Swanage lies on the
southeast coast of Dorset, about 10km south of Poole. It is on a strangely
shaped peninsula called the Isle of Purbeck, which is not actually an island at
all. It has an east facing sandy bay which makes it popular with summer
visitors.
The
town was originally a small port and fishing community and it flourished when
local quarrying for its prized Purbeck marble was at its zenith. The marble was
used for paving the streets of London after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
With
the arrival of the railway in 1885, Swanage attracted the attention of wealthy
Victorians when sea bathing became fashionable. Tourism remains Swanage's main
industry today.
The
lighthouse was built in 1880 and two piers were built around that time, one of
which was used for pleasure steamers.
Swanage
is credited with the development of radar which stood for "radio detection
and ranging" when it was worked on in secret during World War II.
Swanage
is mentioned in several books including Howard's End by E.M. Forster and
international writer and artist, Philip Sugden, was born there.
Present Day Swanage
Swanage
is at the east end of the Purbeck limestone and chalk cliffs which are known as
the Jurassic coast, a World Heritage Site. Quarrying revealed many fossils in
the area which date back to the era of the dinosaurs.
Quarrying
is also responsible for local landmarks including the nearby Dancing Ledge and
the Tilly Whim Caves. The Old Harry Rocks are a local feature of eroded
limestone stacks on the northern headland of the bay.
Visitors
to Swanage will find this small town has a good number of local and national
retailers and plenty of cafés, pubs and restaurants. It has a couple of
amusement arcades and some local cottage industries and several historic churches.
Visitors to Peveril Point cannot fail to notice
the large clock tower. It was built in 1854 to commemorate the Duke of
Wellington and was erected on the approach to old London
Bridge.
However, it was soon considered an obstruction to traffic and was moved from
London to Swanage and re-erected on the sea front in 1867.
The
beach is the main attraction, especially for families with children. The gentle
white sandy beach slopes down to calm waters in this sheltered east-facing bay.
Everything from deck chairs to pedaloes can be hired on the beach.
Swanage
has a number of local attractions
including a Victorian Pier. The Swanage Steam Railway has been lovingly
restored and now runs inland to the town of Corfe Castle where the remains of
Corfe Castle dominates the skyline. This 1000 year old castle is run by The
National Trust.
The
Mowlem Theatre is a combined cinema and theatre, with a bar, restaurants and
shops in the complex. Checkout what's on and enjoy a night out at this local
institution. In the summer, Swanage hosts a Jazz Festival, a Folk Festival and
a Blues Festival.
Ballard
Town forms a headland between Swanage and Studland and is ideal for quiet walks
along marked footpaths. Just south of Swanage is Durlston Bay with a small
country park and a nature reserve.
