The Atlas Obscura Guide To Swanage

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Swanage, England

Updated December 28, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Swanage

Old Harry Rocks

Swanage, England

Old Harry Rocks

65 million-year-old chalk outcroppings mark the end of the Jurassic Coast.

The front side of Fort Henry

Swanage, England

Fort Henry

Constructed for defense, this fort oversaw the dress rehearsal for one of the largest invasions in history.

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A floating Valentine tank, note the turret in the middle of the canvas

Dorset, England

Valentine Tank Wrecks

The site of a dress rehearsal for D-Day that ended in disaster.

4 miles from Swanage

The Scout Stone

Dorset, England

The Scout Stone

This commemorative stone was erected near the first Scout campsite.

5 miles from Swanage

Baden-Powell at the 1907 experimental camp

England

Brownsea Island, site of the first ever Boy Scout Camp

5 miles from Swanage

Bethan’s Rock

Poole, England

Bethan’s Rock

This rock was donated to the museum by an inspired young visitor.

7 miles from Swanage

PS Monarch

Wareham, England

The PS Monarch

This diminutive paddle steamer looks like it is a relic from the Edwardian era but her engine dates from 1974 and construction of the hull only started in 1984.

8 miles from Swanage

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