Cafes

Down The Beach

4.8 133 reviews 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Burlington Chine, Swanage BH19 1LS, United Kingdom

Discover this place

Down The Beach, a charming café located in the picturesque Burlington Chine, Swanage, is a delightful spot to savor delicious meals while enjoying breathtaking views. Customers rave about the friendly service and the freshly cooked dishes. Erik K. highlights the café's accommodating nature when a seagull snatched half of his burger, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Breakfast options here are particularly popular, with many praising the lovely atmosphere to start the day. Richard Sheard notes the warm staff and the quality of the breakfast, emphasizing the café’s ability to create a welcoming experience.

For lunch, the calamari is a crowd favorite, as noted by Hannah Fleming-Hill, who enjoyed her meal amid the serene sounds of crashing waves. Diners also appreciate the relaxed vibe where they can sip on drinks, with Nick Holt enjoying lunch in the sun, despite a minor coffee critique.

Finally, James Thompson fondly recalls the cookies and cream milkshake, a sweet treat that perfectly complements the café’s culinary offerings. Overall, Down The Beach provides a memorable dining experience, blending good food with the beauty of nature, perfect for food lovers and beachgoers alike.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Great coffee
Great tea selection

Popular for

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating

Atmosphere

Casual

Crowd

Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Down The Beach before visiting.

Reviews for Down The Beach

4.8

133 reviews

100%

14%

Review highlights

Based on 133 reviews

Down The Beach in Swanage is frequently praised for its inviting beachfront location and relaxed, sunny atmosphere, making it a popular choice for breakfast and lunch. Visitors consistently highlight the friendly and attentive service, with staff responding well to occasional challenges such as seagulls targeting food. The café offers a variety of fresh, well-prepared dishes that complement the scenic setting, including standout items like calamari and indulgent milkshakes. While some coffee enthusiasts note the brew may not meet specialty standards, this is generally overshadowed by the overall dining experience focused on ambiance and simplicity. The combination of good food, welcoming staff, and a quintessential beach vibe contributes to Down The Beach’s favorable reputation among locals and tourists alike.

Erik K.

Jul 05, 2025

Good food, great location just be aware of seagulls! I wasn't but when half my burger was eaten by one it was replaced free of charge which was very nice. :)

richard sheard

Jun 08, 2025

Lovely spot for a breakfast! Friendly staff and cooked fresh to order.

Hannah Fleming-Hill

Jun 06, 2025

Had the most delicious calamari for lunch, sun was shining, ocean waves crashing, beautiful! A little attention required for protecting food from the seagulls but just be sensible & it will be ok.

Nick Holt

Jun 01, 2025

Excellent place for lunch in the sun! Great food and they serve alcohol. My black coffee was instant I think, but despite me being a coffee snob, it didn't seem to matter. This place is all about the atmosphere and being in the sun. All good.

James Thompson

May 31, 2025

Great little spot on the beach. Awesome cookies and cream milkshake and super friendly folks. Yum!

Joey Chat

May 27, 2025

Perfect breakfast experience. Very nice staff. Great food. Couldn’t be better

Richard Burridge

May 02, 2025

Great little cafe and the breakfast was delicious with good quality bacon and sausages. Unfortunately like most places, quality food usually means small portions. Still very nice though

Dan Tong Jia

Mar 22, 2025

Highly recommend! Wide variety of burgers, seafood, and bites, as well as beers and local ciders available. Beware their hot food service ends at 3pm but if you're a few minutes late they're really nice and can make select menu items. Loved the chicken burger here after finishing a long hike from Studland