The Downs

The Downs is a large open grassland area in the southeast of Swanage behind Prince Albert Gardens and the Victorian Pier.

Parking is available along the north side in the Broad Road car park.

Access to the Downs is via the Broad Road Car Park, Peveril Point, Seymer Road and Belle Vue Road.

The east side of the Downs is a sheer cliff with no fence or barrier.

The Downs is the ideal place to watch the carnival fireworks displays, with views across the Purbeck hills, Bournemouth, and the Isle of Wight.

The South West Coast Path passes through the Downs and is a 630-mile walk and is the longest established National Trail in the country. Starting at Minehead in Somerset, continuing along the coast of North Devon into Cornwall. The route continues back into Devon and then follows the Dorset coastline before finally ending at Poole Harbour.