Upcoming Events

What’s on: MAY 2025

Swanage welcomes the return of four annual festival favourites this May: the family-friendly Pirate Festival (24 – 25 May) and Fairy Festival (30 – 31 May) during half-term, along with Purbeck Art Weeks (24 May – 8 Jun).

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Current Events

Upcoming Events

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Daily, Weekly & Monthly Recurring Activities

Aside from the annual and one-time special events listed 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

• Reach Drug & Alcohol Service – Drop in session & referrals; between 9am – 5pm each Monday at The Focus Centre
• Chair Exercise Exercise Class – Particularly suitable for the over 50s. At The Mowlem on Mondays between 10am – 11am (starts Monday 28^th April)
• Herston Hall Community Café – Mondays between 10am – 12pm
• 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 – 12pm
• Access Wellbeing – Free mental health & wellbeing support for anyone aged 18+. No appointment needed, just pop in to the Focus Centre between 10am – 4pm on a Monday where you’ll receive a friendly welcome from wellbeing coordinators Andy & Nicci
• Growing Together Baby Group (0 – 1 years) – 10.30am – 11.30am at The Focus Centre. Call to book an appointment: 01929 557000
• Studland Bay: Nature Tots – Toddler group (aged up to 5) with nature-inspired activities at Knoll Beach Discovery Centre
• 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
• Cuppa & a Chat at Durlston – A free weekly meet up at the Durlston Shed, 2pm – 4pm
• 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 Rowing: 6pm – 7pm between April & September (light & weather-permitting)
• Junior Boxing – At Purbeck Power Gym, Corfe. Ages 7 – 10 from 5.15pm & ages 11 – 16 from 6.15pm (also Thurs)
• Beginners Modern Line Dance – St Edward’s Church Hall, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, with some added Latin Line dances too. With Purbeck Dance Studio
• Yoga with Sarah & Sandra Starters Course – All levels of experience welcome, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Mondays at The Mowlem from 6.30pm
• 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, at The Loft on Mondays, 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
• Yoga on the Pier – Tuesdays from 8am – 9am, June – August. See Swanage Pier’s Facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/swanagepier
• Fit Yoga – With JoYoga at Swanage United Reformed Church, 9.30am – 10.30am, £8 drop-in classes during term-time only
• Out of the Blue craft & social meet-up – At ‘The Shed’ at Durlston, between 10am – 1pm. Drop in and meet some new faces and try your hand at a range of arts, wool crafts and stone carving
• Aerobics – For adults with additional learning needs in Purbeck. At Swanage Bay View between 9.30am – 10.15am, £3 a session (carers can join in for free!)
• Stitch & Bitch – Fun & friendly craft & coffee morning at The White Swan pub from 10am. Includes free hot drink
• Art Dabblers – Tuesday mornings between 10am – 12.30pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church
• Walking for Health – Short walks on a Tuesday morning from 10.30am (15 – 30 mins) meeting outside The Mowlem; longer walks at 2pm (60 – 90 mins)
• 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
• Swanage Town Walks – Seasonal historical walks on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Meet at 2pm at Swanage Museum
• Join a Ranger at Durlston – Head to The Shed and help out with some crafts, practical tasks or light maintenance through some of Durlston’s DIY projects. Tuesday afternoons between 2pm – 4pm; with support from All Sort’d
• Herston Junior Singing Club – Free fun music club at St Mark’s Church every Tuesday after school during term time, from 3.30pm – 4.25pm. For Years 3 – 6.
• 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
• Rowing with Swanage Sea Rowing Club: Recreational rowing between 4pm – 7pm, with new member session from 5pm – 7pm (between April & September, light & weather-permitting)
• Studio South Art Club – Tuesday evenings from 5pm – 7pm, £12 a month. Bring your own projects/materials and enjoy an art demo every 3 months, plus discounted materials & drinks for members
• 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 WillDoes bus, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
• Martial Arts Training by the Sea – Tuesday evenings between 6pm – 7pm, from June to August
• Pilates & Stretch – Improve your core strength & general fitness at Emmanuel Church, Tuesdays 6.40pm – 7.30pm (also Monday lunchtimes), £9 per class
• Women’s Walking Football – 6.50pm – 8pm at Swanage Football Club, £4 a week (first session free)
• Boxercise – Classes at Swanage Bay View gym, 7pm – 7.45pm
• Chakra Dancing – At Holy Spirit & St Edward’s church hall, 7pm – 9pm
• 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
• Quiz Night – At Kingston Country Courtyard’s Sawmill restaurant, Tuesdays at 7pm. Teams of up to 6; winning team receives a round of drinks. Free entry (charity donations welcomed)
• English Country Dancing – Swanage & Langton Matravers Folk Dance group meets every Tuesday at Langton village hall, 7.30pm – 9.45pm during term time. 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

• Babigloo Music Therapy – From 1.30pm – 2.15pm on Wednesdays at the Focus Centre during term time. Please call to book: 01929 557000 or email: babigloomusic@gmail.com
• Child Speech & Language Therapy – Wednesdays at the Focus Centre – please book an appointment by calling 01202 443200 or email: dhc.slt.queries@nhs.net
• Seahorses Playgroup – At Herston village hall, 9.30am – 11am (term time only), £1 per session. Hot drinks for adults & healthy snacks for children available
• Community Fareshare Food Distribution – Drop in between 9am – 10.30am (Please register online: https://fareshare.org.uk)
• Corfe Crafters – Corfe Castle village hall, Wednesdays between 9am – 12pm. Contact Cheryl: 07745 242511
• Morning Yoga – Wake up with JoYoga at The Loft on Wednesdays at 9.30am – 10.30am. £8 drop-in sessions of £40 for six
• Health Visitor Clinic & Baby-Weighing – Drop insertion at the Focus Centre between 10am – 11.30am
• Citizen’s Advice drop-in session – At Swanage Library from 10am – 12pm (except first Weds of the month)
• Gentle Stretch Exercise Class – Particularly suitable for the over 50s. At The Mowlem, Wednesdays 10am – 11am (starts Wednesday 30^th April)
• Improvers Latin American & Ballroom Dance – St Edward’s Church Hall, 9.50am – 10.50am
• Wild Wednesdays – Every Wednesday during the school holidays between 11am – 3pm, you can pop in to Durlston’s Learning Centre for some fun & free crafts & activities
• Improvers Modern Line Dance – with Purbeck Dance Studio, at St Edward’s Church Hall, 11am – 12pm
• 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 – 2pm (stay & chat till 3pm). Veg/vegan options available. Small donation welcome but not necessary
• Women’s Rowing: At Swanage Sea Rowing Club, from 5pm onwards
• 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
• Boxertone – Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Purbeck Power Gym in Corfe

Thursdays

• EBC Tots – Toddler group at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 10am – 11.30am, £1 donation per family
• Yoga with Semra – Beginner-friendly yoga at the Focus Centre, Thursdays, 10am – 11am, £8 per session. Call or email to book: 07932 180327/yogawithsemra@gmail.com
• Swanage Linking Lives Place of Welcome – At 103 High Street, Thursdays & Tuesdays, 10am – 12pm. All welcome for cuppa, & chat or to play board games
• Singing for Pleasure – Dementia-friendly singing session followed by light refreshments at Emmanuel Baptist Church, from 2pm – 3.15pm, £2pp
• Swanage Town Walks – Seasonal historical walks on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Meet at 2pm at Swanage Museum
• The Loft Social Walks – Every second and fourth Thursday of the month, with the Coast Path Connectors Project
• Jerkshak at The Anchor Inn: Weekly Jamaican cuisine during spring & summer between 4pm – 9pm
• Youth Gym – Gym sessions for children aged 13 – 15 at Swanage Bay View, Thursdays 4.30pm – 5.30pm, £3pp
• Men’s Rowing: At Swanage Sea Rowing Club, from 5pm onwards
• 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
• Mao Shin Kai Aikido – Non-competitive martial arts class, Thursdays 7pm, 12 Hill Road, £7 per session (cash only)
• 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
• Folk Dancing – Langton Matravers village hall, Tuesdays 7.30pm – 9.45pm
• 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
• BFN Breastfeeding Group – A free, supportive and friendly group that meets on Friday mornings at the Focus Centre between 9.45am – 11.45am
• Connected Minds Programme – Fridays 9am – 12pm at the Focus Centre (Referral only – ask school or family worker for more information)
• 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
• Toddler Group – At Salt Pig The Farm, Putlake, 10.30am – 12.30pm during term time. Adults: £3, children aged 1 – 4: £6
• Hatha Yoga – Meditation, breathing exercises, body movement & relation techniques. Free taster session, £10 thereafter. In The Mowlem Studio, Friday mornings from 10am – 11.15am. Email for info: sandracharlton1@gmail.com
• Durlston Gardening Group – Weekly meet at The Shed, 2pm – 4pm, tending to the Country Park’s veggies, flowers and plants, which are sold for donations to fundraise for the Park
• Inflatable Friday at Ulwell – An hour of inflatable fun (5pm – 6pm) in the holiday park swimming pool for kids aged 6 – 10. Booking advised: 01929 422823
• Qigong – Fridays at The Loft Community Centre, 9.30am, payment by donation
• 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
• Short Mat Bowls – Langton Matravers village hall, Fridays between 7pm – 9pm, £3 per person
• Seabird Boat Trips – Fridays between May & early July
• The Anchor Club – DJ night at The Anchor Inn every Friday from 10pm, playing funky house, disco, R&B & latest hits

Saturdays

• Rowing with Swanage Sea Rowing Club: Year-round recreational rowing and men & women’s training (8am – 12pm); juniors’ training 9.30am – 10.30am
• Durlston Parkrun – Free 5k parkrun every Saturday
• Pre-School Explore and Play – Saturday sessions at Herston village hall 8.45am – 9.30am
• Ukulele Group – Saturday mornings at Swanage United Reformed Church hall at 9.30am
• Children’s Art Classes – Saturday mornings at The Loft
• Lego Club – Fun for children at Swanage Library every Saturday between 10am – 12pm
• Cuban Salsa – Saturday classes at Swanage Methodist Church. Beginners at 1pm, Improvers at 2.30pm. Call Enrique for more information and t0 book: 07969 633701
• 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, 9.30am – 10.30am (from 7th January onwards). Followed by Legs, Bums & Tums at 10.45am
• 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)

Varying Days

• Music at Swanage Bandstand – Live music in the bandstand throughout the spring & summer period
• Slimming World – Mondays at Swanage Primary School at 5.30pm & 7pm and Tuesdays at 9am at The Mowlem. Call or text Trudy for more info: 07486 454046
• The Welcome Lounge – Pop in to the Welcome Lounge at the Focus Centre on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday between 10am – 4pm for a listening ear from friendly, trained staff. They’re on hand to help you and/or your family find local wellbeing services for whatever you might need
• Wellbeing Swanage/Focus Centre Events – For further information on any of these events, please visit the Wellbeing Swanage website: https://wellbeingswanage.org

Every Day

• Explorers Childminding Wraparound Childcare – For 0 – five-year-olds, at the Focus Centre. Call 01929 426355 or visit https://explorerschildcare.co.uk
• Adult Day Care – At the Focus centre, via referral. Please visit Care Dorset for more information: https://www.caredorset.co.uk

Monthly Events

Mondays

• Bereavement Support Group – First Monday of the month at St Mary’s Church at 11am. Led by an accredited counsellor, the free group is open to anyone who might benefit from connecting with others to share similar experiences

Tuesdays

• Health Visitor Newborn Hearing – At the Focus Centre, 9am – 1pm (Referrals & drop-in on the first & third of the month only)
• Making Memories – Dementia Friendly Café in The Mowlem’s Showbar on the first & third Tuesday of the month, from 10am – 12pm
• Live Jazz: At The Grand Hotel, with Swing Easy Too
• Swanage W.I. – Meets at The Centre on Chapel Lane on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm
• Purbeck WI – Every third Tuesday of the month at Harman’s Cross village hall at 7.30pm (Doors open 7pm)
• Folk Night – At The Square & Compass on the first Tuesday of the month, 8pm
• Harman’s Cross Movie Night – Second Tuesday of the month in the village hall. Doors & bar open from 7pm, with the film starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5pp

Wednesdays

• 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
• Purbeck Parkys – Parkinson’s support group at Swanage Cricket Club on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm. Contact: david.gynes@parkinsons-uk.goassemble.com
• 5-a-side Football – Wednesdays at The Swanage School, 7.15pm – 8pm. Adults only, £3 per player
• Soul Sisters Circle – With The Zen Room Dorset at Studland village hall, 7pm – 9pm on the first Wednesday of the month, £25
• Stitches – Monthly sewing evening at Sandy Hill Arts’ cottage classroom. Last Wednesday of the month, 7pm – 9pm, £3 per session
• Oscar’s Ultimate Quiz – Monthly quiz held in The Mowlem’s Showbar. Please see The Mowlem for the latest dates: themowlem.com
• 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 Studio on the third 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
• Folk Night – Monthly live music in Langton on the first Thursday of the month with Purbeck Folk Club

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

• Mental Health Swims – Monthly Saturday swim & chat meet-up on the beach
• Herston Craft Circle – First Saturday of the month 10am – 12pm, £3 (includes hot drinks & biscuits), Herston village hall
• Unmasked Saturdays – Supporting Swanage families with SEND & disabilities, The Focus Centre, first Saturday of the month, 2pm – 5pm. For more, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/639273765744077
• 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
• Tawny’s Juke Joint – Retro vinyl night at Tawny’s Wine Bar, on the first Saturday of every month, 10.30pm – 2am

Sundays

• Park to Pier Walk – Guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier (various dates throughout the year)
• Studland Bay All-Terrain Vehicle Nature Tour – Varying Sundays throughout the year
• Trust10 Run – Studland – A monthly, free 10k trail run at Studland Bay
• Antiques Fair – The first Sunday of the month at Corfe Castle village hall, from 10am
• Live Jazz: At The Grand Hotel, with Swanage Jazz Machine
• Come & Sing at St. Mary’s Church – Open choral singing sessions, typically on the third Sunday of the month

Varying days

• Music Unlimited for Swanage Independent Charities
• Stargazing at Durlston
• Foraging Walks – Learn how to safely identify edible plants & fungi with Forage for Knowledge on the first Saturday & second Sunday of each month
• Swanage Jazz Club
• Swanage Record Club – Like a book group for records, with a different theme every month. Please see The Mowlem for dates & timings: themowlem.com
• The Purbeck Society – Monthly talks on local history & natural history. Held at The Mowlem – for more details, dates & membership, head online: https://purbecksociety.co.uk

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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.