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Travel Directions

(These directions are by car, please call for other methods - such as train to Wareham and on by bus or taxi)

Depending on where you are coming from there are two ways to Swanage – one is in from the north on the A351 via Wareham and Corfe Castle. Take Route 2 if you are coming from the North West or West of England and if you think that Route 1 through Bournemouth will be busy or if told the ferry is not operating.

Route 1 is best if you are coming from the North, Midlands or East and is via Bournemouth on the ferry from Sandbanks to Studland operating daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m..

ROUTE 1

Immediately after Ringwood turn left on the A338 to Bournemouth. Obey the 50 mph limit and keep on this dual carriageway until it becomes a two way road aapproaching the large roundabout in Poole with office buildings in the centre.

Take the left lane and second exit to Sandbanks. Keep on this road, over a set of traffic lights, down hill towards a beach with a car park, up hill and through traffic lights at Canford Cliffs, left at the mini-roundabout and downhill again this time to Poole Harbour. Turn left at the bottom and follow signs for the ferry which goes on the hour and every 20 minutes to Studland.

Having crossed on the ferry (£3 for car + passengers) drive straight on through Studland (or maybe stop first at National Trust café on the beach - the car park is free to their members). After the village and a couple of sharp bends, fork left to Swanage.

Turn right off the Swanage sea front road at the stone jetty that has a shelter with a clock - in summer the road ahead is closed during the day anyway. Go along Victoria Avenue, past the Texaco petrol station, over the railway bridge and after the Avenue Garage take the second left. Cross the High Street and go up Bell Street opposite.

NOW GO TO ROUTE 3.

ROUTE 2

if you are coming from the West of England take the A352 from Dorchester via Wool to Wareham. Turn right at the roundabout on the A351 for Swanage.

From the North West take the A350 around Blandford Forum and then turn right at Spetisbury on the B3075. When it joins the busy A31 turn right and then left back onto the B3075. (*) Take care crossing the A35 and keep on until the roundabout where you turn right onto the A351 to Wareham and Swanage. Either go through Wareham town, which is pretty and has a number of pubs, or follow signs to Swanage round the ring road.

If you are coming from the South East having decided against the ferry, stay on the A31 after Ringwood - i.e., do NOT turn off onto the A338 to Bournemouth - and follow signs to Dorchester (but do not go that far). After many roundabouts and a very long brick wall on your left turn left onto the B3075 and proceed as (*) above.

From Wareham continue on the A351 through the picturesque village of Corfe Castle (or maybe stop for a quick tour) to Swanage. Initially the town is on your right with meadows and views of the Downs to the left.

Soon after passing the Royal Oak pub on the right you will see a sign where the road divides. Take the right turn for the High Street - but do not go along it - instead cross over it and go up Bell Street opposite.

NOW GO TO ROUTE 3.

ROUTE 3

The final bit for both Routes 1 and 2 - you will see The Golden Bengal restaurant on the corner of Bell Street and The Globe public house a little way up on your left.

Turn up Bell Street and Damson Cottage is about 400 yards/km up on the right. There is a large copper beech tree ion the right just before you get to Damson Cottage (60a) - just around the bend. Take it easy as the road narrows at this point and you are almost there.You will recognise the house from the photographs.

For Damson Cottage (no. 60a) park on the driveway close beside it - one behind the other if you have two cars - but please do not obstruct the third space on the right which is only for Plum Tree Cottage! You will be told about obtaining the keys in advance - either by phone or letter.

Have a safe journey.