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There is no better way to travel around in Swanage than local trains, buses, bikes or even boats. Consider leaving your car at the hotel and try to enjoy the public transport of this seaside town. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the panoramic view, and let someone else take care of the steering wheel.
With plenty of transportation facilities available, you can make public transport a part of your journey. Here are some of the modes of transport that you should avail.
1. Steam train
The steam trains on the heritage Swanage Railway are the star attraction when it comes to transport in Swanage. These trains travel through the Isle of Purbeck countryside through Norden Station, past the ruins of Corfe Castle and end their journey at the sandy beach of Swanage. You can board the trains from Swanage, Corfe Castle, Herston Halt, Harmans Cross and Norden. You can also buy the travel guide that talks about the history of all these stops and the story of how vintage trains came back in this town.
2. Bus or coach
You can take an open-top bus along Swanage Bay to Bournemouth, or a normal bus through villages like Corfe Castle and towns such as Wareham, towards Poole.
The National Express coach also connects Swanage to places further afield, including London. These tickets must be booked in advance.
3. Boat and ferry
Swanage is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the UK. You can make the most of your visit to this town by taking a boat or ferry tour. You will find many boats and ferries available from Lulworth Cove, Wareham, Swanage, and Poole.
There is also the Sandbanks Ferry that connects this part of Dorset to Bournemouth and Poole. Swanage News has all the latest updates on running times.
4. Bike
Bicycles are also available for hire in and around Dorset – a great way to explore the landscape here, which is rich with heathland, woodland and coastal trails.
5. Train
The nearest station is Wareham, which joins the South Western service from London to Weymouth. There are various places of interest in Dorset that you should stop off en route and explore, including the lovely market town of Dorchester; the bustling culture of Bournemouth and the quaint backstreets of Christchurch.
Tickets are available online, at the railway station, and by telephone.