What's On
A Visual History of Swanage Pier
Located on the Lower Deck of the Pier
Step onto the Lower Deck of Swanage Pier and explore its history through photographs. This exhibition shows Swanage Pier's journey from its Victorian beginnings to its role in maritime history. Each photo tells a part of the Pier's story, showing how it has changed over time. You'll see how Swanage Pier has evolved and remained a beloved landmark.
Photographs will be displayed at the end of the Pier until the end of July.
Normal Pier admission applies.
September
Park to Pier Walk
Sunday 28th September - 10.30am
Meeting at Durlston, you will firstly have the opportunity to learn more about the country park, led by a Ranger. You will then be joined by a John Scott, Chairperson of the Dorset Geologists Association Group, for a guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier learning about wildlife, geol(1).jpg)
ogy and history of Durlston Country Park, the Pier and Swanage.
Adult - £5.00
Child - £3.00
Booking is not required, just turn up on the day at Durlston Castle Reception.
Make sure to dress for the weather, walking boots are recommended. The walk will include hills and some steps.
October
October Half Term
🎃 This Halloween, join the spooky celebration on Swanage Pier with a hauntingly fun trail, eerie crafts and a chilling history walk that brings the ghostly past to life!
Halloween Trail
Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November
🎃 Get Ready for a Spook-tacular Adventure a.png)
t Swanage Pier!
👻 This half term, join us for a frightfully fun Halloween Trail that’s perfect for the whole family!
🕷️ Wander the Pier and keep your eyes peeled for spooky surprises lurking in unexpected places. Solve the Halloween word puzzle and tackle our themed quiz as you go!
🧙 Once you’ve uncovered all the eerie items and completed your quiz sheet, head to the Pier gift shop to collect a treat and be entered into our prize draw for a chance to win some fang-tastic Halloween goodies!
💸 Trail Cost: £2 per sheet
🎟️ Standard adult Pier admission applies
Spooky Season Crafting Fun!
Thursday 30th October - 11am - 3pm
Unleash your creativity this October half term with our frightfully fun Halloween crafts! Join us for a drop-in session where you can make your own spooky masterpieces—just in time for the most haunted holiday of the year.
👻 Led by our wonderful volunteers, it’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit.
🕒 Pop in anytime between 11:00am and 3:00pm
- £3 per child
- Double the fun—trail and crafts for only £4 per child!
Children's History Walk
Thursday 30th October at 10am 
Swanage Pier has a fascinating history and has always been an important part of Swanage.
We will take a walk along the Pier, for about 45 minutes, strolling in the footsteps of past generations to learn more about the history, including hearing about pirates, smugglers, sunken treasure, and wrecks.
Accompanied children from 5 years.
Adult admission to the Pier applies.
Christmas on Swanage Pier 
Father Christmas and his reindeer are flying in to spread festive cheer. He will be joined by the ever-popular donkeys who are ready to delight visitors of all ages!
Bring your family, friends and loved ones to experience the sparkle and joy of Christmas in this truly magical seaside setting.
Let the festivities begin!
Step into the Magic of Christmas at Swanage Pier!
Feel the festive spirit as you arrive at our enchanting Winter Wonderland, where twinkling lights and music fill the air.
Be warmly welcomed by our merry elves before gathering your loved ones for a photo in Father Christmas’s sleigh or our snowy mountain cable car! Get creative in the craft corner, enjoy fun-filled snowy games and don’t forget to post your Christmas wishes in our magical post box before meeting the man himself, Father Christmas!
A truly magical experience for everyone!
A very interactive, engaging and authentic experience - full of enthusiasm from everyone and lots of fun!
Gets better every year. Santa and Elves were superb and the reception staff in the tent were brilliant.
A lovely Father Christmas - lots of fun and laughter and the naughty elf.
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📅 Dates
December is Santa’s busiest time of the year, so he is only available:-
- Saturday 13th ** and Sunday 14th December - 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm
- Friday 19th December - 11am – 1pm & 2.00pm – 4.30pm
- Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st**. Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December - 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm
**Festive Fun Days (see below for details)
You’ll need to choose a time slot to see Father Christmas on your preferred day. There are 5 family tickets available per time slot. For example, if your ticket time is 11:00am, you’ll see Father Christmas anytime between 11:00am and 11:30am.
🎟️ Tickets
Grotto & Winter Wonderland Christmas Marquee Days
- £13.00 per child (includes one adult)
- Additional Adults: £3
Festive Fun Days – Saturday 13th and Sunday 21st December (see below for more details)
- £15.00 per child (includes one adult).
- Additional adults: £3
(All children receive a gift)
Entrance to the Winter Wonderland Christmas Marquee is included in the grotto ticket price.
Subject to availability, entry to the Christmas Marquee is also available separately:
- £3 includes entry for one child and one adult
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- Additional adults: £2.20 per person
On Festive Fun Days:
- £5 for one child and one adult
- Additional adults: £2.20 per person
**If you have a baby or child under 2 going into the grotto with your ticket-holding child, you don’t need to buy them a ticket—unless you’d like them to receive a gift.
If anyone in your party has additional needs, please email to arrange a dedicate slot.
Tickets for the Grotto and Festive Fun Days will be released on Friday 17th October
Saturday 13th December
Magical Christmas Entertainment
10.30am – 1.00am & 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Get ready for a festive treat as Kevin Burke brings his unique blend of Christmas cheer back to the Pier. Expect dazzling magic, lively juggling, delightful balloon creations and of course—plenty of 
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Christmas Donkeys
11.00am - 4.00pm
Our adorable Christmas donkeys are returning to Swanage Pier, ready to spread smiles and a sprinkle of festive magic! Come along and meet these gentle favourites as part of your magical Christmas experience.
Music
There will be various live Christmas music performances throughout the day, adding to the festive spirit.
Sunday 21st December
Magical Christmas Entertainment
10.30am – 1.00am & 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Get ready for a festive treat as Kevin Burke brings his unique blend o
f Christmas cheer back to the Pier. Expect dazzling magic, lively juggling, delightful balloon creations and of course—plenty of Ho! Ho! Ho!
Christmas Reindeer
11.00am – 4.00pm
Father Christmas’s reindeer will be visiting The Pier! Come along and wish them good luck before they head off to deliver presents on Christmas Eve.
Music
Karen Grant
3.30pm
Come and join Karen Grant who will be singing all your favourite classic Christmas tunes. Helping to get you in the mood for the festive season.
Come and join us for a great festive experience.
Tickets for the Grotto and Festive Fun Days will be released on Friday 17th October
Lighting up Lives – ‘The Switch On’
Friday 5th December
Join us on Friday 5th December, from 5:30pm for the dazzling launch of Swanage Pier’s Christmas illuminations! Enjoy live music from local favourites Kelp! and and a local choir (yet to be confirmed)
, soak up the festive atmosphere with roaming seasonal characters and gather as our special guest arrives in style at 6:00pm to officially switch on the lights.
Step inside our Winter Wonderland marquee, where festive magic comes alive. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo in Father Christmas’s sleigh or in our snowy mountain cable car, perfect for ca
pturing memories with family and friends.
Treat yourself to something delicious from the 1859 Café & Bistro, whether it’s a festive indulgence or a BBQ delight and browse our shop for unique gifts to make your Christmas extra special.
Bring your family and friends for a magical evening of music, lights and festive cheer!
- Adult - £3.00
- Child - £1.00 (age between 2 - 14)
- Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) - £7.00
Tickets available from the gatehouse on the night
Dedications open on Friday 17th October - VISIT
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