Join us for a gentle, family-friendly guided walk exploring Swanage’s fascinating changes over time. Led by Steve Wallis, Dorset Council’s Archaeologist, this walk will uncover hidden historical features and stories that bring the town’s rich past to life.
Once almost two separate communities—a bustling fishing village by the sea and a thriving stone quarrying settlement inland—Swanage has a unique heritage waiting to be explored.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, this walk offers a fresh perspective on Swanage’s past and present.
Take a closer look at the main image, captured in the 1920s, showing the stone jetty at Monkey Beach. Built in 1825 by local MP and landowner William Morton Pitt, this jetty was part of his ambitious plan to transform Swanage into a fashionable seaside resort. Though it may seem modest today, it once played a vital role in welcoming both tourists arriving by boat and supporting the town’s fishing trade. It’s a quiet reminder of Swanage’s aspirations and its bustling maritime past.
- Date: 20th September 2025
- Time: 11am and 2pm (same walk repeated at both times)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Meeting Place: Dorset Coast Forum Discovery Fest gazebo, Shore Road (Mowlem end)
- What to Expect: A gentle 1 mile walk around the Shore Road area of the town.
- Accessibility: Gentle pace, suitable for families and for most abilities. The route is mainly flat with gentle slopes through the gardens and town.
Dogs on short leads welcome.
Please register each person to confirm your place on either of the walks at 11am and 2pm.
This event is part of the Discovery Fest family fun day event organised by Dorset Coast Forum and Planet Purbeck.
Find out more at: https://www.dorsetcoast.com/30-year-celebrations-2025/
