Newly refurbished Swanage Museum to reopen after pandemic delay After more than a year and a half of closure and having undergone a complete renovation Swanage Museum is finally preparing to welcome visitors. 
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. 
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 ... Dorset Tourism Awards open for entry with new ‘Resilience’ category Swanage’s tourism related businesses along with those across the county, are invited to enter the Dorset Tourism Awards for 2021/22. 
Live tour of new Tank Museum WW2 exhibition ahead of reopening The Tank Museum in Bovington is to give a sneak-peek of what’s been going on behind closed doors in a live streamed event. 
Mayday at Swanage Beach as dogs banned and road closed From 1st May in Swanage, as the town prepares for the tourist season, new rules come into force. 
TankFest at Bovington to go ahead despite delay due to Covid The Tank Museum has recruited a corps of top experts to speak at its annual TankFest and tickets go on sale from today. 
Lifeguards to return to Swanage for staycation summer The Swanage RNLI Lifeguard tower is due to be craned into its summer seafront position in time for the holiday season. 
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. 
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. 
Swanage attractions receive Easter gift from government A welcome cash boost of over £200,000 has been awarded to Swanage Railway and Durlston Country Park from the UK Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. 
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 ... 
Durdle Door owner calls for government to fund visitor education Lulworth Estate is urging people to sign a petition calling for the government to protect beauty spots as lockdown eases. 
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 ... 
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 ... 
Swanage Folk Festival to go ahead but jazz festival bows out for 2021 As long as Covid restrictions are lifted as planned, Swanage Folk Festival will take place in September 2021, but the jazz festival has now cancelled until 2022. 
Bovington’s Tank Museum set to reopen in May but sad it’s not sooner The Tank Museum says it’s disappointed not to be opening in April 2021 alongside non-essential shops but, as long as the Prime Minister’s roadmap stays on track, it’s gearing up ... 
Lulworth Estate demands better manners from visitors this summer Amid the easing of lockdown, Lulworth Estate is petitioning the government to insist that holidaymakers “respect” the countryside in a bid to avoid last year's trouble. 
No roadmap to Swanage for tourists until after Easter Swanage’s tourism sector won’t be back in action until well after Easter under the four step plan out of lockdown. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
Sea view location for Swanage’s Friday market Swanage’s popular Friday Market is moving from Main Beach car park to allow for maintenance work to take place. 
Luxury Purbeck self-catering business “overwhelmed” to win tourism award Amid a difficult year, several local businesses have been honoured at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2020/21. 
Swanage businesses are finalists in Dorset Tourism Awards After one of the most challenging years for tourism, four local businesses are in the finals of the 2020/21 Dorset Tourism Awards. 
Swanage Pier’s finances take a battering from Covid storm Rescued from physical collapse in 2019, Swanage Pier is now in need of financial support to keep its head above water during the pandemic. 
Tank back on track after repair appeal hits fundraising target Thanks to the generous donations, one of the Tank Museum’s most iconic vehicles will be able to get back into action again. 
Monkey World closes due to “unacceptable abuse” by tier four visitors The ape rescue centre in Wool, Dorset has decided to temporarily shut, to stop people from tier four Covid restrictions trying to visit. 
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. 
Hunt for Christmas presents, elves and bunnies on magical festive trails Families heading out for a socially distanced stroll over the holiday season in Purbeck will find many events have been cancelled due to Covid but outdoor festive children's trails are ... 
Churchill needs your help – Tank Museum’s plea to restore iconic tank The Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset is asking for help to fix a historic tank after it suffered a major mechanism failure. 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. 
Runaway success means new trips added for Swanage Railway’s ‘Steam and Lights’ Due to “unprecedented” demand, Swanage Railway is adding an extra date by opening up bookings for New Year’s Eve. 
Swanage creates its own blockbuster to boost business! Watch the new film all about Swanage that explores the backstreets and the independent shops that the tourists miss if they aren’t in the know. 
Bliss Food Co in Swanage wins Successful Women in Business award Swanage restaurateurs, Lou Condie and Sally Poole have won the Independent Food and Drink category at the Successful Women in Business Awards. 
Swanage Railway volunteers take first trip on Steam and Lights train after tough year Those who kept the railway going through the Covid crisis have been rewarded for their efforts with a preview trip - WATCH TRAIN DEPARTURE. 
Take a sneaky peek of Swanage Railway’s new Steam and Lights train The first test runs are taking place of Swanage Railway’s breath-taking Steam and Lights train - WATCH THE VIDEO. 
100 year old armoured Rolls Royce celebrates birthday with new Tank Museum film Bovington’s Tank Museum has commemorated the 100th anniversary of its oldest running vehicle by releasing a film to watch while the museum is closed under lockdown. 
Festive food fair ‘pops up’ at Tank Museum to end a challenging year The Tank Museum is set to host Christmas festivities in a cheerful end to a year marred by Covid-19. 
Santa set to bring festive cheer to Swanage for a Covid safe Christmas Despite the pandemic, Father Christmas still plans to bring merriment and joy to Swanage with the help of Swanage and Purbeck Rotary. 
Family cat inspires traditional pub to launch new venture amid pandemic A historic pub near Swanage has diversified during the Covid-19 crisis and launched a delicatessens inside the 350 year old hostelry. 
Government shells out £780,000 funding boost to keep Tank Museum on track through pandemic The Tank Museum at Bovington has been thrown a major lifeline, receiving a total of £780,000 as part of the UK Government's Culture Recovery Fund. 
Swanage Railway gets over £200k in government COVID-19 recovery grant The heritage railway based in Swanage is to get a substantial cash payment to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. 
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 ... 
Albert Memorial gets planning permission to be re-erected in Prince Albert Gardens After fifty years of neglect, the obelisk that was erected in Swanage to commemorate the life of Prince Albert has been given permission to be rebuilt. 
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. 
Durlston’s gold national tourism award goes on display Following their impressive success, the team at Durlston Country Park finally get their hands on their gold Visit England trophy. 
“Inspirational” Durlston wins gold in national tourism awards In an extraordinary achievement, Durlston Country Park in Swanage has won the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award in the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2020. 
TV’s ‘Hunted’ celeb, Jordan Wylie turns up in Swanage! As part of a world record breaking attempt to circumnavigate Great Britain on a paddleboard, adventurer Jordan Wylie has stopped off in Swanage. 
‘That’s the way to do it’ – Punch and Judy returns to Swanage! Refusing to be beaten by a global pandemic, Professor Joe Burns is as pleased as Punch to be back with a socially distanced show 
Eat out to help out in Swanage and Corfe Castle From today, the government is offering to pay half the bill at participating food establishments - SEE LIST. 
Durlston named as finalist in national tourism awards Visit England has announced that Durlston Country Park has made it through as a finalist to its national awards for excellence. 
“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. 
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. 
Mini golf provides ‘green’ alternative to Swanage Beach Beach Gardens in Swanage is being promoted as an alternative safe space to the beach, as the putting green finally reopens. 
First train leaves Swanage Railway Station after lockdown After 15 long weeks of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Swanage Railway has finally reopened - SEE TRAIN VIDEO. 
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. 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. 
Surge in visitors anticipated by Dorset Police, as tourism restarts Chief Constable for Dorset Police is asking everyone to be respectful and act responsibly as tourism reopens this weekend. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
Swanage Pier vandalised by pier jumping trespassers Decking from the recently restored Victorian Swanage Pier has been removed and thrown into the sea by vandals 
Seaside towns like Swanage still waiting for new lockdown guidance A Dorset Council councillor has expressed her concern for seaside areas following the Prime Minister's speech about the easing of lockdown restrictions. 
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 ... 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. 
Swanage still set to celebrate 75th anniversary of VE Day Despite the coronavirus crisis, there are still plans for Swanage to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe. 
2020 season announcement by Swanage Rep Theatre Company The Swanage Rep Theatre Company says that regretfully, this year's performances are to be postponed. 
Latest Durlston art exhibition opens to visitors, but not as planned … ‘A Dorset Wanderland’ hasn’t been cancelled but instead it’s been moved online, to be viewed from an appropriate social distance! 
Easter Sunday goes virtual – please ‘share’ the message! Churches in Swanage are closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, so they’re now going online. 
‘Stay at home’ message getting through say Purbeck Police Most tourists who were planning to visit Swanage for Easter, have stayed at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 
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. 
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. 
Swanage Railway postpones gala in latest blow to local economy The Swanage Railway Diesel Gala and Beer Festival, due to take place in April, has been postponed following coronavirus advice. 
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. 
Royal Highland Fusilier and Great Gable locos to visit Swanage Railway The first details have just been revealed about Swanage Railway’s Annual Diesel Gala and Dorset Beer Festival. 
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. 
Swanage Information Centre scoops gold in South West Tourism Awards The Information Centre in Swanage is named Visitor Information Service of the Year for South West England beating stiff competition. 
Jazz festival headline acts revealed with bigger vision for 2020 The Swanage Jazz Festival is going to be a three day affair in 2020, boosted by the success of last year’s event. 
Locals up for 2020 tourism excellence awards Swanage Information Centre and Durlston Country Park are finalists in the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards. Swanage Carnival 2019 gives more than £28,000 to charity A record number of visitors to the 2019 Swanage Carnival meant £28,000 has been donated to 26 good causes.