The Royal Oak in Purbeck

What a fabulous atmosphere, warm and cozy pub. The Sunday roasts were to die for! The staff so pleasant and welcoming, pubs like these are a dying breed. 5 stars from me!

Amazing spooky old pub. Was here just for drinks as we missed the food time. Interesting place. The garden is awesome, quite a few tables on a bit of an incline. Mini stone circle and memorials out there.

Very welcoming very friendly lovely atmosphere food was excellent will hopefully return one day thankyou from Hannah and Colin

Amazing hospitality, fantastic food, excellent service. So friendly and accommodating, lovely atmosphere and excellent beer..!

What a gem! The pub itself is really nice, with lovely owners. The locals are good fun and everyone was chatting. The atmosphere is nice and it's much quieter than the busier pubs further into town. Would come again.

Came for Sunday lunch at the Royal Oak whilst staying at Swanage for a week. Choice of meats on the day were Beef, Chicken, Turkey or Pork. All roasts came with a yorkshire pudding, carrots, swede, parsnips, roast potatoes, mash, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, broad beans, green beans, plus extra gravy. Delicious and very good value for money. There were puddings on offer but simply too full to try any on this occasion. Very friendly staff and would recommend booking to ensure you can get a table.

One of the best Sunday roasts in Dorset! A pile of treasures starting with turkey and beef, perfect potatos, 2 types of cabbage , mashed potato, mashed swede, parsnips, broccoli, green beans, peas and Brussel sprouts! There is only 1 cask ale on, Ringwood Best Bitter, but it is well kept. The people serving were very kind and welcoming.

We had the best time, food brilliant and staff super friendly. Love our time there.

We just stopped in for a quick drink on our way out of Swanage as all the pubs in the town were busy. Such a lovely place cozy and quirky with a lovely garden, really friendly staff who clearly loved engaging with anyone who walks through the door. We'll happily visit again if we're back in the area.

We have been to the Royal Oak a few times just to have a drink. The pub is very friendly and the staff are excellent. We booked for a Sunday Roast a couple of days before, as we were warned that there is a limited availability because it is so popular. The Sunday Roast , my friend and I had lamb and my wife had chicken, was the best I have ever had. Excellent value for money, meat was tender and we counted 11 different vegetables. Unbelievable size of portions and so tasty. Better than anywhere I have been too and better than your Mums home cooking. Rachel the owner/chef and Gary the bar manager are so welcoming and friendly. The service was 5 star

Absolutely delighted with my experience at the Royal Oak in Swanage! The pub's charm is amplified by its outstanding landlady who truly goes above and beyond. The friendly ambiance and welcoming staff create a fantastic atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable pub experience!

Welcoming traditional pub with a great atmosphere!

Went for a Sunday roast and would highly recommend. I live locally and haven't been for years. Excellent food and was worth every penny. Really friendly hosts, and was made to feel welcome from the moment we walked through the door until we left. Don't waste time go and try yourself!

A fantastic High Tea highly recommended

Our first visit but definitely not our last. A very old school pub that serves the best value old school Sunday roast. We visited there on Sunday 22 Oct 2023 and we cannot fault it. The 3 of us had the beef roast which came with 8 different veggies, loads of tender meat, loads of roasts. It even came with an extra boat of gravy (without having to ask for it). The value was superb, you will not find a better tasting Sunday roast at the best price anywhere on Purbeck. Superb, friendly staff and friendly atmosphere are just a bonus. We would highly recommend it and will definitely be returning - many times. Well done The Royal Oak. See you soon.

A proper British pub .you wouldn't get a better Sunday lunch in swanage.10 vetables and choice on 3 or 4 different meats.

Had Sunday lunch at the Royal Oak yesterday and what a pleasant surprise. Firstly we met Garry with his glowing smile and a quick chat about the place. Lunch was amazing 8 vegetables with a choice of 4 meats, too much really, but we are not complaining. When we made our booking Garry said they were fully booked but as we were able to be seated by 12.45 (lunch served between 1 and 3) he fitted us in. When we left the place was full, not just for lunches but by locals around the bar as well. What a find. Alex and Freddie.

A friend we stayed with in Swanage recommended we visit this pub. So as a couple from Australia on holidays we all walked down and had a few drinks on Friday night. We found everyone very friendly and welcoming we a good selection of drinks. We came back for the Sunday roast and were amazed at the size and quality of the meal. The pub was busy so the secret is out. Highly recommend.

Great pub! Amazing food, be sure not to eat 2 days before you come though cos the portions are massive! 11 vegetables on each of our plates!! Definitely coming back because the price for the 2 meals photographed & a drink each was less than £24-00, it’s a no brainer!

Popped in the day before for a few drinks in their immaculate and floral garden. Decided to book in for a roast dinner the next day. Had a choice of three different meats. All served with fresh vegetables. Oh my word. When it turned up it was a huge portion. Plenty of meat. 10 different vegetables. Extra gravy too. All of it was fresh and tasty. All of it was piping hot and flavourful. Honestly could fault it one bit. Unfortunately the portion size just about beat me. It was a very generous portion indeed. All of this paired with an excellent pint in the main bar area! In total the roast itself was only £11.95 too! Was by far the best roast dinner I’ve ever had out at a pub before!

Excellent food, great atmosphere and friendly staff.

Called in for a few pints on a walk back to Swanage. Great pub with one of the most impressive pub gardens I have ever seen. If you like gardening and flowers, you have to go to the Royal Oak. Truly beautiful.

Discovered this pub on our last night at Swanage such a shame as it is an absolute gem wish we had discovered it sooner ! Very friendly people with a great atmosphere with the local characters. It’s like pubs used to be. Apparently they do a cracking Sunday roast ! Beautiful garden with views can’t wait to visit again on our next holiday here :)

Lovely, friendly, traditional pub with a decent pint and a lpovely garden with great views. Most country pubs are spoiled these days, but not this one so give it your support.

Had a great lunch at a very friendly pub very generous portions beautiful beer garden this 1 should be on your list 😉 very friendly staff

Great staff and service. Gorgeous garden

A proper pub. Really friendly staff and regulars. Felt at home as soon as we walked in.

It's a great pub get karaoke from time to time

Having driven past a couple of times during my week staying locally I'd thought it was a house conversion - happily proved wrong when walking home on Thursday night and seeing the lights on. Loses a mark because they had no draught bitter available on the night - the cider was good but not that good 🤣🤣 The bar was lively with a group of entertaining older locals clearly at ease in each others company. I left the following morning otherwise I'd have happily gone back for more banter that evening.

We ordered 3 Sunday Roasts. Great service, massive portions, great value for money! Highly recommended! Would definitely go again!!

Really friendly local pub,full of character and characters! haha Staff were very accommodating eve though they had a few staffing issues. Food was lovely and reasonably priced. Myself and my family were made to feel very welcome and I'm sure we will be visiting again soon. 😊

Lovely people great little place

We've been visiting this little pub for a few years now. Rachael and the team are faultless. Their Sunday roasts are a must have. I've never had a roast dinner so big. Thanks for the continued amazing service Rachael.

Lovely pub, a warm welcome, real log fire and comfy seats and good beer!

Sunday roast amazing portions and value for money. Cannot fault. Nice friendly staff and traditional pub ambiance. Beers were very good. The Directors ale was spot on

Lovely little pub, very friendly staff and cannot fault the Sunday dinner. Amazing. 5 stars.

We were on holiday staying at Herstons camping and caravan site. Its only a few mins away from the Royal oak. I have been coming 2 Swanage for holidays since i was a young girl with my parents. We always stayed on Pipards camp site. It was just a few mins walk away from the Royal oak. So ive been in this pub a good few times over the years. I can tell you the outside hasnt changed at all. It still looks like a cottage from the front the sign shows its a pub. Inside its been opened up. The folk in there were very friendly. Its a cosy place 2 sit in if the weather is bad. We sat in the beautiful garden because the weather was beautiful and we had our 2 granchildren with us. The garden has a couple of raised areas. Not really for folk who have difficulty in walking or climbing steps. But if u can get in the garden its well looked after. The views between the cottages of the hills and down towards swanage bay r beautiful. Lovely place 2 sit, relax enjoy a cool drink and admire the view. If i lived in Swanage i would definitely make the Royal Oak my local pub.

Had a great evening with our host Racheal.

BEAUTIFUL OLD PUB WITH GOOD FOOD .

A lovely traditional local pub you are always made feel welcome on every visit we always have a Sunday roast there which is a traditional home cooked meal the management and staff are all very friendly

A lovely traditional country pub just outside the town. Always made feel welcome on every visit. We have our Sunday lunch here it is home cooked and value for money and also a very relaxed atmosphere. The management and staff are all very friendly

This pub is a hidden gem , unlike any other I have visited in my time in the Bournemouth area . Welcoming and jovial staff , a beautiful log fire to warm the cockles . Food was delicious and reasonably priced definitely worth a visit

First time I've taken the wife in the Royal Oak in years she was most impressed with the pub as a whole staff, service and decor.

We came down from London looking for a real paranormal experience and was not disappointed, the rooms were beautifully prepared but full of energy and atmosphere. The owner was very welcoming and extremely hospitable and as for the food........ I would happily move there! Thank you so much for an amazing break best ever. We will be back. Anne, Taliah, Connor and Brittani X

great evening..at the spiritual thingy

Very nice bar, but outside of the town centre. Has food and drink

Nice staff, good value for money with reasonable prices. Traditional village / local feel to it, even in holiday area

Very traditional with welcoming staff. Reasonable prices and good value

Haunted? This pub always had a reputation for being haunted, so it is rubbish of the present owner to claim it only started when she bought it in 2011. She and her psychic friend should NEVER have done 'Circles' either. Conjuring up goodness knows what. If there are any restless spirits, then you they should have been crossed over on the Paranormal Lockdown episode!! Not sure about the owner and that friend to be honest. Think they could be unpleasant if you upset them.

Friendly and cosy pub. Great atmosphere and staff. Best pub in Swanage.

Good food plenty of . weekends only .old fashion pub friendly staff .darts shove halfpenny.table game .+ Quize night on Sundays .nice rear garden with a nicely laid out flowers . Romany caravan top of garden .they also do weddings .if you're lucky you may see the friendly ghost !! It is haunted .they do bed and breakfast .swanage a beautiful seaside town and beautiful scenery all around this old pub you must meet the landlady it's owned by her .

Nice friendly run pub on the outskirts of swanage town, are always normally in here when visiting my father-in-law. Lovely place

Went here for a quick drink and found the pub very welcoming. It is a true village pub with a lovely vibe. There was a seperate room for a pool table which was a bargain at 50p. Really lovely atmosphere in this pub with plenty of locals but not intimidating at all. Highly recommend. :)

Great family pub..love every time I'm there Old fashioned value..

Love it there super friendly fun a happy place to be 😁😁

Proper purbeck pub. All are welcomed, love the place.

Best friendly old school pub in purbeck

Not much more then a bar in someone's sitting room. Roaring log fire. Friendly

Smashing local real ale pub, friendly atmosphere with a lovely garden, give it a try 😉

The royak oak is my local is avery goog pub good food and drink garyoae on friday nights once a mounth