What’s on this month: DECEMBER 2023
We hope you’re starting to feel festive as December arrives – and to help with that Christmas magic, Swanage and the surrounding Purbeck villages have loads of family-friendly events going on this month as the countdown to Christmas begins.
It was Swanage Christmas Market last weekend (Sat 2 Dec), perfect for discovering gifts and produce from local makers and traders, and exploring our independent shops, cafés and restaurants for some winter warmers, Dorset style.
Father Christmas will be popping up across Purbeck in his sleigh and at various grottos throughout December – including on Swanage Pier and at The Blue Pool.
And The Polar Express continues its journeys to the ‘North Pole’ from Swanage Railway Station until 30 December.
Current & Upcoming Events
| October 2023 | ||
 | New Worlds, a Mowlem Visual Arts Exhibition by Lewis Peake Friday 20th October – Tuesday 12th December 2023 | Now On Started 51 days ago Ends in 2 days |
 | Purbeck New Wave Gallery Winter Exhibition Saturday 21st October – Sunday 31st December 2023 Purbeck New Wave Gallery, 43A High Street, Swanage, BH19 2LT | Now On Started 50 days ago Ends in 21 days |
| November 2023 | ||
 | ‘What if you just leave it?’ - Rewilding Unwrapped Exhibition at Durlston Tuesday 7th November – Sunday 10th December 2023 Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL | Now On Started 33 days ago Ends Today |
 | Friday 17th November – Saturday 30th December 2023 | Now On Started 23 days ago Ends in 20 days |
 | Saturday 25th November – Sunday 31st December 2023 Shore Road Beach Huts, Swanage, BH19 1LB | Now On Started 15 days ago Ends in 21 days |
 | Tuesday 28th November – Saturday 16th December 2023 | Now On Started 12 days ago Ends in 6 days |
| December 2023 | ||
 | 'Huddle in a Hut' - Winter Beach Hut Hire Friday 1st December 2023 – Friday 29th March 2024 Shore Road Beach Huts & Swanage Information Centre, Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1LB | Now On Started 9 days ago Ends in 110 days |
 | Friday 1st – Friday 15th December 2023 | Now On Started 9 days ago Ends in 5 days |
 | Monty Mouse's Hunt for a Festive Feast at Corfe Castle Saturday 2nd December 2023 – Sunday 7th January 2024 | Now On Started 8 days ago Ends in 28 days |
 | Corfe Castle's Rather Curious Christmas Saturday 2nd December 2023 – Monday 1st January 2024 | Now On Started 8 days ago Ends in 22 days |
 | Lighting Up Lives on Swanage Pier Friday 8th December 2023 – Wednesday 3rd January 2024 Swanage Pier, Pier Approach, Swanage, BH19 2AP | Now On Started 2 days ago Ends in 24 days |
 | Santa's Grotto on Swanage Pier Saturday 9th – Saturday 23rd December 2023 Swanage Pier, Pier Approach, Swanage, BH19 2AP | Now On Started Yesterday Ends in 13 days |
 | Santa's Grotto at The Blue Pool Saturday 9th – Saturday 23rd December 2023 The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, BH20 5AR | Now On Started Yesterday Ends in 13 days |
 | Wareham Christmas Parade & Arrival of Santa Sunday 10th December 2023 | Now On Starts Today Ends Today |
 | Sunday 10th December 2023 St James' Church, West Street, Kingston, Wareham | Now On Starts Today Ends Today |
 | Sunday 10th December 2023 Emmanuel Baptist Church, 160 Victoria Avenue, Swanage, BH19 1AZ | Now On Starts Today Ends Today |
 | Swing Easy Too at Newton Manor Hall Tuesday 12th December 2023 Newton Manor Hall, 170 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2PF | 2 days away |
 | Wednesday 13th December 2023 | 3 days away |
 | Winter Wonderland Crafts at the Library Wednesday 13th – Saturday 23rd December 2023 Swanage Library, 30-32 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NU | 3 days away |
| Art at Swanage Library - Christmas Cards Wednesday 13th December 2023 Swanage Library, 30-32 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NU | 3 days away |
 | Crazy Christmas Children's Activity Trail DEC/JAN 2023/24 Thursday 14th December 2023 – Tuesday 2nd January 2024 Durlston Country Park, Swanage, BH19 2JL | 4 days away |
 | Santa's Sleigh & Carol Singing in Corfe Friday 15th – Saturday 16th December 2023 | 5 days away |
 | The Churchfitters’ Christmas Show Friday 15th December 2023 Harman’s Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harman's Cross, Swanage, BH19 3EB | 5 days away |
 | The Cellar Bar Christmas Jumper Evening Friday 15th December 2023 The Cellar Bar, 2 Mowlem Lane, Swanage BH19 1DD | 5 days away |
 | Friday 15th December 2023 The Mowlem Showbar, Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1DD | 5 days away |
 | Christmas Donkeys & Entertainment on Swanage Pier Saturday 16th December 2023 Swanage Pier, Pier Approach, Swanage, BH19 2AP | 6 days away |
 | Harmony Rocks Choir Christmas Concert Saturday 16th December 2023 St James' Church, West Street, Kingston, Wareham | 6 days away |
 | The Purbeck Plaza Opening Night Saturday 16th December 2023 The Purbeck Plaza, 19 High Street, Swanage | 6 days away |
 | Saturday 16th December 2023 Baboo Gelato, 19 Institute Road, Swanage, BH19 1BT | 6 days away |
 | Sunday 17th December 2023 St Mary's Church, Church Hill, Swanage, BH19 1HU | 7 days away |
 | Advent Service of Lessons & Carols - Corfe Sunday 17th December 2023 St Edward's Church, East Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EQ | 7 days away |
 | Candlelit Carol Service in Corfe Sunday 17th December 2023 Corfe Congregational Church, 44 East Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EQ | 7 days away |
 | Tuesday 19th December 2023 The Mowlem Theatre, Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1DD | 9 days away |
 | Winter Solstice Walk & Breakfast at Studland Thursday 21st December 2023 | 11 days away |
 | Winter Solstice at Corfe Castle Thursday 21st December 2023 | 11 days away |
 | Christmas Carols with Jack Daniels Thursday 21st December 2023 The Banks Arms Hotel, Corfe Castle, 23 East Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5ED | 11 days away |
 | Saturday 23rd December 2023 Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL | 13 days away |
 | Christmas Services at St Mary's Church Sunday 24th – Monday 25th December 2023 St Mary's Church, Church Hill, Swanage, BH19 1HU | 14 days away |
 | Christmas Eve Nativity Service in Kimmeridge Sunday 24th December 2023 St Nicholas' Church, 1 The Graylings, Kimmeridge, Wareham, BH20 5PH | 14 days away |
 | Tuesday 26th December 2023 Swanage Beach, Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1LB | 16 days away |
 | Purbeck Mummers' Boxing Day Performance Tuesday 26th December 2023 | 16 days away |
 | New Year's Eve at the Grand Hotel Sunday 31st December 2023 The Grand Hotel, Burlington Road, Swanage, BH19 1LU | 21 days away |
 | New Year's Eve at The Fox Inn - Corfe Sunday 31st December 2023 The Fox Inn, 8 West Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5HD | 21 days away |
 | Old Harry Bar's New Year's Eve Party Sunday 31st December 2023 The Old Harry Bar, Heath Green Road, Studland, Swanage, BH19 3BU | 21 days away |
| January 2024 | ||
Wedding Showcase at Kingston Country Courtyard Sunday 7th January 2024 Kingston Country Courtyard, West Street, Kingston, Corfe Castle, BH20 5LR | 28 days away | |
 | Thursday 11th January – Sunday 25th February 2024 The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, BH20 5AR | 32 days away |
 | Cinderella - Pantomime from Swanage Drama Company Friday 12th January – Friday 20th December 2024 The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage, BH19 1DD | 33 days away |
 | The Mayday Singers' Winter Celebration Sunday 14th January 2024 St George's Church, 4 St. George's Close, Langton Matravers, Swanage, BH19 3HZ | 35 days away |
| February 2024 | ||
 | Rotary Young Musician Competition Sunday 4th February 2024 Swanage Methodist Church, 105 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2LZ | 56 days away |
 | The Swanage School Presents: Matilda the Musical Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th February 2024 The Mowlem Theatre, Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1DD | 74 days away |
 | Friday 23rd February 2024 Swanage Conservative Club, 27 Kings Rd West, Swanage, BH19 1HE | 75 days away |
Silver Saturday with Swanage Rotary Saturday 24th February 2024 Emmanuel Baptist Church, 160 Victoria Avenue, Swanage BH19 1AZ | 76 days away | |
| April 2024 | ||
 | Swanage Railway Taster Driving Experience Monday 15th – Friday 26th April 2024 | 127 days away |
 | Sunday 21st April 2024 Main Beach Car Park, Victoria Avenue, Swanage, BH19 1AP | 133 days away |
| May 2024 | ||
 | Swanage Railway Diesel Gala & Beer Festival Friday 10th – Sunday 12th May 2024 | 152 days away |
 | Saturday 25th May – Sunday 9th June 2024 | 167 days away |
| June 2024 | ||
 | Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th June 2024 Prince Albert Gardens, Swanage, BH19 2AR | 188 days away |
 | Swanage Railway Roads to Rail Steam Rally Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd June 2024 Norden Park, Norden Station, BH20 5DW | 194 days away |
| July 2024 | ||
 | Friday 12th – Sunday 14th July 2024 Swanage | 215 days away |
 | Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th July 2024 Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS | 228 days away |
 | Saturday 27th July – Saturday 3rd August 2024 Swanage | 230 days away |
| August 2024 | ||
 | Thursday 8th August 2024 Sandpit Field, De Moulham Road, Swanage, BH19 1NR | 242 days away |
 | The Isle of Purbeck Model Railway Exhibition Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th August 2024 Harman's Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harman's Cross, Swanage, BH19 3EB | 244 days away |
December 2023
- Les Fondus de la Raclette nights – Swiss-inspired evenings in Corfe’s Greyhound pub’s Christmas Alpine Bar. Selected dates between until 23 December
- The Mowlem Film: Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (12A) – Saturday 2 – Thursday 14 December
- Crafting with Santa Experience – At Little Tokens pottery studio in Wareham. Weekends throughout December, between 9 – 24 December
- Clubbercise Evening Sessions – Two one-off sessions at The Swanage School (10 & 17 December at 6pm) before the re-launch on Sunday mornings from 7 Jan
- The Globe Inn Live Music: Seafury Shanty Crew – Tuesday 12 December
- Harman’s Cross Movie Night: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry – Tuesday 12 December
- The Mowlem Film: Napoleon (15) – Friday 15 – Thursday 21 December
- Swanage Mental Health Swim – Meet at the blue & white shelter near Ocean Bay. Friendly swim followed by cake, Saturday 16 December, 10am
- The Mowlem Film: Wish (U) – Saturday 16 – Thursday 28 December
- Swanage Pier Live Music: Kelp! – The sea shanty group will be singing at Marine Villas (at the start of the pier) on Saturday 16 December at 4.30pm
- Artsreach Music: VRï – Welsh string & vocal trio, Corfe Castle village hall, Saturday 16 December, 7.30pm (Light refreshments available)
- Glass Engraving Workshop – At Durlston Country Park. Suitable for adults & children aged 8+, £15pp, booking required. Sunday 17 December, 11am – 12.30pm
- Kids’ Christmas Drawing Workshop – Festive wildlife art workshop (age 7+) with artist Mark Page at Durlston’s Learning Centre, Tuesday 19 December, 10.30am – 12pm. Tickets £17
- Jazz at the Grand Hotel – Local charities fundraiser with Swing Easy Too, Tuesday 19 December, 12:15pm. Free entry – donations gratefully received
- Allsort’d Exhibition: ‘New Heights’ – Creative works to view and purchase at Durlston’s Fine Foundation Gallery, 10am – 4pm from Wednesday 20 December – Sunday 14 January
- The Mowlem Film: The Polar Express (U) – Friday 22 – Sunday 24 December
- Corfe Castle Library Christmas Celebration – Festive drinks & nibbles in the library for volunteers and customers, on the morning of Saturday 23 December
- Christmas Bingo Night – At Studland’s Old Harry Bar, Saturday 23 December, 8pm
- Boxing Day Swim – On Swanage Beach, Tuesday 26 December, 11am
- The Black Sheep Band – Playing at The Square & Compass, Wednesday 27 December, from 8pm
- New Year Bottle Rocket Kids’ Activity – Get ready to welcome in the new year with a bang at Durlston Country Park – decorate your own bottle rocket & launch it into the sky on Thursday 28 December, 10.30am – 12pm. Tickets£3.50, booking required
- Mark’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year – Cash prizes to be had at the Old Harry Bar in Studland, Friday 29 December, 7.30pm for 8pm start
- NT Live – Romeo & Juliet – At The Mowlem, Friday 29 December, 7pm
- NT Live – The Book of Dust – At The Mowlem, Saturday 30 December (7pm) & Sunday 31 December (11.30am)
- Square & Compass New Year’s Party – With Bass Therapy Sound System, Sunday 31 December, 7pm – 1am
- Swanage Railway Winter Explorer – Sunday 31 December – Monday 1 January
January 2024
- Victorian Durlston Guided Walk – Historical walk around the country park, £3.50pp Thursday 4 January, 11am, – 12.30pm
- Swanage Railway Winter Warm-Up – A range of steam & diesel locomotives hauling passenger & freight trains, Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 January
- Victorian Durlston Exhibition – A visual exploration of the history of Durlston, George Burt & John Mowlem. Wednesday 17 January – Wednesday 7 February, 10am – 4pm daily
- The Mowlem Film: Wonka (PG) – Monday 22 January – Thursday 1 February
- The Mowlem NT Live: Dear England – Thursday 25 January, 7pm
- Durlston Through the Year – Join a park ranger at the country park’s learning centre to discover Durlston through the seasons, Sunday 28 January, 2pm – 3pm, £3.50pp
February 2024
- The Swanage School Presents: Matilda the Musical Jr – At The Mowlem, Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 February at 7.30pm, plus Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets £14 from The Mowlem box office
April 2024
- The Purbeck Piddler – Selection of Piddle Brewery ales & curry meals on a Swanage Railway steam train, 20 April
May 2024
- Dorset Art Weeks – 25 May – 9 June (Closing date for venue registrations: midnight Sunday 7 January )
June 2024
- The Purbeck Piddler – Piddle ales & curry evening on a steam train journey, with Swanage Railway, 22 June
Daily, Weekly & Monthly Recurring Activities
Aside from the annual and one-time special events above, there’s also a wide range of regular daily, weekly and monthly activities for you to participate in, so you’re never short of things to do in Swanage.
Weekly Events
Mondays
- Community Café – At Herston village hall, Mondays between 10am – 12pm. Tea & cake, toys & games
- Community Pantry – Open to all from 10am – 12pm (Herston village hall) Simply bring a bag and collect surplus fruit & veg. There’s no charge although a donation is welcome
- Citizen’s Advice drop-in session – At Herston village hall between 10am – 2pm
- Wild Walking Book Club (Easy – Moderate) – Gentle exercise and book chat in and around Durlston Country Park, £8pp, Mondays at 10am. To join email Vicki: vickibarefootresolution@gmail.com
- Studland Bay: Nature Tots – Toddler group (aged up to 5) with nature-inspired activities at Knoll Beach Discovery Centre, Mondays between 4 September – 11 December, 10am – 11am
- Community Pop-In – Social session at Emmanuel Church especially for people who live on their own. Come along for a hot drink & chat and games, jigsaws & crafts, followed by a light lunch. Each week from 10.30am – 1pm, donations only
- Cuppa & Company – Pop in to Swanage Library for a warm welcome and a free cup of tea or coffee. Mondays between 10.30am – 12.30pm
- Fundamental Pilates – At Studland village hall from 9.15am, with Swanage Fitness, £50 for six-week block
- Pilates & Stretch – Improve your core strength & general fitness at Emmanuel Church, Mondays 1.45pm – 2.45pm (also Tues eve), £9 per class
- Digital Champion Sessions – Learn the basics of your own or a library’s digital device to boost your confidence online with a friendly digital champion at Swanage Library between 2pm – 5pm. It’s free to attend, but book in by phoning to secure your spot
- Colour Me Happy – Mindful colouring session for adults at Swanage Library every Monday between 4pm – 6pm (free event)
- Junior Boxing – At Purbeck Power Gym, Corfe. Ages 7 – 10 from 5.15pm & ages 11 – 16 from 6.15pm (also Thurs)
- Adult Boxing – Classes for age 17+ at Purbeck Power Gym, Mondays 7.30pm (also Thurs)
- Cantos do Mundo – Community choir singing songs from around the world, £5 on the door (£3 concession). In The Mowlem’s community room every Monday between 7pm – 8.30pm
- Remix Youth Open Mic Night – For anyone aged 11-18 in Purbeck, all musical abilities welcome, just 50p per session. At Emmanuel Baptist Church on Mondays from 7pm – 9pm. For more info contact: youthteam@waveministry.org.uk
- Pie & Pint + Quiz Night – Mondays at The Anchor Inn, from 5pm, £15pp includes any pint or glass of wine. Quiz from 8pm
Tuesdays
- Early Risers’ Bootcamp – Outdoor fitness class in Day’s Park, every Tuesday, 7am
- Fit Yoga – With Joyoga at the Swanage Bay View gym, 9.30am, £8 drop-in classes during term-time only
- Stitch & Bitch – Fun & friendly craft & coffee morning at The White Swan pub from 10am. Includes free hot drink
- Swanage Linking Lives Place of Welcome – At 103 High Street, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10am – 12pm. All welcome for cuppa, & chat or to play board games
- Naughty Knitters of Swanage – Meet at the Con Club every Tuesday between 10.30am – 12.30pm. Free to attend, hot drinks available to purchase. All welcome
- Beach Clean – Volunteer with Swanage Beach Buddies every Tuesday and Sunday throughout the year
- Clinical Yoga – Seven-week, 45-minute classes at St Mark’s School at 5pm or 6pm, starting Tuesday 5 September. £10 per class or £8 per class for block-booking (£56)
- Youth Gym – Gym sessions for children aged 13 – 15 at Swanage Bay View, Tuesdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm & 4.30pm – 5.30pm, £3pp
- Zumba – With Lucy C Dance Fitness at The Swanage School, Tuesdays at 6.30pm
- Bereavement Cafe – Find out what support is available and share your feelings and remember loved ones – at Swanage skatepark on the WillDoes2004 bus, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
- Pilates & Stretch – Improve your core strength & general fitness at Emmanuel Church, Tuesdays 6.40pm – 7.30pm (also Monday lunchtimes), £9 per class
- Fitness Flow Pilates – With Swanage Fitness, St Mary’s School at 7pm. Dynamic class including body sculpting and mobility exercises to music, £50 for six-week block
- Folk Dancing – Swanage & Langton Matravers Folk Dance group meets every Tuesday at Langton village hall, 7.30pm – 9.45pm. New members & beginners welcome. No partner needed
- The Belvedere Singers – Try two sessions for free before joining (no need to audition). Rehearsals are on Tuesdays during term time at Emmanuel Baptist Church from 7.30pm – 9.30pm
- Karaoke Night – At The Anchor Inn from 8pm
Wednesdays
- Seahorses Playgroup – At Herston village hall, 9.30am – 11am (term time only), £2 per session. Hot drinks for adults & healthy snacks for children available
- Morning Yoga – Wake up with Joyoga at The Loft on Wednesdays at 9.30am. £8 drop-in sessions of £40 for six
- Wild Walking Book Club (Moderate – Challenging) – Slightly more challenging than Monday’s group – various locations around Swanage & Purbeck, £8pp. Wednesdays at 10am, duration 1-2 hours. Email for book list, further info & to join : vickibarefootresolution@gmail.com
- Citizen’s Advice drop-in session – At Swanage Library from 10am – 12pm (except first Weds of the month)
- Community Lunch – Pop in to The Loft Community Centre on Commercial Road (opposite Chococo) for some free food, a warm space or hot drink each Wednesday between 12.30pm – 2.30pm (stay & chat till 4pm). Veg/vegan options available. Small donation welcome but not necessary
- Herston Junior Choir – Have fun singing a range of music and learn to sight-read at this free choir for all children in Years 3 to 8. No musical knowledge is needed and drinks & snacks are provided. Every Wednesday at St Mark’s Church in Bell Street from 3.30pm – 4.30pm
- Qigong Fitness – Choreographed standing relaxation exercise class. At the Mowlem from 2pm – 3pm & 3.30pm – 4.40pm (from 20 Sept)
- Hatha Yoga – Suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis. Booking not required, mats provided. At St Edwards’s Catholic Church hall at 6pm, £9 With Joyoga (term-time only)
- Swanage Town Band Practice – Rehearsals every Wednesday during term time at Swanage Methodist Church from 7pm – 8.30pm
- Fatboy Karaoke – At The Globe pub every Wednesday from 8pm – 11pm
- Boxertone – Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Purbeck Power Gym in Corfe
Thursdays
- Slimming World – Thursdays at Swanage United Reformed Church, at 9am, 5.30pm or 7pm
- EBC Tots – Toddler group at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 10am – 11.30am, £1 donation per family
- Swanage Linking Lives Place of Welcome – At 103 High Street, Thursdays & Tuesdays, 10am – 12pm. All welcome for cuppa, & chat or to play board games
- Sketch & Chatter II – Six-week workshop at Studio South, Thursdays between 7 September – 12 October, 12pm – 1.30pm. £35pp (includes sketch book, charcoal pencils & blender, plus discounted drinks). Pop in to book
- Singing for Pleasure – Dementia-friendly singing session at Emmanuel Baptist Church, all welcome. From 2pm, £2pp
- Spin Class – At Swanage Bay View gym, Thursdays 6.15pm & 7pm
- Junior Boxing – Thursday class for ages 11 – 16 from 6.15pm – 7.15pm. At Purbeck Power Gym, Corfe Castle
- Adult Boxing – Classes for age 17+ at Purbeck Power Gym, Thursdays 7.30pm – 8.30pm (also Mon)
- Pilates – At Emmanuel Baptist Church – Pilates First class for new & returning at 6pm and Fundamental Pilates focusing on posture, strength, balance & mobility at 7pm
- Purestretch – 45-minute class combining yoga & pilates techniques with Ucan Fitness, Thursday 7pm in St Mark’s School hall, £6 pay as you go
- Purbeck Arts Choir – Weekly practice at St Mary’s School, 7pm – 8.30pm
- Free Antenatal Classes – This six-week online PeaPods course covers getting to know your baby, bonding, mental health & communication with a specialist midwife. Starts Thursday 28 September, 7pm – 8.30pm
- Karaoke & Quiz – Family pub quiz (8pm) followed by karaoke (9pm) at The White Swan pub every Thursday
Fridays
- Swanage Market – Every Friday from 8am – 1pm in Main Beach car park
- Greengage Community Garden – Fridays from 10am – 3pm
- Art Workshop – Creative art and craft sessions at all Saints church hall every Friday during term time from 10am – 12pm
- Hatha Yoga – Meditation, breathing exercises, body movement & relation techniques. Free taster session, £10 thereafter. In The Mowlem’s community room, Friday mornings from 10am – 11.15am. Email for info: sandracharlton1@gmail.com
- Sketch & Chatter I – Six-week drawing workshop at Studio South, every Friday between 8 September – 13 October, 2pm – 3.30pm. £35pp (includes sketch book, drawing equipment & discounted drinks). Pop in to book
- Sketch & Chatter III – Six-week art workshop at Studio South, Friday mornings between 8 September – 13 October, 12pm – 1.30pm. £35pp (includes sketch book, water-soluble pencils & brush, plus discounted drinks). Pop in to book
- Swanage Youth Club – Youth club at Herston village hall for Year 6 & up, between 6.30pm – 8pm (term time only). £3 annual membership; £1.50 per session
- The Anchor Club – DJ night at The Anchor Inn every Friday from 10pm, playing funky house, disco, R&B & latest hits
Saturdays
- Durlston Parkrun – Free 5k parkrun every Saturday
- Pre-School Explore and Play – Saturday sessions at Herston village hall 8.45am – 9.30am
- Lego Club – Fun for children at Swanage Library every Saturday between 10am – 12pm
- Crochet Creations – Free craft session for adults at Swanage Library – please contact the library for timings
- Self-Defence & Martial Arts – Two-hour session every Saturday with Swanage Martial Arts at the Methodist Church from 10am – 12pm, £9 per class
Sundays
- Park Yoga – Free outdoor yoga class every Sunday in the summer at Durlston Country Park
- Beach Clean – Swanage Beach Buddies are looking for volunteers to help with the local beach clean every Sunday and Tuesday throughout the year
- Clubbercise – Sunday mornings at The Swanage School (from 7th January onwards)
- Sunday Bingo – At Swanage Conservative Club, from 1pm
- Showcase Sundays – Live music on Sunday afternoons at the Old Harry Bar in Studland, 3pm – 8pm. Open to local musicians, bands, groups & soloists who wish to gain live music experience or test out new music
Weekends
- Swanage Arts & Craft Market – Stalls outside The Mowlem every Saturday & Sunday, weather permitting (between April & October)
Various Days
- Art for Fun – Free drop-in art workshop at Andy Knill Studio for age 6+. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday between 10am – 5pm
Monthly Events
Tuesdays
- Swanage W.I. – Meets at The Centre on Chapel Lane on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm
- Folk Night – At The Square & Compass on the first Tuesday of the month, 8pm
Wednesdays
- Purbeck Crafts – Craft workshop in Corfe village hall, Wednesday mornings, 9am – 12pm
- Books and More – Free book discussion group for adults on the third Wednesday of the month from 10.30am – 11.30am at Swanage Library – join in by booking online
- Oscar’s Quiz Night & Rock n’ Roll Bingo – Generally once a month, in The Mowlem’s Showbar
- Open Mic Night – At the Square & Compass pub in Worth Matravers. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 8pm (unless otherwise stated on their website). PA provided
Thursdays
- Purbeck Flower Club – Floral demonstrations & workshops in The Mowlem’s community room on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2.15pm (doors open 1.45pm). Refreshments, raffle & sales table, visitors welcome
- Swanage Photographic Society – Friendly film & digital photography group with visiting speakers and member competitions. Meets at the Rectory classroom on Church Hill on the first & third Thursday of the month at 7.30pm between September and May. New members welcome
- Swanage CommUnity Drum Circle – Creative, facilitated drum and percussion workshop for fun & wellbeing. Thursdays once monthly at Emmanuel Church between 7.30pm – 9pm. Refreshments provided, suggested donation £3. Beginners & experienced musicians welcome. Info: www.swanagedrum.org
Fridays
- Swanage Volunteer Bureau – Pop in to see how you can share your skills or experience to help local organisations on a one-off or regular basis. First Friday of the month at Swanage Library between 10.30am – 12.30pm
- Kimmeridge Keilidh – Monthly barn dance in Kimmeridge village hall
Saturdays
- Herston Craft Circle – First Saturday of the month 10am – 12pm, £3 (includes hot drinks & biscuits), Herston village hall
- Soup n Pud – With Corfe Community Kitchen. Free, sociable lunch at Corfe Castle village hall on the first Saturday of the month from 12.30pm – 1.45pm. Choice of two soups & a roll followed by puds with custard
Sundays
- Park to Pier Walk – Guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier (various dates throughout the year)
- Volunteer Ranger Taster Sessions – Have a go at gorse-cutting, harvesting seeds, maintaining footpaths & more with the National Trust. Various locations across Purbeck on the second Sunday of the month from 10am
- Trust10 Run – Studland – A monthly, free 10k trail run through the Studland terrain – from Knoll Beach, past Old Harry Rocks to Ballard Down & back, Sunday 24 September, 8:45am – 11am (and every 4th Sunday of the month (except Dec, which is the 17th))
- Antiques Fair – The first Sunday of the month at Corfe Castle village hall, from 10am
- Come & Sing at St. Mary’s Church – Open choral singing sessions, typically on the third Sunday of the month
Varying days
- Flooding Swanage With Art – Guided art trail walks on selected dates between November and February
- Stargazing at Durlston
- Open Mic Night – At Newton Manor Hall on the fourth Wednesday or Thursday (alternating) of the month from 7.30 – 11pm. Drinks available for donation
Welcome to Swanage
Welcome to the new Swanage Events website – home to the most comprehensive calendar of public events in Swanage and surrounding areas of Purbeck.
There’s always a wide range of events & activities going on around Swanage throughout the year, so whether you live here or are planning a quick visit, let’s see if we can’t find something for you. Please use this website as a tool to help you make the most of your time in Swanage.
If you know of any events we’ve missed please add them here, and if you have any other questions or suggestions feel free to get in touch.