Quintessential British seaside town that’s my favourite spot for a caravan holiday in the South West
SWANAGE has been named one of the best caravanning spots in the country thanks to its Blue Flag beach, colourful beach huts and steam railway.
Known as The Caravanning Mummy, travel expert, and mum-of-two, Rachel shares travel tips and destination guides on Instagram, including the best places to go on a caravan holiday in the UK.
Rachel purchased her caravan back in 2019, with her family spending the school holidays and weekends exploring the UK in their Bailey Of Bristol Phoenix 650 caravan.
The mum-of-two started holidaying in Dorset in the 1990s with her parents and has spent the last few years returning to her childhood haunts with her own kids.
And she recently named Swanage as her favourite caravanning destination in the southwest.
She told Sun Online Travel: “Swanage is the quintessential British seaside town. It’s got Punch and Judy shows, colourful beach huts, Blue Flag Beaches and Corfe Castle. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
“Swanage is such a brilliant staycation location because it takes adults back to their childhood visits with old-timey beach attractions.
“I just think it’s a brilliant little place. While it’s not necessarily unknown, it is just a very special place.”
One of the top attractions in the coastal town is the Swanage Railway – a full-size steam train that ferries passengers from Norden to Swanage, passing sites like Corfe Castle.
Swanage Railway runs themed experiences throughout the year, including a Polar Express service and a Spooky service.
Adult return tickets start from £18, with children’s tickets coming in at £9 for a return.
There are several beaches in and around Swanage for holidaymakers to visit like the Blue Flag Swanage Beach, which is known for its fine sand, cleanliness and amenities.
Other nearby beaches include Studland Beach.
Back by a wildlife reserve, Studland Beach is regarded as one of the finest beaches in the country.
There’s also Chapman’s Pool, a small cove that’s similar to Lulworth Cove, and Sandbanks Beach.
Located in Poole, Sandbanks Beach has held its Blue Flag status for the last 35 years and is known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
Facilities at the beach include toilets, showers, a beach cafe, a mini golf course and a beach volleyball net.
Swanage Pier is another popular attraction in the seaside town.
The pier is popular with divers because it’s one of the few sheltered sea diving sites on the south coast.
Entry onto the pier costs £2 for an adult, with a £5 charge for any adult who wants to dive under the wooden structure.
Holidaymakers can hire equipment from Divers Down – the oldest diving school in the UK.
Other attractions include Swanage Museum, Prince Albert Gardens and the chalk hills on Purbeck Heritage Coast.
Even though it’s a village in its own right, Corfe Castle is another must for holidaymakers visiting Swanage, with Rachel adding: “Corfe Castle is brilliant for my boys – and kids in general – because they can run around the ruins of a castle and pretend to be knights.”
Located halfway between Wareham and Swanage, the skyline of the Dorset village is dominated by the remains of Corfe Castle.
Built by William the Conqueror and partially demolished in 1646 during the English Civil War, Corfe Castle attracts visitors from all over the world.
Managed by the National Trust, entry costs £12 for an adult and £6 for a child.
There are loads of places to grab fish and chips in Swanage, including the Village Inn, the Fish Plaice, which has been running since the 1970s, Harlees Fish and Chips Swanage and the Hungry Shark, to name a few.
Swanage has plenty of pubs too like the Black Swan Inn, the White Horse Inn Swanage and the Ship Inn.
Later this month, Rachel will be sharing more Dorset caravanning tips at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Rachel's Favourite Campsites in Swanage
IN THE last five years, Rachel and her family have stayed at three campsites in Swanage - here's what they're like...
Haycraft Club Campsite
Located near Harmans Cross Train Station, holidaymakers can board a train on the Swanage Railway line to reach Swanage. The site is currently closed for refurbishment but is set to reopen in March.
Touring pitches start from £17 per pitch.
Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite
Set in Wareham, Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite is slightly further afield with holidaymakers needing to drive to reach the seaside.
Touring pitches start from £15.60 per night.
Norden Farm Campsite
The family-run campsite is Rachel’s favourite place to bag a pitch in Dorset because it is also a working farm, adding a touch of rural and rustic charm. Located on the Wareham-Swanage Road just outside of Corfe Castle, the campsite is close to famous beaches like Studland and Sandbanks. The site is open until October 31 – depending on the weather. Touring pitches start from £23.
Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.
And this holiday park has been named as one of the best in the country.