Discover Swanage Pier: An undiscovered gem?

While you may be used to camping holidays on the south coast, there are a few gems across the area which you may not be too familiar with. One of these overlooked gems is Swanage Pier in stunning Dorset. Here is a quick guide to the pier to supply you with all the information you will need to enjoy a new family-fun hotspot during your next camping trip to Dorset.

History

Currently operated by the Swanage Pier Trust, the pier is located in the small town of Swanage on the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck. The history of Swanage Pier dates back to 1859 and 1860 when the landmark was constructed by James Walton for the Swanage Pier and Tramway Company. Originally built to help transport stone, horses with carts were a regular sight at the pier’s tramway along the seafront.

After the introduction of a steamer service 1874, the pier was largely used by day trippers as well as stone transporters. To cope with the large influx in traffic, a longer pier opened to the public in 1897. Business carried on as usual with steamers regularly visiting the pier. However, in 1940, the pier was partly blown up as an anti-invasion precaution. Left out of action for around 30 years, the Swanage Pier Trust began full restoration work on the timber with the aid of Lottery and English Heritage funding in 1994. £108,000 from annual fundraising and generous volunteers help keep the pier running today.

Facilities and Attractions

The success of Swanage Pier, which won Pier of the Year in 2012, is not only due to its colourful history but also its list of family-friendly activities and facilities. The pier is generally open throughout the year and costs £0.80 for adults to stroll (children are free). During the peak seasons, volunteers do a wonderful job to keep the pier open until 9pm. However, it can close as early as 4pm during winter. Toilets and parking spaces are available for £10 per day but you will need to get there early to nab a spot.

Alongside these basic amenities, the pier is also home to some quintessentially British treats including fantastic pasty shops, classic penny slot machines and seaside craft shops selling knick-knacks. Along its creaky floorboards, hundreds of inscribed brass plaques from past visitors and locals really illustrate the sense of community here. An underwater video depicting the sea life under the pier as well as a nearby museum will both add some educational entertainment to your trip.

Water Sports and Activities

The pier really does provide fun for everyone, with a variety of sports to keep livelier visitors entertained. With scenic views of the Isle of Wight, fishing from the end of the pier is a popular pastime. Families can set sail from the pier on the last sea going paddle steamer in the world. Alongside quiet ferries and fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, water skiing, donut riding and wake boarding can also be enjoyed by adrenaline junkies at the pier. There is a small charge of £3.50 for fishing and £2.50 for diving, with a £1.00 fee for under 16’s.

Exploring Swanage and its Campsites

Swanage is the first town along the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, England’s first World Heritage Site and a beautiful attraction for visitors. Once you cross into Swanage via the road from Wareham or the ferry from Poole, you will be greeted with award winning beaches, scenic countryside and views of the Isle of Wight. It’s the perfect place for camping! You will find a number of campsites across the peninsular including several with ‘Swanage’ in the title so you can’t go wrong.

Alongside its shops, restaurants, and traditional pubs, you can explore the town’s past at the Swanage Museum and steam railway. Or choose to meander along miles of footpaths past castles, bays, beaches and natural beauty spots. The area also plays host to a range of sporting activities including tennis and golf, as well as festivals throughout the year such as the Swanage Regatta and Carnival and the popular Swanage Folk Festival.

Take some time to explore this little-known delight on Purbeck Island. We are sure that you and your family will enjoy discovering Swanage Pier and the little beaches, bays and towns which lie beyond.