There aren’t many bus routes in the world that literally go on a ferry as part of their journey, but that’s what happens on this truly incredible service.
This fantastic seaside bus route takes in some of the best seaside resorts in the UK, some of the most expensive property, some of the best beaches and some superb views ending up at a pretty harbour and a charming steam railway – and all for £3.50 one way.
All aboard the Purbeck Breezer 50, which is often an open-top bus in the summer, weather permitting, and the journey to Swanage takes around an hour, assuming you don’t hop off en route to explore everything you are seeing.
The Purbeck Breezer 50 bus travels from Bournemouth to Swanage, taking in Canford Cliffs, Poole, Sandbanks, Shell Bay and Studland.
It’s a trip that makes its way from the eclectic, bright lights and seaside charm of Bournemouth with its ‘golden mile’ sandy beach, famous promenade, theatre and other entertainments, through to the luxurious and picturesque Sandbanks before mounting the Sandbanks Ferry across to rustic Studland.
Then, the bus weaves its way around the edge of the beautiful Purbeck Hills and awesome views across Swanage Bay before nestling at Swanage Station, home of the charming steam railway – 9.5 miles of beauty and nostalgia through the Isle of Purbeck to Corfe Castle and Norden.
Depending on which way round you want to do the bus journey you can pick it up at Bournemouth Square (Note that the bus leaves Bournemouth Station slightly before) which is located right by the town’s landscaped gardens, which you can walk through to the beach. There is a good variety of high street shops, cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a cinema complex.
The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and Bournemouth Pavilion are also a short distance from here and have excellent programmes of shows, events and concerts.
Just outside Bournemouth to the west is Westbourne, a fascinating coastal village on the way to Poole, that is definitely worth exploring and the first stop.
It boasts a large selection of boutique and individual shops which give it a distinct flavour combined with a friendly atmosphere and plenty of places to eat, drink and relax. The Victorian covered arcade links Poole Road and Seamoor Road with a variety of independent shops and places to eat. The Arcade is open all year (although most shops do not open on Sunday).
Next along the route is the stunning Canford Cliffs its long sandy beach and blue flag status. The parade of shops along Haven Road has been the hub of Canford Cliffs for more than a hundred years and where the bus stops.
Then it is on to Sandbanks, scene of some ofthe most expensive homes in the UK and where you catch the Sandbanks ferry. Then it is on to Shell Bay, Studland Village and finally Swanage, a beautiful seaside town, on the Jurassic Coast with golden sands and a Victorian Pier, situated on the Isle of Purbeck (which isn’t really an island). The journey can connect with the Swanage Steam Railway, a popular tourist attraction.
The earliest bus leaves Swanage at 6.45am, with the latest at 6.25pm. The first bus for Swanage from Bournemouth Square is at 8.09am and the last bus leaves at 7.49pm, getting in to Swanage at 9.45pm.
Check the Bournemouth to Swanage bus timetable on the MoreBus website: www.morebus.co.uk/services/SQ/50
According to Great Scenic Journeys the one-way fare is £3.50 for adults
There are two main Purbeck Breezer bus routes serving Swanage – from Poole and from Bournemouth.The No. 40 bus to Poole and the No. 50 to Bournemouth are a convenient way to access the attractions and amenities of these larger towns on a direct, consistent, and often scenic route from Swanage.
Alternatively, the Purbeck Breezer buses are a low-cost and pleasant way to travel to Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck for the day or a longer holiday, allowing you to easily explore Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
There is also a seasonal (summer) bus, the No. 30, that runs to and from Weymouth.