Beach and Bay
Swanage Beach
Swanage’s pride and joy is its gently shelving, golden sandy beach, and clear unpolluted water. The Town Council is proud to say that in 2023, and for the 22nd consecutive year, the beach was once again awarded the Blue Flag and Seaside Award.
This accolade is given to beaches that have been inspected for quality of water, beach cleanliness, and access facilities. The sea off of Swanage Central Beach consistently meets the highest European standards and is monitored by the Environment Agency between 15th May and 30th September each year.
Blue Flag beaches must comply with a number of criteria covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety and services.
The Seaside Award recognises and rewards beaches that achieve the highest standards of beach management and, in the case of bathing beaches such as Swanage, meet guideline water quality.
Please click on the link for further details of the Blue Flag and Seaside Award
Please click on the following links for further information regarding water quality:
In the summer months the beach is patrolled daily by the Town Council’s Enforcement Officers, ensuring that beach regulations/byelaws are adhered to.
There is a clearly marked craft free area, and Swanage Central Beach will once again have RNLI Lifeguard Services in operation for the summer season from 27th May to 10th September between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Please follow the links for further information regarding the Blue Flag criteria and Seaside Award criteria.
Dogs
Please note that from 1st May until 30th September each year dogs are not permitted on the Council-owned Central Beach (Main Beach).
However, pet owners are welcome to use 'Monkey Beach' all year round which is located between the old Stone Quay and Swanage Pier.
PLEASE NOTE:
North Beach (the beach to the North of the Ulwell Stream) is privately owned above the mean high water mark and the beach owners have their own dog regulations in place.
You are able to walk your dog below the mean high water mark, however, please be aware of the owners' signs along North Beach to ensure you comply with the additional regulations relating to the private beach above this mark. Thank you for your assistance.
Please click on the links below for further guidance and information:
DORSET COUNCIL - WALKING DOGS ON BEACHES
Walking dogs on beaches - Dorset Council
DORSET DOGS AND THE 'DOGGY DO CODE' - LOVE DOGS, LOVE NATURE
For further advice, and information about dog friendly attractions, eateries and accommodation in Dorset, please visit the Dorset Dogs website.
Dorset Dogs champion positive management for dogs in town, coast and countryside, and promotes responsible dog ownership. Please follow 'The Doggy Do Code' thank you.
Swanage Bay
All boat and jet-ski users are asked to respect the bay’s regulations, with a 5 knot buoy area in operation between 15th March – 30th September each year.
Vessels can be safely launched from either the Town Council’s boat park at Peveril Point, which is located off Broad Road car park, or Ocean Bay Watersports which is located at the northern end of the Town Council beach. There is a charge for the use of these slipways, and to found their locations, please view this map.
Alternatively, non-motorised craft can be launched from:
- The parish slipway (located off The Square) – all trailers must be removed from the slipway after launching
- Monkey Beach (near the Stone Quay) – this becomes very busy during high season
The launching of jet-skis and any motorised craft at these locations is strictly prohibited.