Welcome to Swanage
CLICK FOR 2021 CENSUS DATAIntroduction
Swanage () is a coastal town and civil parish in the south east of Dorset, England. It is at the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck and one of its two towns, approximately 6+1⁄4 miles (10 km) south of Poole and 25 miles (40 km) east of Dorchester. In the 2011 census the civil parish had a population of 9,601. Nearby are Ballard Down and Old Harry Rocks, with Studland Bay and Poole Harbour to the north. Within the parish are Durlston Bay and Durlston Country Park to the south of the town. The parish also includes the areas of Herston, just to the west of the town, and Durlston, just to the south. The town, originally a small port and fishing village, flourished in the Victorian era, when it first became a significant quarrying port and later a seaside resort for the rich of the day. Today the town remains a popular tourist resort, this being the town's primary industry, with many thousands of visitors coming to the town during the peak summer season, drawn by the bay's sandy beaches and other attractions. During its history the bay was listed variously as Swanawic, Swanwich and Sandwich, and only in more recent history as Swanage.The town is located at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site. The town contains many listed buildings and two conservation areas – Swanage Conservation Area and Herston Conservation Area.
Parish Information
Parish statistics
Area |
1,132 hectares |
---|---|
Population |
9,432 (2021) |
Density |
833 people/km2 |
Mean age |
48.3 |
Ward |
Swanage |
District |
Purbeck |
Postcodes |
BH19 |
ONS ID |
E04003483 |
Council
Contact details for Swanage Parish Council, including current councillors, precept data and election results.
Education
View educational establishments in Swanage Parish. Data includes OFSTED rating and current appointed governors.
Business
Business directory listing local businesses operating within Swanage Parish.
Property
Price paid data for all property sold in Swanage Parish since 2018. Includes average prices for each property type.
Heritage
Local heritage sites, historic churches, heritage pubs plus local heritage initiatives for Swanage Parish.
Local News
Hosted and licensed by Bournemouth Echo
Purbeck named among best places to live by Sunday Times
Published: 15th Mar 2024
Hosted and licensed by British Heritage Travel
A day well spent…The Isle of Purbeck
Published: 12th Apr 2024
Hosted and licensed by BBC
Final broadcast for Swanage Pier community radio station
Published: 15th Feb 2024