Things to Do in Swanage

🎟️Railways & Transport

Swanage Railway ⭐ 4.8

Railways & Transport

Swanage Railway

Experience the charm of vintage steam locomotives as they journey through stunning Dorset countryside, offering families an authentic railway adventure complete with onsite dining and accessible facilities.

🎟️Beaches & Coastline

Swanage Beach ⭐ 4.7

Beaches & Coastline

Swanage Beach

A traditional seaside destination on the Dorset coast with sandy shores and an onsite restaurant, though families should note limited facilities and that picnics aren't permitted.

⭐ 4.5

Farm Parks

Putlake Adventure Farm

Meet farm animals and birds before racing go-karts, bouncing on trampolines and enjoying tractor rides at this action-packed attraction in Langton Matravers.

🎟️Trails & Treasure Hunts

The Corfe 4 Kids Treasure Trail 3.6 mi away

Trails & Treasure Hunts

The Corfe 4 Kids Treasure Trail

Explore the historic village of Corfe on this family-friendly treasure hunt featuring clues and challenges that lead you through scenic Dorset landscapes. Wheelchair accessible with picnic facilities.

⭐ 4.8

Beaches & Coastline

Chapmans Pool Beach

This secluded Dorset cove offers families a perfect spot for swimming and discovering ancient fossils along the shore. Pack a picnic and enjoy wheelchair-friendly access to this peaceful coastal gem.

⭐ 4.8 4.8 mi away

Water Parks & Splash Pools

Dorset Adventure Park

Jump, bounce and splash your way across floating platforms at this exciting aqua obstacle course near Corfe Castle, where refreshments are available and four-legged friends are welcome too.

⭐ 4.5 5.3 mi away

Castles & Palaces

Corfe Castle

Explore the dramatic ruins of this thousand-year-old fortress perched on a Dorset hilltop, where families can climb ancient towers and discover tales of knights, kings and Civil War sieges.

⭐ 4.9 5.4 mi away

Sightseeing & Attractions

Brownsea Island

This National Trust island gem in Poole Harbour delights families with exceptional wildlife spotting, captivating history exhibits, and panoramic coastal scenery, all accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

⭐ 4.7 5.5 mi away

Beaches & Coastline

Sandbanks Beach

This Blue Flag beach in Poole offers families watersports action including kayaking and inflatables, plus beach volleyball and crazy golf, with onsite parking, dining and accessible facilities.

⭐ 4.5 5.6 mi away

Adventure Golf

Sandbanks Crazy Golf

Navigate quirky obstacles and unexpected twists on this classic seaside putting course, perfect for competitive families seeking traditional coastal entertainment near Poole's famous beach.

⭐ 4.4 6.5 mi away

Sightseeing & Attractions

The Blue Pool

Experience a stunning natural pool whose waters shift through mesmerising shades, set within peaceful woodland trails where children can spot hidden model squirrels among the trees.

⭐ 4.5 7.2 mi away

Boat Tours & Cruises

City Cruises Poole

Set sail from The Quay to explore Poole's stunning harbour and coastline aboard a sightseeing cruise that welcomes dogs, pushchairs and packed lunches, with refreshments also available on board.

⭐ 4.5 7.2 mi away

Museums & Galleries

Poole Museum and Scaplens Court museum

Explore local heritage at this High Street museum featuring accessible galleries and a historic medieval merchant's house, with family facilities including baby changing and an onsite restaurant.

⭐ 4.6 7.3 mi away

Parks & Play Areas

Whitecliff Play Area

A Parkstone playground offering outdoor fun for children with convenient onsite parking, though families should note the absence of toilet facilities and picnic restrictions.

⭐ 3.6 7.4 mi away

Swimming & Leisure Centres

The Dolphin Swimming Pool

Keep the whole family entertained at this Poole leisure facility offering public swimming sessions, an extensive range of fitness classes, and gym access for all ages and abilities.

⭐ 4.6 7.5 mi away

Beaches & Coastline

Kimmeridge Bay

Explore this Dorset coastal gem where families can discover marine life in natural rock pools, enjoy snorkelling adventures, and spot fascinating wildlife along the scenic shoreline.

⭐ 4.6 8.1 mi away

Beaches & Coastline

Bournemouth Pier

Enjoy a classic seaside experience with beautiful sandy shores and ocean views at this iconic pier destination. Wheelchair accessible with toilets on-site and picnics welcome.

⭐ 4.6 8.1 mi away

Adventure & Activity Centres

RockReef

Scale walls, soar on zip lines and tackle nearly 30 thrilling indoor climbing challenges at this action-packed Bournemouth adventure centre, complete with onsite dining and full accessibility.

⭐ 4.8 8.2 mi away

Escape Room Challenges

Arcadia Escape Room

Challenge your family's problem-solving skills in immersive themed rooms where you'll work together to crack codes and uncover clues. Pushchair-accessible venue perfect for older children and adults.

⭐ 4.2 8.2 mi away

Aquariums & Sea Life Centres

Oceanarium

Discover marine life from around the world at this Bournemouth aquarium, home to 150+ species with daily feeding demonstrations and expert talks. Fully wheelchair accessible throughout.

⭐ 4.5 8.2 mi away

Boat Tours & Cruises

City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop on Hop off Tour

Explore Bournemouth's seafront highlights and beautiful attractions aboard an open-top bus, with the freedom to disembark at key spots throughout your sightseeing journey.

⭐ 4.5 8.2 mi away

Indoor Soft Play

Lollipops Soft Play Cafe Bournemouth

This welcoming indoor play centre on Landseer Road offers youngsters an exciting adventure playground while parents relax with refreshments from the onsite café, complete with baby facilities.

⭐ 4.7 8.2 mi away

Theme Parks & Funfairs

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, Bournemouth

Set sail on a swashbuckling pirate-themed mini golf adventure right on Bournemouth's seafront, featuring accessible courses perfect for family fun by the pier.

⭐ 4.0 8.3 mi away

Bowling Alleys

Hollywood Bowl Bournemouth Branksome

Strike up family fun at this lively bowling venue offering lanes for all ages plus arcade entertainment, pool tables and an onsite restaurant. Accessible facilities include parking, wheelchair access and baby changing.

⭐ 4.4 8.3 mi away

Adventure Golf

Mulligans Bournemouth

Enjoy multi-level mini golf fun at this popular Bournemouth venue featuring three exciting themed courses for all ages. Fully accessible with onsite dining, baby facilities and convenient parking available.

⭐ 4.5 8.3 mi away

Cinema & Theatre

ODEON Bournemouth

Treat your family to the latest blockbusters at this 10-screen cinema on Exeter Crescent, with snacks available and wheelchair access throughout the venue.

🎟️Adventure & Activity Centres

Boom Battle Bar ⭐ 4.9 8.3 mi away

Adventure & Activity Centres

Boom Battle Bar

Competitive socialising venue at BH2 complex offering axe throwing, mini golf and other interactive games for groups seeking active entertainment with a lively bar atmosphere.

⭐ 4.8 8.4 mi away

Boat Tours & Cruises

Wareham Boat Hire

Explore the scenic waterways from Abbots Quay with accessible boat rentals perfect for family picnics on the river. Facilities include parking, toilets, and light refreshments available on-site.

⭐ 4.7 8.5 mi away

Ice & Roller Skating

Prevail Skatehouse

Rolling fun for active families at this skatehouse venue on Ringwood Road, though visitors should note limited facilities and no wheelchair access before planning their visit.

⭐ 4.2 8.6 mi away

Laser Tag Arenas

Laser Quest Bournemouth

Battle through multi-level arenas at this action-packed laser tag venue in Bournemouth, where families can enjoy futuristic combat games with snacks available and picnics welcome.

⭐ 4.5 8.6 mi away

Family Restaurants

Pause Cat Cafe

Enjoy refreshments surrounded by friendly felines at this welcoming Bournemouth venue, offering accessible facilities and dining options for the whole family to savour alongside playful resident cats.

⭐ 4.9 8.9 mi away

Arts & Crafts Workshops

Pottery Corner

Get creative at this hands-on ceramics studio where families can paint pottery pieces together. Baby changing and nursing facilities available, though accessibility is limited.

⭐ 4.6 9.1 mi away

Arcades & Gaming

Insanity Arcade

A lively gaming venue offering pushchair-friendly entertainment for all ages, complete with baby changing facilities to help families enjoy their visit together.

⭐ 4.6 9.2 mi away

Parks & Play Areas

Upton Country Park

This 100-acre Poole parkland features beautiful gardens, woodland walks and a tree trail, plus seasonal water displays. Family-friendly with parking, restaurant and picnic areas.

⭐ 4.2 9.4 mi away

Indoor Soft Play

Lemur Landings

This spacious indoor soft play centre at Tower Park welcomes youngsters up to 11 with climbing frames, slides and activity zones, plus an onsite café and full baby facilities for family convenience.

⭐ 4.2 9.4 mi away

Water Parks & Splash Pools

Splashdown

Experience thrilling indoor and outdoor water slides at this family-friendly aquatic adventure park in Poole, featuring facilities for visitors with young children and accessible entry points.

⭐ 4.0 9.4 mi away

Bowling Alleys

Hollywood Bowl Poole Tower Park

Strike up family fun at this modern bowling alley in Tower Park, featuring lanes with bumper options for little ones, plus arcade entertainment and tasty dining all under one roof.

⭐ 4.6 10 mi away

Go Karting & Driving Experiences

TeamSport Indoor Karting Bournemouth

Experience the adrenaline rush of indoor go-kart racing on Bournemouth's multi-level track, where families with older children can compete in high-speed electric karts for an unforgettable day out.

⭐ 4.3 10 mi away

Adventure & Activity Centres

Slades Farm Skate Park

Roll, flip and grind at this outdoor skate park on Columbia Road, perfect for boarders and BMX riders looking to practice their moves in Ensbury Park.