93% (1.1K) • 473 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Swanage
The T Barn
1. The T Barn
99%
(90)
126km from Swanage · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Chalky Downs
2. Chalky Downs
96%
(605)
135km from Swanage · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
3. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
124km from Swanage · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
4. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
87%
(39)
81km from Swanage · 51 units · Glamping
We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months.
Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£110
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
141km from Swanage · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite
6. Little Eden Riverside Campsite
98%
(60)
91km from Swanage · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history!
We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette.
Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes.
*DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps
Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles.
Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists.
Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields.
Big Adventures and Little Moments
Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Sweet Hill Farm
7. Sweet Hill Farm
94%
(296)
35km from Swanage · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Frome Meadow Campsite
8. Frome Meadow Campsite
93%
(167)
25km from Swanage · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£14
/ night
Brig's Farm
9. Brig's Farm
97%
(157)
69km from Swanage · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Benville Manor Camping
10. Benville Manor Camping
98%
(24)
54km from Swanage · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We set up our campsite to be a unique place where guests could be as close to nature as possible, while retaining some of the basic comforts of home. Think wildflower meadow with hot showers!
We've gone for ultimate peace and tranquility, with a very limited number of pitches mown into the wildflowers with lots of space between. Our remote site is far from roads or light pollution, making for serene starry nights around the firepit.
The camping meadow is bordered by woodlands, a small nature reserve, and the gardens of a stunning Tudor manor house, all of which you're free to explore.
Nestled in a remote and picturesque corner of West Dorset, the campsite is within easy reach of some of the South West's most stunning spots, from world-famous fossil beaches to neolithic hill-forts.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Woodlands Camping
11. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
79km from Swanage · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
12. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
95km from Swanage · 2 units · Glamping
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Teddy's Farm
13. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
34km from Swanage · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Pittaford Farm
14. Pittaford Farm
99%
(67)
126km from Swanage · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£26
/ night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm
15. Little Fleece at Folly Farm
100%
(60)
113km from Swanage · 1 unit · Glamping
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£152
/ night
Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
16. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
99%
(148)
74km from Swanage · 15 units · Tents
Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Park Farm Campsite
17. Park Farm Campsite
98%
(24)
108km from Swanage · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Wild Camping in the Cotswolds
18. Wild Camping in the Cotswolds
100%
(57)
131km from Swanage · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping with acres of space hired on an exclusive basis
Pets
Campfires
from
£40
/ night
Flowerdew Farm
19. Flowerdew Farm
100%
(18)
50km from Swanage · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Wookey Farm
20. Wookey Farm
98%
(181)
84km from Swanage · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Eco-friendly, campfire-friendly, family-friendly camping on the farm – plus Somerset's famous Wookey Hole caves on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
93% (1.1K) • 473 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Swanage
The T Barn
1. The T Barn
99%
(90)
126km from Swanage · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Chalky Downs
2. Chalky Downs
96%
(605)
135km from Swanage · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
3. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
124km from Swanage · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
4. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
87%
(39)
81km from Swanage · 51 units · Glamping
We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months.
Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£110
/ night
The Barn KT9
5. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
141km from Swanage · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite
6. Little Eden Riverside Campsite
98%
(60)
91km from Swanage · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history!
We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette.
Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes.
*DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps
Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles.
Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists.
Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields.
Big Adventures and Little Moments
Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£15
/ night
Sweet Hill Farm
7. Sweet Hill Farm
94%
(296)
35km from Swanage · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Frome Meadow Campsite
8. Frome Meadow Campsite
93%
(167)
25km from Swanage · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£14
/ night
Brig's Farm
9. Brig's Farm
97%
(157)
69km from Swanage · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Benville Manor Camping
10. Benville Manor Camping
98%
(24)
54km from Swanage · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We set up our campsite to be a unique place where guests could be as close to nature as possible, while retaining some of the basic comforts of home. Think wildflower meadow with hot showers!
We've gone for ultimate peace and tranquility, with a very limited number of pitches mown into the wildflowers with lots of space between. Our remote site is far from roads or light pollution, making for serene starry nights around the firepit.
The camping meadow is bordered by woodlands, a small nature reserve, and the gardens of a stunning Tudor manor house, all of which you're free to explore.
Nestled in a remote and picturesque corner of West Dorset, the campsite is within easy reach of some of the South West's most stunning spots, from world-famous fossil beaches to neolithic hill-forts.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Woodlands Camping
11. Woodlands Camping
97%
(104)
79km from Swanage · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Quaint Farm in a National Park
12. Quaint Farm in a National Park
100%
(26)
95km from Swanage · 2 units · Glamping
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.
Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you!
Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Teddy's Farm
13. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
34km from Swanage · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Pittaford Farm
14. Pittaford Farm
99%
(67)
126km from Swanage · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£26
/ night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm
15. Little Fleece at Folly Farm
100%
(60)
113km from Swanage · 1 unit · Glamping
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£152
/ night
Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
16. Camping in Nature at Vallis Veg
99%
(148)
74km from Swanage · 15 units · Tents
Back-to-basics, natural camping with campfires encouraged and easy walks to the local attractions in Frome
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Park Farm Campsite
17. Park Farm Campsite
98%
(24)
108km from Swanage · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Wild Camping in the Cotswolds
18. Wild Camping in the Cotswolds
100%
(57)
131km from Swanage · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping with acres of space hired on an exclusive basis
Pets
Campfires
from
£40
/ night
Flowerdew Farm
19. Flowerdew Farm
100%
(18)
50km from Swanage · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Wookey Farm
20. Wookey Farm
98%
(181)
84km from Swanage · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Eco-friendly, campfire-friendly, family-friendly camping on the farm – plus Somerset's famous Wookey Hole caves on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
W
Wina
2 weeks ago
3 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
We absolutely loved our stay at Jane’s shepherd’s hut. it was the perfect off-grid escape from our busy lives. The hot tub and outdoor pizza oven were definite highlights and made the trip feel extra special.
Jane and her husband were incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and quick to respond whenever we had a question or needed anything. The hut is also ideally located; peaceful and secluded, yet close enough for lovely walks/run and a nearby pub for a quick pint.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing countryside getaway.
See more
C
Catherine
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm
This is the ultimate weekend getaway. Jane and the family are fabulous hosts. Everything was so incredibly clean, and there was so many personal touches from fresh bread to handmade soaps. The view of the property from the cabin was truly spectacular.
Would definitely stay again ☺️✨
See more
H
Hugh
November 2025
5 m Class B
Had a lovely stay at Peter and Celia’s farm. Despite the weather not being on my side the views were beautiful over rolling hills and woods.
Both Celia and Peter were very welcoming and helpful. I’d definitely stay again if I’m in the area
See more
G
Graham
November 2025
Tent
The area i lovely and quiet with plenty of wildlife
I went in autumn/winter time so not a lot going on at the site
Can imagine it’s busy during summer months
See moreH
Haven
November 2025
Tent
We loved our stay at Little Eden. This was my second visit and I can see it becoming a little home away from home in the future. It brings a lovely sense of peace driving up the driveway.
See more
Abbie
October 2025
5 m car
With pets
What an amazing place! Thanks so much for having us. Cant tell you how relaxing it was having space for our dog to run about off lead, she LOVED it. Views are incredible too!
See more
A
April
October 2025
Tent
Lovely short walk to the lighthouses and great flat ground for camping. The team were super friendly and helpful when are car battery died!
See moreR
Rachel
October 2025
2 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
We had the most wonderful stay at this little countryside getaway! From the moment we arrived, Jane was absolutely incredible - so kind, welcoming, and full of helpful information about the lodge and surrounding area. She’d thought of everything, leaving clear instructions for how everything worked, which made our stay effortless and relaxing.
The thoughtful touches really made it special - from the freshly baked bread to the delicious shortbread cookies, everything felt homely and made with love. The setting itself was pure peace and quiet, surrounded by nothing but cows, trees, and the soft sounds of nature. It was the perfect place to switch off, breathe deeply, and just enjoy the calm of the countryside.
We honestly didn’t want to leave - a hidden gem that we’d return to in a heartbeat!
See moreA
Angela
October 2025
4 m Class B
With pets
I have always loved Sweet Hill Farm. It’s a lovely relaxed campsite with sea views and amazing walks nearby. Also, being able to have a camp fire is fantastic. The showers are brilliant too.
The only disappointment for me this year is that the compost loos have been replaced with horrible portaloos! Please bring back compost loos, they are so much nicer!
See more
V
Victoria
October 2025
5 m Class B
What an amazing spot in nature! This was an incredible getaway, such a quiet and natural space with birds, surrounded by trees and the very nearby woodlands which are covered in mushrooms, more than we could count! It was so peaceful, we loved the natural space and eco-friendly touches. We definitely want to return again! It was magical!
See more
A
Abi
October 2025
5 m car
Really great site. Managed really well. Amazing spot in the woods and plenty of space between yourself and other campers.
Firepits are provided and you can buy wood for fires if you need.
There are some great walks nearby and plenty of stargazing!
Would really recommend this site. Had a really wonderful weekend here.
(There is a closing time of 7pm which is to be aware of and not being able to enter after that point so just something to be aware if traffic or travelling far after work.)
The toilets, eco and flushing, were really good. Didn't use the showers so cant say!
See moreE
Eren
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm
My girlfriend and I had a lovely stay at Little Fleece to celebrate her birthday. The hot tub was lovely and we made some great pizzas using the pizza oven. Jane and Dave were brilliant hosts - it was lovey to meet you both! The homemade bread and biscuits were a lovely touch. Thank you!
See more
J
James
October 2025
4 m pop-up camper
We had a great stay. We stayed for one night and used it as a base to cycle to Glastonbury and back. We were left to ourselves and trusted by the owner which we loved. Sites like this are the reason we bought out camper van. Thanks for a great stay.
See moreK
Katie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet of the location. Rustic and basic, very much as advertised.
See more
s
sherrie
October 2025
7 m Class B
This was my third visit this year and we pitched up in a different location to before. The choice of where you want to pitch up is endless and every area of the pitch gives you complete privacy with stunning views. If you have a dog then this pitch is perfect for them to enjoy open space. Peter and Celia are amazing hosts with great communication. The pitch is really easy to access and find, we were fine with our 7m camper. I highly recommend this Hipcamp.
See more
C
Charlie
September 2025
Tent
Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend
See more
R
Ryan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!
See moreM
Mark
September 2025
Tent
This was my first time camping here and I will definitely return again.
Whilst SatNav got me most of the way, the directions on Hipcamp made the last little bit of the journey much easier.
I was welcomed warmly at the well-stocked little cafe, and given a map to show my how to get to the field I pitched in. The tracks on-site are full of large potholes - so definitely something to be mindful of, especially if you have extremely low-suspension on your car! However, take it slow and easy and all is well here.
I had the most amazing view, from where I pitched up, over to Portland Bill lighthouse. Both sunset and sunrise were stunning.
Facilities here are extremely basic - but it’s enough for those that simply need to get away from life for a while and sleep under the stars without all the creature comforts of home. Of course, there is a place for being able to have all the mod-cons available, but this is camping the way it should be done!
I wasn’t here long enough to speak to any of the other campers, but everyone seemed relaxed and there was no loud music or anything played into the night, meaning I could drift to sleep easily enough at the end of the day.
Thank you all.
See more
E
Emily
September 2025
Tent
Wow, Little Eden is exactly what it says it is. It has everything for a wonderful camping experience. You are totally emmersed in Nature. You can hear the wild life and birds around you. You can use a fire pit and sit outside under the stars, whilst keeping warm.
The decor is beautiful, the facilities are great.
Showers, toilets, washing machine, fridge and anything else you can think of.
I would definitely recommend Little Eden to everyone.
Thank you so much Andy,
Emily 🙏
See more
P
Paul
September 2025
4 m Class B
With pets
Our host was very friendly and helpful. Facilities were fine, clean and tidy. You will probably need some ramps if you want to be completely level but wasn’t a problem for us.
See more
The best farm stays near Swanage guide
Where to go
Lulworth Cove
Set some 16 miles from Swanage in Dorset is Lulworth Cove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campers can set up tents or hook up the motorhome to nearby private campsites along the Jurassic Coast that provide clean shower and toilet facilities, picnic areas, and easy access to the cove’s turquoise waters. Or rent a cottage or go glamping in a shepherd’s hut for a bit more comfort. Created by melted ice overflow from nearby seas and rivers, the cove waters are popular for swimming and kayaking. Then, enjoy land activities like coastal walks along rugged cliffs for sea views or explorations to Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
Corfe Castle
Northwest of Swanage lies Corfe Castle, a historic ruin built by William the Conqueror that exudes medieval charm. Nearby private farm campsites and holiday parks in villages offer a range of amenities, including tent pitches and campervan spaces, as well as clean shower and toilet facilities, electrical hookups, on-site shops, and wifi access. Cottage and cabin rentals are also available near the castle. Then wake up and enjoy Corfe Castle’s ancient walls that are over 1,000 years old. Afterward, take a hike along Purbeck Hills on the Purbeck Ridgeway to get views of Old Harry and the Swanage Railway.
New Forest National Park
Just a short drive northeast of Swanage sits the enchanting New Forest National Park. Wilderness explorers can hike the park's trails, including the scenic routes of Lyndhurst Circular Walk and Tall Trees Trail, which offer views of the forest’s ancient woodlands and open heathlands. Find cycling adventures and exciting wildlife sightings—most notably of the free-roaming New Forest ponies. Afterward, unwind at a tent or caravan park run by Camping in the Forest with amenities like full electric hookups and toilet and shower facilities.
When to go
Summers in Swanage bring pleasant temperatures and are popular for coastal walks, swimming, and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and a vibrant display of foliage, creating a colourful backdrop for hiking and exploring. Winter in Swanage brings a different charm, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere. Temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C.