Welcome to Ballard Estate, Swanage

South West Coast Path

Because of coastal erosion, the coastal footpath has been diverted inland at Shep's Hollow and follows the public footpath through the estate. The Old Post Office B&B is listed in the South West Coast Path Guide, and must be one of the few B&B's to have the path running past their front door.

Local Area Attractions

The Estate benefits from ownership of the Green, an open area separating seaward-facing bungalows from the cliff edge, which is prone to erosion. The coast path traverses the Green and down steps to Shep’s Hollow where a short path diverts to the North Beach. The main path continues along the cliff top, up and over Ballard Down, and on to Studland via the famous Old Harry rocks.

North Beach is wild and un spoilt compared to the ‘Town’ Beach, which is more family-orientated with ice-cream parlous, deck-chair concessions and beach huts. North Beach is only accessible on foot as visitor’s vehicles are not permitted on the Ballard Estate. It’s more used by locals and is popular with fishermen in the evenings. The dog ban does not apply to North Beach and we have no problems with that.
From the Ballard Estate, the town Centre is a pleasant fifteen-minute stroll along the beach.

FOOD AND DRINK

Apart from the local pub food we have numerous fish & chip outlets and a kebab takeaway. There are two Indian restaurants and a Chinese restaurant, plus a Thai / Vietnamese restaurant / takeaway.

Tawny's is the local wine bar and The Trattoria serves superb Italia food. Five minutes walk from the Estate is the Ocean Bay, a quality beach-site restaurant.