Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre
Free volunteer-run museum on the Swanage seafront telling the story of the town, its stone trade, the Jurassic Coast and local artists.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1976 by David Florence and Phyllis Mapley as the Tithe Barn Museum and Art Centre, based in a Grade II listed barn built of Purbeck stone. It covered Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck, including geology, local history, archaeology, maritime history and stone quarrying.
In 2005 the museum had to leave the barn because deathwatch beetle had infested the roof. It merged with the Heritage Centre, which occupied the seafront market building of the 1890s in The Square, and the combined museum opened in 2006. Since 2010 volunteers have run it, and it is a registered charity.
The building stands on what was the old stone yard known as the bankers. Displays follow Swanage from its Victorian stone trade through its growth as a seaside resort and its part in the Second World War and the development of radar. Other themes include fossils and the geology of the Jurassic Coast, the fishing industry, Purbeck stone and Victorian shop fronts, and a section shows prints by artists who lived in or visited Swanage. A separate History Centre holds research collections and archives and is open by appointment.
Highlights
- Displays on Swanage heritage from the stone trade to radar development in the Second World War
- Jurassic Coast Gateway with local geology and dinosaurs
- Art folders with prints by artists who lived in or visited Swanage
- Film on the history of the Swanage area
- Free admission, and well-behaved dogs are welcome
Permanent exhibitions
- Swanage Heritage – The story of the town from the Victorian stone trade to its role in the Second World War and the development of radar in Purbeck.
- Jurassic Coast Gateway – An introduction to the geology and dinosaurs of the Jurassic Coast, which begins at Swanage.
- Art & Artists – Folders of prints by artists who lived in or visited Swanage.
- Founded
- 1976
- Operated by
- Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free; donations are welcome.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum has wheelchair access. The separate History Centre has no step-free access, but other arrangements for viewing material can be made. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
The museum describes many family-friendly facilities and a safe space for young children. The shop stocks inexpensive items for children.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking in Swanage can be difficult at peak times. Car parks run by Swanage Town Council are listed on the council website.
The museum is on the sea front in The Square, on the site of the old stone yard.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
The museum has a large selection of souvenirs and pocket-money items for sale. Public toilets are nearby, and there are cafés, restaurants and takeaways within easy walking distance.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | A film on the history of Swanage is shown in the museum. The museum also organises Swanage town walks, and visitors can contact it about its learning services. |
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