Things to do in Swanage in February

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

February is a less popular time to visit Swanage. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 41—47°F (5—8°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 boat trip to explore the coastline and spot winter wildlife, go fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast, visit the Swanage Railway and take a steam train ride, 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 February trip to Swanage. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to February. 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 February. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout February, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Swanage? See our Swanage Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Swanage in February

Top experiences in February
Take a boat trip to explore the coastline and spot winter wildlife
Boat trips are a popular activity in Swanage, and taking a cruise along the coastline in February offers a unique perspective on the area's natural beauty. The winter months provide opportunities to spot migrating birds, seals, and other marine wildlife, and the peaceful atmosphere of the sea in winter is truly captivating. Whether you're interested in a leisurely sightseeing cruise or a wildlife-watching excursion, a boat trip is a memorable way to experience the Isle of Purbeck.
Go fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast, which stretches along the Isle of Purbeck, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich fossil hunting opportunities. February is a great time to explore the beaches and cliffs in search of ancient treasures, as the winter weather often reveals new fossils that have been exposed by erosion. It's a thrilling and educational experience for anyone with an interest in paleontology and natural history.
Visit the Swanage Railway and take a steam train ride
The Swanage Railway is a heritage steam railway that operates year-round, but taking a ride in February offers a unique and nostalgic experience. The vintage steam trains chug through the picturesque countryside, and the winter scenery adds an extra layer of charm to the journey. It's a great way to step back in time and appreciate the history of rail travel while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Isle of Purbeck.
Sample local seafood at a traditional pub or restaurant
February is a great time to indulge in the delicious seafood that Swanage has to offer. Many local pubs and restaurants serve fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish, and the winter months are a quieter time to enjoy a leisurely meal without the crowds. Whether you're craving a hearty fish and chips or a gourmet seafood platter, you're sure to find a satisfying and authentic dining experience in Swanage.
Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is a historic landmark in Swanage, and visiting it in February offers a unique experience. The castle is often covered in a light dusting of snow, creating a picturesque and magical atmosphere. Exploring the ruins in the winter months allows you to appreciate the history and architecture of the castle in a different light, and the views of the surrounding countryside are truly breathtaking.
Take a winter walk along the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Isle of Purbeck in February. The winter months bring a sense of tranquility to the area, and the crisp sea air and dramatic landscapes make for a memorable and invigorating walk. You may even spot some winter wildlife along the way, such as seals or migrating birds.
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Swanage in February
February
  • Valentine's Day (February 14)
Other notable holidays
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Twelfth Night (January 5)
  • Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day (March 4)
  • Mother's Day (March 30)
  • Good Friday (April 18)
  • Easter Sunday (April 20)
  • St. George's Day (April 23)
  • St. George's Day (April 28)
  • Early May Bank Holiday (May 5)
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Swanage in February

Temperatures on an average day in Swanage in February

The average temperature in Swanage in February for a typical day ranges from a high of 47°F (8°C) to a low of 41°F (5°C). Some would describe it as cold 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 February based on historical data.

Visiting Swanage? See our Swanage Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in February
47°F
highs
41°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
35%
Chance of rain
0.114 in
Amount
22.2 mph
Wind speed
86%
Humidity
10.0 hrs
Daylight length
7:22 AM
Sunrise
5:21 PM
Sunset
38%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in February
With an average high of 47°F (8°C) and a low of 41°F (5°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Swanage in February

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Swanage has to offer for travelers in February, 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 February.
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
(233)
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:

Planning a trip to Swanage?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play