Things to do in Swanage in October

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Overview

October is a good time to visit Swanage. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 53—59°F (12—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Swanage during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided tour of the Durlston Country Park, take a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast, visit the Purbeck Film Festival, and more!

Swanage has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Swanage. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Swanage in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Swanage in October

Top experiences in October
Take a guided tour of the Durlston Country Park
October is a great time to explore the beautiful Durlston Country Park, which offers stunning views of the coastline, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. Guided tours of the park provide a unique opportunity to learn about the area's rich history, geology, and ecology, and offer a deeper understanding of the natural beauty of the Isle of Purbeck. Whether you're a nature lover or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience, a guided tour of the Durlston Country Park is a must-do activity in October.
Take a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast
October is a great time to explore the world-famous Jurassic Coast, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A boat trip along the coast offers a unique perspective of the stunning cliffs, hidden coves, and fossil-rich beaches. The autumnal colors and crisp sea air make for a truly memorable and invigorating experience. Whether you're a nature lover or simply looking for a unique day out, a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast is a must-do activity in October.
Visit the Purbeck Film Festival
The annual Purbeck Film Festival takes place in October and offers a diverse lineup of independent and international films. The festival showcases a range of genres, from thought-provoking documentaries to captivating dramas, and offers a unique opportunity to experience cinema in a charming and intimate setting. Whether you're a film buff or simply looking for a memorable night out, the Purbeck Film Festival is a must-visit event in October.
Go fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast
October is a great time to go fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast, which is renowned for its rich fossil deposits. The changing tides and weather patterns can reveal new treasures along the coastline, making for an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you're a budding paleontologist or simply looking for a unique outdoor activity, fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast is a must-do experience in October.
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Take a walk along the South West Coast Path
October is a great time to explore the stunning coastline of the Isle of Purbeck. The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and sparkling sea. The autumnal colors and crisp sea air make for a truly invigorating and memorable experience. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking for a leisurely stroll, the South West Coast Path is a must-see attraction in October.
Sample local seafood at a Swanage restaurant
October is a great time to indulge in the delicious local seafood that Swanage has to offer. Many restaurants in the town serve up fresh catches from the nearby waters, including delectable dishes such as fish and chips, seafood platters, and seafood chowder. Whether you're a foodie or simply looking for a taste of the local cuisine, sampling the seafood at a Swanage restaurant is a must-do experience in October.
Visit the Swanage Railway's Autumn Steam Gala
The Swanage Railway hosts its annual Autumn Steam Gala in October, offering visitors the chance to experience the golden age of steam travel. The event features a lineup of beautifully restored steam locomotives, which chug through the picturesque countryside of the Isle of Purbeck. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or simply looking for a unique day out, the Autumn Steam Gala is a must-visit event in October.
Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle
October is a great time to visit the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle, which are steeped in history and surrounded by stunning autumnal scenery. The castle's dramatic silhouette against the changing leaves makes for a truly atmospheric and memorable experience. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a picturesque day out, exploring the ruins of Corfe Castle is a must-do activity in October.
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Holidays in Swanage in October
October
  • Halloween (October 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Swanage in October

Temperatures on an average day in Swanage in October

The average temperature in Swanage in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 59°F (15°C) to a low of 53°F (12°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Swanage, July, has days with highs of 67°F (19°C) and lows of 58°F (15°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Swanage in October based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in October
59°F
highs
53°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
38%
Chance of rain
0.131 in
Amount
19.9 mph
Wind speed
82%
Humidity
10.8 hrs
Daylight length
7:27 AM
Sunrise
6:14 PM
Sunset
44%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 59°F (15°C) and a low of 53°F (12°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Swanage in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Swanage has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Swanage that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Swanage for October.
Swanage Railway
1. Swanage Railway
4.6
(161)
Transit stop
Transportation
Heritage railway with diesel & steam locomotives, offering dining trains & driving experiences.
Studland Nature Reserve
2. Studland Nature Reserve
4.7
(199)
Non-profit organization
Nature & Parks
4 mi. of sandy beaches on a shallow bay, popular for beach games, swimming & sunbathing.
Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve
3. Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve
4.7
(2490)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Expansive, clifftop nature reserve with a visitor centre/gallery in a renovated Victorian castle.
Old Harry Rocks
4. Old Harry Rocks
4.8
(728)
Rock
Sights & Landmarks
Natural attraction featuring cliffside views of unique chalk formation, accessible by scenic walks.
Swanage Pier Trust
5. Swanage Pier Trust
4.4
(3895)
Sights & Landmarks
Piers & Boardwalks
Victorian pier with a maritime museum and exhibition centre, plus a cafe and boat trips.
Studland Trekking Centre
6. Studland Trekking Centre
4.5
(118)
Horseback riding service
Outdoor Activities
Shell Bay - Sandbanks
7. Shell Bay - Sandbanks
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Swanage Information Centre
8. Swanage Information Centre
4.5
(216)
Visitor center
Seafront cottage for local walks and attractions information, plus an accommodation booking service.
Swanage Museum
9. Swanage Museum
4.4
(65)
Museum
Visitor center
St Aldhelm's Chapel
10. St Aldhelm's Chapel
4.7
(119)
Chapel
Sights & Landmarks
Studland Sea School
11. Studland Sea School
4.2
(6)
Tours
Kayaking & Canoeing
Fore / Adventure
12. Fore / Adventure
4.9
(138)
Outdoor activity organiser
Outdoor Activities
Dancing Ledge
13. Dancing Ledge
4.9
(208)
Hiking area
Quarry
Seaside ledge popular for rock climbing as well as swimming, hiking & picturesque sunset views.
Santa-Fe Fun Park
14. Santa-Fe Fun Park
3.9
(235)
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Coastal fairground, open seasonally, featuring rides, crazy golf, an arcade & a mini steam train.
Fort Henry
15. Fort Henry
4.8
(4)
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Knoll Beach Studland
16. Knoll Beach Studland
4.7
(1703)
Beach
Sights & Landmarks
Beyond its sheltered waters & sandy beach, this scenic locale features a reptile discovery trail.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Swanage?

Get inspired for your trip to Swanage with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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