Swanage is a small coastal town in the south east of Dorset, England. It is situated at the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck, approximately 10 km south of Poole and 40 km east of Dorchester. The town has a population of 10,124 (2001). Nearby are Ballard Down, Old Harry Rocks, with Studland Bay to the north and Durlston Country Park to the south. The town, originally a small port and fishing village flourished in the Victorian era, when it first became a significant quarrying port and later a seaside resort for the rich of the day. Today the town remains a popular tourist resort, with many thousands of visitors coming to the town during the peak summer season, drawn by the bay's sandy beaches and other attractions. During its history the bay was listed variously as Swanawic, Swanwich, Sandwich, and only in more recent history as Swanage. The town is located at the western end of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site.
Source :
www.wikipedia.org.uk
Local Attractions :
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve :
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-studlandbeachandnaturereserve/
Swanage Museum at the Tithe Barn :
http://www.swanage.gov.uk/content.asp?id=110<1=aboutpurbeck&sub=swanage
Swanage Railway :
www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Other Popular Attractions in Dorset