Beautiful UK resort dubbed the 'Queen of seaside towns' during summer
Boasting a broad bay, shimmering turquoise waters, a rich history tracing back to the Iron Age, and a town brimming with delightful independent shops, this coastal resort has plenty to offer.
Nestled on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Swanage caters to all tastes, whether you fancy sunning yourself on Swanage Beach, trekking along the Jurassic Coast, perusing local art galleries, savouring fresh seafood at quayside cafés, or enjoying a traditional Punch and Judy show right on the beach. Swanage perfectly blends age-old tradition with relaxed coastal allure.
Its Victorian pier, heritage railway, and plethora of listed buildings lend the town an unmatched charm, while the bay and beach are undoubtedly among Swanage's most prized assets. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK's best seafood but hardly any tourists.
In 2024, for the 23rd consecutive year, Swanage Beach was honoured with both the Blue Flag and Seaside Award, a testament to its golden sands, pristine environment, and crystal-clear water, reports the Express.
The dramatic chalk formations of Old Harry Rocks, marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, provide awe-inspiring views over the sea. Whether you choose to reach them by hiking the picturesque coastal path from Swanage or embarking on a boat trip from the bay, a visit to Old Harry Rocks is an unforgettable experience and an absolute must for any first-time visitor to the area.
Swanage, once a humble port and quarry town, has blossomed into a seaside gem, hailed by The Telegraph as the "queen of seaside resorts". It boasts a plethora of activities, steeped in history and natural allure.
One visitor couldn't help but sing Swanage's praises on TripAdvisor, highlighting its "all independent" shops. They commented: "Lovely beach. Nice and clean and a sea to die for. Perfect for everyone as it's a shallow walk into a very clear and calm sea. It's a bit busier near the town where the shops, bars/pubs, cafes and restaurants are."
Adding: "The town is super. Spoilt for choice of shops to eat or drink and buy something from. Best bit is it's ALL independent shops, bars and cafes and NO branded names."
Another traveller captivated by Swanage's charm, noted: "So many beautiful sites in and around Swanage, historical, thatched villages, the splendid ruins of Corfe Castle, and gorgeous sunsets over the bay."
Another TripAdvisor enthusiast also shared their experience of Old Harry Rocks: "Beautiful natural feature that was relatively tourist-free. The one-mile walk from the National Trust car park was very pretty along a cleared footpath through ferns, trees and shrubs."
They added: "There's a flowering meadow on the cliffs overlooking Old Harry with views across to Bournemouth. There's a cafe and pub close to the National Trust car park. Loved this walk!!"
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Unique and busy airport with UK flights has one of Europe's shortest runways
The airport in Greece has one of the shortest runways for passenger jets in Europe - but it can accommodate aircraft as large as a Boeing 767-200 For many jet-setters, the lengthy taxi down the airport runway before take-off can feel like an eternity. It often seems as though the plane will never lift off as it trundles along the tarmac before the engines roar into action and it ascends. However, travellers to a small Greek island may be surprised to learn that it boasts the shortest runway for passenger jets in mainland Europe. The runway at Skiathos measures a mere 5,341 feet, significantly shorter than the norm. To put it into perspective, London Heathrow's northern runway stretches approximately 12,801 feet, Manchester's runway spans 10,948 feet, and Birmingham's runway is 10,013 feet long, reports the Express. Despite its relatively modest length, the airport can handle aircraft as large as a Boeing 767-200 and welcomes flights from across Europe. These include routes from various UK airports, with numerous seasonal flights operating to this Aegean island. Due to the island's rugged terrain, land had to be reclaimed from the sea to facilitate the construction of the airport, which opened its doors to passengers in 1972. Now, hundreds of thousands of passengers pass through each year, with over 552,000 recorded in 2023 - including more than 192,000 travelling to or from the UK. Its proximity to a public road, coupled with its location and frequency of flights, makes Skiathos Airport a favourite spot for plane enthusiasts who often share snaps of massive aircrafts swooping in low for landing. Despite having one of the shortest runways in Europe, it doesn't hold the record for the shortest runway within a European nation. That distinction belongs to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on Saba, boasting a mere 1,312 feet long runway and being part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The twist is that Saba is actually an island located in the Caribbean, across the Atlantic.
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Live
Brits in Majorca warned they face £435 fines over 'respect' in new crackdown
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info British holidaymakers could be hit with a hefty €500 (£436) penalty if they step out of line on a beloved Spanish island, with revellers on nights out particularly at risk. The Balearic gem of Majorca remains a firm favourite with UK tourists and is expected to be bustling this summer with visitors seeking sun and fun. However, in recent years, locals have developed mixed feelings about tourists from Britain and similar countries, with demonstrations erupting over skyrocketing property costs and environmental harm from the tourism sector. Now Brits enjoying a Mediterranean getaway are being urged to mind their behaviour, as warning notices have appeared across the island urging visitors to demonstrate "respect" during their stay or risk substantial financial penalties. The steepest fine, €500 (£435), applies to consuming alcohol on public streets, whilst "shouting, fighting or bothering people" can result in individuals receiving a €400 (£348) charge, as can nudity or partial nudity outside beach areas, reports the Express. This development follows concerns that Spanish islands worry Brits may not return as tourists face yet another setback. Advisory notices have been scattered throughout various Calvia streets, displaying warnings in both English and Spanish. The signs display the hashtag #havefunwithrespect, or #divierteteconrespeto in Spanish. "Dirtying the street" also carries a €200 (£174) punishment, with the notices positioned along Punta Ballena in Magaluf, alongside others on Ramon de Montcada in Santa Ponsa, according to the Liverpool Echo. Whilst these penalties apply to these specific locations, visitors to other Spanish resorts should acquaint themselves with additional regulations before departing. Local legislation restricts alcohol sales in certain destinations, including Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and San Antonio, for instance. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) additionally cautions that accommodation providers "will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies", and you may face a penalty as well. FCDO guidance for Spain states: "In some parts of Spain it's illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. "Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you're caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets." Holidaymakers are also being cautioned about operating drones in Spain following an incident where a tourist had their device confiscated, with the matter referred to Spain's State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) for administrative action. Spanish and EU legislation requires prior authorisation for all drone operations in built-up areas or above gatherings, whilst operators must possess training, registration, and insurance. Spain enforces stringent drone regulations, with breaches treated with gravity - penalties can span from €60 to an eye-watering €225,000 for the most severe infractions, depending on the offence's seriousness.
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Live
British passport holders urged to check important new rule before travelling in Europe
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A travel expert has issued a crucial alert to all British passport holders planning a European getaway from 12th October onwards. Vix Aguilera, an ATOL and ABTA protected UK travel agent, took to TikTok to outline changes coming to eGates, the automated self-service border control systems. "A new EES [Entry/Exit system] is going to apply to all non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen area and essentially it will eliminate the need to queue and get a stamp," she started. The shift will require travellers to provide facial recognition and fingerprints at a new self-service kiosk instead. "You will be submitting your biometric data upon arrival in the country," Vix clarified. "This will then be stored on a central database and linked to your UK travel guru advised that this record will be valid for three years, meaning you only need to go through the process once when you first enter." Now this is the intriguing part - it's going to be rolled out from 12th October in a phased approach," Vix continued." So although every country is within their rights to implement it immediately to reduce the need for additional queues, reports Bristol Live. "She further explained: "The way they are going to be doing this is by staggering it, so from days one to 29 there's going to be no minimum requirement and after that there's going to be 10% of passengers required to scan etc. " But according to Vix, there's no cause for immediate alarm as airport security personnel will be on hand to help travellers navigate the new procedure when they arrive." You just turn up to the eGates then have yourself directed by staff," she Vix warned against mixing up these alterations with the forthcoming ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorization System - a fresh requirement for visa-exempt nationals visiting 30 European countries." That's not going to be rolled out until the latter end of 2026 - and that will require a pre-travel authorisation," she who will be impacted by the change on October 12? Vix added: "Obviously if you are travelling from this date, if you are going to a Schengen area, and if you are a non-EU citizen and you are looking to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. "One TikTok user expressed gratitude for the clear explanation: "Thank you for explaining this so well. I was confused thinking it's the ETS, and since I'm travelling in December, worried that it being new might give me issues, but this is good info to have. "The rationale behind these modifications? The UK government's website, which offers additional details, explains: "EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying. " The statement notes: "The checks may take a few minutes, so be prepared to wait during busy times. If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. ". The countries included are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
