The Sandhaven Swanage Exterior photoThe Sandhaven Swanage Room photoThe Sandhaven Swanage Beds photo

The Sandhaven, Swanage

Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From$147 /night
Check-in
01Sept
Check-out
02Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

5, Ulwell Road,, Swanage
-
Less than 150 metres from the beautiful sandy beach
Perfect
9.2
/10
4.5
4.8
/5

4-star seaside retreat in Swanage

Location

The Sandhaven is located just 150 meters from Swanage Beach, a Blue Flag-awarded shore known for its clear waters. Guests can explore the scenic Dorset landscape, including Durlston Country Park and the famous Jurassic Coast, within a short drive. The hotel is also conveniently close to the Swanage Steam Train, which offers rides to Corfe Castle.

Amenities

The Sandhaven offers a guest lounge stocked with books and puzzles, providing a cozy space for relaxation. It features six dedicated car parking spaces for nine rooms, along with free on-street parking options nearby. Additionally, MESH WiFi is accessible throughout the building, catering to the convenience of all guests.

Dining

Breakfast at The Sandhaven is prepared with local ingredients, offering two seating options in the dining room or an in-room service. The hotel emphasizes a strong focus on the quality of its breakfast, ensuring that guests start their day right. The options cater to diverse preferences, providing both a communal dining experience and private indulgence.

Rooms

The hotel comprises nine rooms, each designed with a specific focus on enhancing the guest experience. Room 3 features a seating area with sea views, while Room 4 includes partial beach views and a cozy seating area. Room 9, located at the top of the house, provides additional space and light with windows that open into the bathroom.

Policies

The Sandhaven maintains a strict no-pets policy, ensuring a tranquil environment for all guests. Daily housekeeping services are available, allowing for both privacy and cleanliness, according to guest preferences. Check-in is offered between 4 PM to 8 PM, with arrangements for late check-in upon prior notice.

Highlights

Location: 150 meters from Swanage Beach

Dining: Locally sourced breakfast options

Rooms: Nine rooms with unique amenities

Policies: No pets allowed, daily housekeeping

Parking: Six designated car parking spaces

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Durlston Country Park for stunning coastal views and wildlife.
  • Try the fresh fish and chips at The Fish Plaice on the seafront.
  • Explore the hidden stairway at Sheps Hollow for a quiet beach escape.
  • Join the local market on Fridays for artisan goodies and crafts.
  • Discover the Swanage Pier and watch the boat trips to nearby islands.

Select your room type

The Sandhaven offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Twin Room Private Bathroom
    2 persons
    12 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
  • Large Double Room Partial Sea View
    2 persons
    17 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
  • Classic Twin Room
    2 persons
    14 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
August 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Sandhaven offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • In-room breakfast

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

The Sandhaven Location

5, Ulwell Road,, Swanage
Explore Swanage
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Swanage Beach
10 minutes' walk
Swanage Beach offers golden sands and shallow waters, perfect for beach games and relaxation. Lifeguard services available in summer.
Purbeck Heritage Coast
10 minutes' walk
A stunning coastal area featuring dramatic cliffs and diverse wildlife. Great for walking trails, photography, and scenic views.
Swanage Pier
Swanage Pier
4 minutes' drive
Swanage Pier showcases beautiful coastal vistas and access to boat trips. A lovely spot for fishing and enjoying the sea breeze.
Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park
6 minutes' drive
A nature reserve with cliff-top walks, stunning views, and visitor center. Ideal for casual walks or picnics amidst nature.
K's Funworld Swanage
K's Funworld Swanage
12 minutes' walk
An indoor family amusement center with arcade games and soft play areas. Perfect for kids and family bonding.
Studland Trekking Centre
Studland Trekking Centre
8 minutes' drive
Horse riding experiences across beautiful Purbeck countryside, suitable for all levels. Advance booking recommended.
Purbeck Water Sports
10 minutes' drive
Thrilling water sports including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Equipment rentals facilitated; operated during summer months.
Wright on the Beach
12 minutes' walk
A beachfront café serving fresh seafood and local dishes with stunning beach views. Vegetarian options available; ideal for families.
Teabreaks
13 minutes' walk
Charming tea room known for homemade cakes and light lunches. Perfect atmosphere for a cozy meal; family-friendly.
Down The Beach
5 minutes' walk
Casual beachside dining offering classic staples like fish and chips in a laid-back setting. Great for families and casual get-togethers.
Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre
5 minutes' drive
Exhibits on local history and heritage with seasonal events. Perfect for families; educational and engaging for all ages.
Royal Victoria Arcade
19 minutes' walk
A classic arcade venue featuring various amusements and games for all ages. An ideal casual outing in the evening.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Swanage 14 min  ·  3700 ft
  • Airports
    Bournemouth (BOH) 43 min  ·  17.7 mi
    Southampton (SOU) 108 min  ·  44.7 mi
  • Train
    Herston Halt Railway Station 21 min  ·  1.1 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 17 min  ·  7.0 mi
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:30-21:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 7.5 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
8

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Sandhaven from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 279 verified reviews
9.3 /10
Perfect
98 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
8.9/10
Free WiFi
9.0/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.1/10
Guest reviews
based on 279 reviews
9.3/10
based on 488 reviews
9.2/10
Jacob from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 19, 2025
9.3/10

Excellent Stay Experience

convenient self check-in delicious breakfast wonderful hosts
John and Martine were wonderful hosts. They had a great energy. They cooked a delicious breakfast. Self check-in was quite convenient, I must say. The location was very good and suited my travel needs.
The towels were just basic, which I found slightly less luxurious.
Location
9/10
The hotel provides immediate access to the beach. It is a mere two-minute walk. Its location allows easy access to local attractions. I found that its location was quite convenient for my planned activities.
Service
10/10
The hosts, John and Martine, were friendly and cute. They provided detailed information about the local area. Breakfast arrangements were well-organized with a form to complete the night before, specifying the preferred time and choices.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel offers flexible check-in options. I found it quite convenient. I had access to tea and various hot drinks in my room. There was also a complimentary bottle of water provided upon my arrival.
Rooms
9/10
My room was clean and cosy. I particularly appreciated that. The shower provided hot water, perfect considering the weather . The room was well-kept and comfortable.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Juliet from United Kingdom
Couple
double room
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 07, 2025
7/10
great selection superb location cosy room old towels awkward parking thin partition
the breakfast had a great selection (i especially enjoyed the fresh fruit!). the location was superb, very close to both the beach and the local shops. my room was beautifully clean and also very cosy.
the towels felt a little old and not very soft. the parking space was quite awkward, squeezed next to a signpost. i found the partition walls between the rooms to be a bit thin, so i could hear conversations next door.
0 Helpful
Nicholas from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 01, 2025
9.3/10

a nice getaway

lovely hosts convenient location
Martine and jon were lovely hosts they provided an early check-in at 1:30pm. parking on site was convenient. I appreciate this as it simplified carrying my bags. i found the location convenient, since it was close to both the beach and the town.
The room lacked sufficient wall sockets. I noticed extension cables running around everywhere.
Dining
10/10
the breakfast offered good quality food and plenty of choice, a good start to each day. i especially enjoyed the options available and the freshness of the ingredients provided by the friendly owners. the breakfast service was punctual.
Location
9/10
the hotel is just a short five-minute walk to the beach, perfect for morning strolls. it's also conveniently located near the town center, offering easy access to shops and restaurants. parking at the front was also available.
Rooms
9/10
the room was clean and fresh, offering a relaxing environment. the beds and pillows were particularly comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. a bath was available, awesome for relaxation after a busy day.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Layla from United Kingdom
twin room private bathroom
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: July 14, 2025
6/10
rough towels tricky parking
The bathroom towels felt quite old and a bit rough. I wished they were softer. also, the parking situation was a little tricky. i found it somewhat difficult to maneuver my car into the space because it was next to a signpost. it made getting in and out a bit of a hassle. I worried about scratching the car each time.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Sandhaven
What is the distance from The Sandhaven to Swanage Pier?
The Sandhaven is located 1 km from Swanage Pier.
How far is The Sandhaven from Studland Beach?
The Sandhaven is approximately 1 km from Studland Beach.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Sandhaven?
Check-in is from 13:30 and check-out is by 10:30.
What breakfast options are available at The Sandhaven?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £7.
Which popular restaurants are close to The Sandhaven?
Nearby restaurants include The Sandwich Shed, Bull and Boat, and Grand Hotel Swanage Restaurant and Bar, all within 0.5 km.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Sandhaven?
Rooms feature a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, and private bathrooms with hairdryers.
Is there a shared space for guests at The Sandhaven?
The Sandhaven offers a shared lounge for guests to relax.
What nearby attractions can be visited from The Sandhaven?
Attractions include Durlston Country Park (2 km) and Corfe Castle (9 km).
Is Wi-Fi available at The Sandhaven?
Free MESH WiFi is available throughout The Sandhaven.
What type of environment does The Sandhaven provide?
The Sandhaven offers a non-smoking environment ensuring guest comfort.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.