Swanage Bay is a beach of mostly sand interspersed with groynes, extending about 1½ miles from Swanage harbour to Ballard Down on the northern side. The bay is fairly shallow and the sea warms quickly on a hot day. It's generally safe for swimming but there can be weever fish. P&D parking can be found a short walk away and beach access is down steps, ramps or a slipway. Lifeguards patrol from Whitsun weekend until the second weekend in September. The town centre is at the southern end of the bay, and has a good selection of cafes, take-aways and beach shops. Other facilities include a Tourist Information Centre, toilets, cold water showers, deck-chair and pedalo hire. Swanage is also the terminus of the standard gauge Swanage Railway, which runs for 5½ miles from Norden.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1st May until 30th September.
