Events and what's on in Swanage
A stunning seaside town with golden beaches and an iconic steam train railway station, the town is home to a range of exciting events.
Creative writing on Swanage pier takes place on multiple occasions throughout the summer, whilst many other attractive events are available below.
View Swanage Events by Date:
The next 7 events in Swanage appear below.
18 Apr 2025 to 21 Apr 2025
Easter Egg Hunt at Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway,
Swanage, Dorset
Can you help the Easter Bunny hunt for eggs? Come to Swanage railway for a fun filled family trip and as you travel look out of the windows to spot the missing eggs.
This event is free for railway travellers. Start your egg-stravaganza by collecting a form with your tickets at any booking office. Then it’s over to you to spot the missing eggs during your journey. Take your completed form to the stalls at Swanage or Norden station to claim your free prize.
Our railway runs full-size ...
09 May 2025 to 11 May 2025
Diesel Gala
Swanage Railway,
Swanage, Dorset
Swanage Railway's 18th annual Diesel Gala and Beer Festival takes place from Friday the 9th to Sunday 11th of May, with a Preview Day on Thursday the 8th.
We will have an intensive service in operation on all three days between Swanage and Norden only. Unfortuntally, we are not able to run trains between Norden and our Network Rail Boundary this year. This is due to ongoing infastructure repairs following a bridge strike in August last year which has severed the line.
Repairs to the ...
24 May 2025 to 08 Jun 2025
Purbeck Art Weeks Festival
Swanage, Dorset
During PAW 2025 you can expect an array of experiences across Purbeck, from eclectic exhibitions to Open Studios, captivating concerts and events, and even some surprises sprinkled along the way.
This year's PAW Festival takes place from 24 May - 8 June. Prepare to be immersed in artistic wonder as painters, sculptors, textile artists, metalworkers, glass artists, woodworkers, ceramicists and more eagerly throw open their studio doors to welcome you.
Rollington Barn, nestled near ...
21 Jun 2025 to 22 Jun 2025
Meet Paddington Bear at Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway,
Swanage, Dorset
“Things are always happening to me. I’m that sort of bear”
Come and meet everyone’s favourite railway bear Paddington at Swanage Railway on Saturday 21 June and Sunday 22 June and also return on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September.
You must purchase a timed event ticket to meet Paddington - so why not have a family fun filled day out on the Railway. Our railway attraction operates full- size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to ...
21 Jun 2025 to 22 Jun 2025
Swanage Fish & Food Festival
Swanage, Dorset
The dates of the next Swanage Fish & Food Festival are Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2025.
This is our 10th anniversary year and we will be celebrating this wonderful achievement with you during the whole weekend!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new Artisan Tent! This exciting addition promises to elevate your experience at the festival, bringing together the best in local crafting, art and food specialist artisans, alongside the gourmet foods and vibrant ...
26 Jul 2025 to 02 Aug 2025
Swanage Carnival
Swanage, Dorset
Swanage Carnival is run by volunteers and is an annual eight-day event held in the picturesque coastal town of Swanage.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse entertainment, and community spirit, the carnival attracts visitors from near and far, offering something for everyone to enjoy and supported by voluntary contributions.
This year the organisers are thrilled to welcome the Red Arrows who will put on an unforgettable air display on Saturday 26th July, mark your calendars and ...
27 Sep 2025 to 28 Sep 2025
Meet Paddington Bear at Swanage Railway
Swanage, Dorset
Come and meet Paddington Bear as he journeys to Swanage Railway this September! More details on how your family might share marmelade sandwiches to follow soon!
Attractions
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The latest Swanage articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
7 Apr 2025
Dorset’s Egg-stravaganza of Easter Activities!
The Easter holidays are upon us! Whether you’re visiting Dorset for a holiday or live here and want to explore more of your county, there’s never a shortage of places to go and activities for the kids – and big kids! – to get involved in. But what’s on?
Dorset is chock full of family-friendly attractions, and many will be hosting Easter Egg Hunts or other fun activities for kids to enjoy over ... Read more...
26 Feb 2025
One of the big appeals to visiting Dorset is that it feels rather like a secret waiting to be discovered. With hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, unusual place names and unique hobbies, it is ‘THE’ destination to anyone who is looking for quirky things to do, places to explore or a special experience to enjoy. Dorset is rich in history, culture and its beauty is undeniable. Come for the day, the weekend, or make it your go-to holiday location. Many choose Dorset as their ... Read more...
6 Nov 2024
Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little one will want to meet the real Santa in Dorset this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences and Santa's Grottos throughout Dorset for you and your family to do just that.
Maybe you're looking for breakfast with Santa, a winter wonderland, a meet and greet Santa, or a SEN Santa visit.
We are building up all the best local events, so ... Read more...
8 Apr 2024
Dorset Coast Safety Messages
Stay safe on the Dorset Coast Dorset Beach Safety Information - Visit Dorset (visit-dorset.com)
Image by Sarah Middleton Photography www.sarahmiddletonphotography.com/
Walking
The Jurassic Coast is constantly eroding. This erosion has created the beautiful coastline that we see today, but it’s important to remember that rock falls and landslides are part of this process. Although they are more likely to occur after heavy rainfall or ... Read more...
18 Feb 2021
We’ve all had better years. If you’re looking for a much-needed break, look no further - here are 10 good reasons you can’t go wrong with a Dorset staycation in 2021.
Dorset has lots of outside space. Whether on the coast or out in the country, there’s room to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Accommodation – there’s plenty of choice, and accommodation providers, from campsites and B&Bs to luxury cottages and hideaways, ... Read more...
More articles available in the features section.
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