Free (or Nearly Free) Things to Do Whilst Staying at Belvedere Lodge

Ah, the cost of living. It’s a relentless little beast, creeping into every pore of daily life. Fear not, lovely visitors, for we’ve concocted a master list of fabulous free (well, nearly free) things to do during your stay at Belvedere Lodge. These activities come with an important disclaimer: somewhere along the way, you may find yourself inexplicably holding a Dorset apple cake, an ice cream, or heaven forbid, two rounds of cream tea. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, and you’re on a holiday in Swanage, it’s basically a rule.

So, strap on your walking shoes, loosen your belt a notch (trust me, you’ll thank me later), and let’s explore our top recommendations for free (or close enough) adventures around Swanage.

1. Skim Stones Like a Pro in Swanage Bay

Nothing quite says "I’m at the seaside" like the satisfying clink of a skimming stone bouncing merrily across the waves. After years of rigorous (and highly scientific) research, we’re convinced that the best skimming stones in the area can be found right in front of Swanage Sailing Club. It’s a treasure trove of smooth, flat beauties just begging to be hurled at the water.

Here’s the challenge: head down to the beach, take a hard right before you get your feet wet, sidestep the pier entrance like a ninja, and drop down to the beach on the other side. Not only do you have an endless supply of premium skipping stones, but you’ll also find the old pier, a perfect target for practising your Dambusters-style bounces. Bonus points (and eternal bragging rights) if you can hit the uprights with a magical three-bounce throw. Go on, channel your inner stone-skimming champion. Just don’t pull a muscle in your shoulder, please.

Swanage old Pier

2. Follow the Swanage Historic Trail (With Quirky Facts and a Shark Surprise)

Start your Swanage adventure at the Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre, which, might we add, is utterly free and fantastically fascinating. It’s small but mighty, packed with marvellous displays of Purbeck’s history, geology, and even the odd dinosaur fact. Who doesn’t love a bit of Jurassic gossip?

From here, pick up a leaflet (£2, so don’t forget your sofa-change) and embark on the historic trail. This treasure hunt will introduce you to some fabulous local curiosities:

• Why was the Wellington Tower, a proud feature at Peveril Point, dragged here from the old London Bridge? (Spoiler: ballast. Let's hear it for Victorian recycling genius!)

• Can you spot the shark-shaped weather vane? Hint: it’s lurking somewhere above a house, jaw-droppingly cool and bizarre in equal measure.

• Where’s the old village lockup? Picture a humble stone “detox centre” for day-drinkers... or whatever the 18th-century equivalent of clubbers was.

• Oh, and that pyramid tomb in the graveyard? You’ll have to see it to believe it. Whoever thought of making a gravestone look like a mini-Egyptian wonder definitely had flair.

Wellington Tower

3. Take a Storybook Stroll to Durlston Castle

Strolling to Durlston Castle is, for us, like snuggling under a comfort blanket, it’s a must every single time we stay. The route guides you along shady treetops and stunning cliffs, with breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast making it impossible not to stop every five minutes for a dramatic pose and panoramic selfie. Trust us, all those “ooh” and “ahh” moments are worth it.

For added fun, look out for the adult-sized hammocks on the trail. Yes, ADULT-SIZED HAMMOCKS. Who says kids get all the fun? Clamber in, swing like a nutter, and feel your inner five-year-old cheer with joy. Want a longer adventure? Saunter on to the lighthouse (though fair warning, the coast path’s ups and downs might have you questioning your life choices by the time you’re back). Reward yourself post-walk with a Purbeck ice cream from the castle’s shop. Calories consumed after a walk don’t count. Official fact.

Durlston Country park

4. Wander Around Corfe Village and Snap Fairy Tale Photos

If picturesque villages were a competition, Corfe Village would win gold without even trying. Its star attraction is, of course, Corfe Castle, a ruin so grand and dramatic it looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Take a slow wander around the village, snapping photos of the charming stone cottages and narrow lanes that make you feel like Hansel or Gretel might pop out with a loaf of gingerbread at any moment.

Pro tip: For the best photo-op of the castle, head to the graveyard near the main car park. As odd as it sounds, there’s something eerily beautiful about the view of crumbled stone turrets rising from a sea of weathered headstones. Creepy yet magical.

Oh, and if you're feeling posh, pop over to The Greyhound pub in the market square. It’s possibly the most photographed pub in the entire country, and frankly, it deserves the title just for its historic vibes and cracking views alone. Feeling thrifty? Take the bus from Swanage (it’s cheaper than the steam train), and for extra thrills, sit on the top deck for unbeatable views, or to nosily peer into someone’s garden... your call.

Corfe Castle

5. Carnival Capers and Festival Fun

If you’re lucky enough to stay during Swanage Carnival (held late July to early August), then congratulations, you’ve hit the jackpot. The town transforms into a whirl of parades, performances, food stalls, and, most crucially spectacular fireworks fired off the iconic Banjo Pier. Viewing them sparkle across the bay is an absolute must.

And let’s not stop there. Swanage is bursting with festivities all year round. The Blues Festival, Folk Festival, and Regatta are definite highlights, along with foodie feasts at the Fish & Food Festival. Come December, get your sparkle on for the Christmas Fayre, complete with winter cheer and mulled wine. Whatever time of year you visit, chances are something brilliant (and budget-friendly) is happening.

6. Tour Filming Locations and Feel like a Hollywood Star

In the immortal words of Yoda: “Mmmm, Star Wars, close by it, was filmed.” Yes, sci-fi fans, Winspit Quarry, a short drive from the lodge, was featured in Andor. Grab your lightsaber for a pilgrimage to one of the television galaxy's coolest locations. If Darth Vader himself isn’t lurking behind a rock, don’t be disappointed. He’s probably at Corfe Castle teaching stormtroopers how to do semaphore.

Other local film credits include Dunkirk (Swanage railway station), Nanny McPhee (Durdle Door), and World War Z (Lulworth Cove). The most important? The Goodies filmed their South Africa episode in Swanage. Iconic isn’t even the word. The most interesting however, from Belvedere’s perspective, is ITV’s 2007 production of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Why so interesting? I hear you cry, well I’ll tell you. Belvedere Lodge and Belvedere Road are the set for a couple of scenes! The DVD is of course available for your viewing pleasure in the flat. It’s well worth a view and seeing how it would have looked back in the day, complete with straw covering the roads, suitably dapper Georgian gentlemen and the flouncy ladies regalia, which was all the rage at the time. A magical reconstruction of how it was for you to enjoy with Belvedere centre stage, well at least briefly.

Winspit Quarry

7. Fossil Hunting at Kimmeridge Bay

Kimmeridge Bay is a time machine disguised as a beach, step onto its foreshore and the Jurassic era seems just a toe-dip away. Fossil hunting here doesn’t cost a penny, and while hammering oddly-shaped rocks off the cliffs is a no-no, you’ll find treasures scattered along the shore, especially after a storm. From ammonites to fossilised reptiles, it’s like a Palaeontologist’s  dream come true.

Feeling adventurous? Bring your snorkelling gear. Kimmeridge’s marine reserve boasts dazzling sealife, and it’s clear, lazy waters make it one of the best spots for snorkelling in the entire country. Prepare for an afternoon of turtles, fish, and shrieks of “LOOK!", bliss.

8. St Aldhelm’s Head: Sweaty Hikes and Spectacular Views

Ready for a leg workout? St Aldhelm’s Head is calling. Park fairly close to the site (no shame in limiting the uphill struggle), and stroll to the tiny Norman Chapel perched atop this dramatic cliff edge. After soaking in its history and ambient peace, brace yourself for the steps to Chapman’s Pool below, not for the faint of heart, especially if you’ve had a large lunch.

For a gentler option, head there via the Priest’s Way from Swanage. Yours truly has walked it countless times, it’s more leisurely and less likely to leave you gasping for an inhaler. But either way, the views here make every step worthwhile.

St Aldhelm's Head

9. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door: Nature’s Masterpieces

What’s better than one world-famous geological wonder? Two, of course. Park at Lulworth Cove to explore this gorgeous natural harbour, then take the steep hill-path up and over to Durdle Door, the iconic limestone arch that graces millions of postcards. On the way, stop by Stair Hole, it looks like Mother Nature got creative with origami and folded an entire cliff.

Take all the selfies you can. You’ll thank yourself when those holiday bragging rights come in handy.

Durdle Door

10. Breathe, Watch Waves, and Just Chill

Not everything in Swanage needs to be a grand outing or a checklist item. Some of the best moments cost absolutely nothing. Watch the waves roll in while the sea breeze tickles your face. Gaze out to Old Harry Rocks while seagulls do their ridiculous birdy antics. Breathe. Let Swanage serenade you with her chilled atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, and for once, stop worrying about the WiFi password. You won’t need it.

Wrap-Up: Free Can Be Absolutely Fabulous

See? You don’t need to spend a fortune to squeeze every ounce of magic out of Swanage. Whether you’re digging for fossils, throwing rocks like an Olympian, or hammocking like a boss, this beautiful little pocket of Dorset will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and perhaps slightly smug about how little you spent.

Just remember: life’s joys don’t need to come with a giant price tag. Sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures (and maybe one or two cream teas) that create the best memories. Happy exploring, and choose your skimming stones wisely.