YHA Swanage, Dorsets Jurassic Coast

Location

YHA Swanage is situated five minutes’ walk from the award-winning beach of Swanage – the only Blue Flag beach along the entire Dorset Jurassic Coast. The hostel is a large, sea-facing Victorian villa on the hill overlooking the bay. It was recently refurbished for 2018 and is now better than ever. 

The hilltop location gives rooms spectacular panoramic views of Swanage town and bay. The town is a classic British seaside resort and the perfect gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a world heritage site.

Given the close proximity to the town, there’s plenty of opportunities to visit the local bars and shops. Swanage also boasts a fine steam railway running a regular timetable from the coast to Corfe castle and beyond.

We particularly like this venue as there are so many hiking routes to enjoy. There’s Corfe Castle, Harry’s Rocks, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the historic village of Teynham. Not to mention the coastal walks that can link some of these destinations.

This fine seaside villa was built by the Captain of the Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s colossal ship ‘The Great Eastern’; Sir James Anderson. He built the house with the proceeds of laying the first-ever transatlantic cable from Ireland to the Americas, thus connecting the old world with the new worlds. In fact, we know exactly where this arrives into the UK as we regularly hike along the shoreline where this arrives.

During WWI the house became a Red Cross hospital for soldiers returning from Europe. YHA has owned this fine building since 1949. The wood panelling in the building is believed to have come from the old English courts of law.

Facilities

With 44 beds across 14 bedrooms, it makes this a great venue for party weekends as well as hiking and yoga events. There are approx 11 showers and 12 toilets making this a good ratio. But please remember to bring your own towels.

The dining rooms boast ample space and the lounge is an elegant, oak-panelled room with sofas, chairs and a television with DVD player. Wif-Fi is available at this property which is free of charge for guests to use.

Facilities include

• Ample Car parking
• Lounge
• Yoga/classrooms
• Free wi-fi
• Drying room
• Dogs welcome but must be pre-booked

Directions

What3Words provides a 3meter map location using words, try it out when navigating to this hostel!