For garden enthusiasts visit Abbotsbury, Stapehill, Compton Acres and Kingston Lacey are all within easy reach and the Abbotsbury Swannery is a real treat - particularly when the cygnets are young in May and June. The Blue Pool at Furzebrook is an oasis of calm and the tea room serves wonderful lunches and snacks.  The scones are legendary.  The world-famous Lulworth Cove is another must-see and the nearby Lulworth Castle hosts an ever-increasing number of events from jousting displays to open air concerts.


Dorset's literary connections cannot be ignored.  Thomas Hardy's Cottage is well worth a visit and the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester has lots more Hardy material.  T.E Laurence (Laurence of Arabia) has many connections with Dorset and Clouds, his home for some years, is open to the public.  If you visit Laurence's grave at Morton Church be sure to look at the etched windows by Laurence Whistler.

Many special events take place during the year.  A full diary is available on Virtual Swanage but some of the major events are as follows:
March
May
July
July/August
September
October
October