Swanage Pier Trust — Attraction in Swanage

Well maintained pier, neat and tidy with some classic cast-iron railings that they preserve well. Good on the guys who run it, they have no massive gaps in the boards, smart looking little cafe at the entrance. Nice a see a few businesses operating form there as well. It's a lively place to visit. Really nice spot to stroll along, with good views from the end.

While the need to generate an income for it's upkeep is of course very important, they seem to attract far too many annoying fishing hobbyists. Really think they need to address the number of fisherman, it's a bit over the top and spoils it. I find the risk of loosing an eye can really sap the enjoyment of a walk, plus random piles of hacked up fish chunks littered around the place is not great. They need to either put the fisherman all in one spot and fence that off, or have less of them and charge more. Crabbing is fun and non disruptive, but teenagers with flying barbed hooks...

The pier at Swanage is in the process of refurbishment having recently added a new cafe and other works. From a diving perspective the facilities are limited. The toilets small and can be on occasions dirty or not working. There are no changing facilities or hot showers. Parking is difficult unless you park the night before or arrive just as it opens. That said there is a car park just above the pier on the hill. It is not cheap but is convenient. The staff on The pier are helpful and will assist where possible. The dive shop is well stocked and provides a good service. We used the cafe when if first opened and I have to say they were not the most friendly but this is a busy town and maybe with the numbers attending might have been a busy time. Overall a great place for a stroll, a bite to eat or just to sit relax and take in the views. Picture is of boat crossing towards Swanage. An absolutely fantastic...

Swanage has a lovely feel about the resort. This attractive pier is the original Victorian one constructed in 1859. Built for shipping stone, horses were used to pull carts along the narrow gauge tramway. A new pier extension was begun in 1895. In 1940 part of the pier was blown up as an anti invasion precaution. This was reconstructed but in the 1960s the pier deteriorated for almost thirty years. Grade 2 listed structure. Damaged by a storm in 1982. After renovations the pier reopened in 1998. The pier's wooden deck is covered with engraved brass memorial plaques, not seen that before on a pier. You can tell which are the local ones, due to their shinyness from regular polishing. Lots of information boards about. Good views back to the town and out to sea. Sheltered seating. There is an entrance fee for this pier: Adult - £2 Residents- £1.60 Child (under 14) free...