Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in Swanage

Swanage is a Dorset coastal town on the Isle of Purbeck, a spur of land jutting into the English Channel. It is six miles from Poole and 25 miles from Dorset. The town developed as a port during the Victorian era and later became a resort for holidays by the sea, thanks to its beautiful sandy beaches. Holiday cottages in Swanage are located at the eastern edge of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site which stretches from Exmouth to Studland Bay and is famous for its unique geology and dinosaur fossils. A stroll away from Swanage holiday homes, the town’s sweeping, sandy beach is a beautiful spot to swim and sunbathe. The shore is gently sloping, the water is usually calm, and deckchairs and pedalos can be hired at the seafront.

A Lighthouse tower and buildings on a grassy clifftop.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
4

Enjoy a unique holiday at Veronica Cottage, a stylish coastal cottage within Anvil Point Lighthouse near Swanage. Set within Durleston Country Park, the contemporary cottage enjoys spectacular ocean views and access to the beautiful beaches of Dorset. It offers spacious grounds and a sea breeze.

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A 3-storey holiday cottage in Swanage with twin bay windows.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

Enjoy the beauty of the Jurassic Coast with a stay at 20 Ulwell Road, a large Swanage holiday let in Swanage on the Dorset coast, along the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck. This three-storey pet-friendly cottage boasts seven bedrooms, an AGA cooker set in exposed brickwork, an annexe with an en-suite king-size bedroom, and a tiered garden.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

The Old Barn is a charming stone-built cottage near Swanage offering stylish accommodation. Set on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset's large and pet-friendly holiday home promises tranquillity, lovely views, spacious grounds, fresh air, open-plan living and a cosy log fire.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Compass is a stylish one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the resort town of Swanage, Dorset, a romantic flat within a pleasant courtyard that makes a cosy holiday escape for couples, with a private parking space, fully fitted kitchen, breakfast bar, tiled bathroom, and comfy sitting area.

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A lighthouse complex with a squat tower perches on a clifftop.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Rowena Cottage is uniquely positioned inside a converted lighthouse near Swanage and enjoys superb ocean views from Anvil Point. The pet-friendly cottage features ample grounds to soak up the views of the Dorset coastline and boasts luxury and a rare chance to get away in a spectacular location.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Swanage Driftwood is a large, modern coastal cottage in Dorset boasting light and airy spaces and contemporary chic. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Swanage lies just moments from the beach and offers a sun-filled interior and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces, plus access to bespoke Wellness packages.

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There are many family-friendly attractions to enjoy on self-catering holidays in Swanage. Take a wander along the clifftops and you will be rewarded with spectacular views along the coast. Look out for the distinctive chalk cliff stacks known as Old Harry Rocks. You will find plenty of good places to eat and drink in and around the high street, including Trattoria, Gee White’s Seafood Restaurant, and Brook Tea Rooms. 

Other holiday attractions are the Victorian Pier and the restored Swanage Steam Railway. K’s Funworld is an old-fashioned arcade with video games and assorted prizes, and Santa Fe is an amusement park with crazy golf and rides. 

Corfe Castle is a fort built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century near the town. During the summer months, carnival week in Swanage includes processions of floats and dancers and firework displays. The nature reserve of Durlston Country Park is well worth exploring, covering more than 260 acres, with the chance to spot rare birds and dolphins.