Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve
Lighthouse Road
SWANAGE
Dorset
BH19 2JL
SWANAGE
Dorset
BH19 2JL
Awards
- Visit Britain
We're Good to Go 2021
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Opening Times
| 2021 Opening (1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021) |
|---|
* The Country Park is open. Toilets are available at the Learning Centre and the cafe is open for takeaway every day, 11am - 4pm. When the cafe is able to open for dining in, call 01929 421111 for bookings.
Normal Castle & Visitor Centre Opening Times: 1 April to 31 October - 10:00 to 17:00 and 1 November to 31 March - 10:30 to 16:00 (except Christmas Day).
The Park is open all year.
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Free Admission | Free |
Parking fee applies.
TripAdvisor
Travelers Choice 2020
- Excellent741
- Very Good337
- Average46
- Poor11
- Terrible9
Recent Reviews:
- Piggie64Saltford, United KingdomBeautiful spot! Lovely views!
Friday, 30th October 2020This is a lovely spot to enjoy views over the English Channel. Although it is sign posted from the town, it is a steep climb so we were very glad we had driven up! There is pay & display car parking... Read full review - Milesy85Witney, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilyLovely views and walkThursday, 5th November 2020Lovely family walk with the children. Great views along the coast. Shop, toilet and cafe if needed. Lots of stops along the way to have a picnic or just take in the view. Read full review
- LindaH7071Yeovil, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilyLovely viewsWednesday, 21st April 2021Enjoyed walking around here. Lovely views. Accessible car park. Plenty of signage. Nice place to stroll a little of the coastal path. Nice to see the Tilly Whim caves entrance which is closed for... Read full review
Awards
- Dorset Tourism
Dorset Tourism Awards 2019 - Gold Award 2019 - Regional and Miscellaneous
South West England Tourism Excellence Awards - Bronze 2020 - Regional and Miscellaneous
Green Flag - 2020 2021
Facilities
Other
- Gift Shop
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users - tramper mobility scooters available for hire - please book in advance.
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted - on lead
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant
- Picnic Site
COVID-19 Response
- Clear signage
- Contactless payment possible
- COVID-19 measures in place
- Food available during COVID-19 restrictions
- Outside seating
- Pets welcome during COVID-19 restrictions
- Queuing system
Establishment Features
- Available for wedding receptions
- Dogs Accepted - on lead
- Open All Year
- Toilets
Event Facilities
- Free Entry
Key Features
- Approx length of visit - 3:00 hours
- In countryside
- Indoor Attraction - Castle, Visitor Centre and Art Gallery.
- Of historic, literary or architectural interest
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times
- Outdoor Attraction
- Smoking Some Areas
Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge) - large car park. 2 spaces available for coaches
Payment Methods
- Delta accepted
- JCB accepted
- Maestro accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Solo accepted
- Special group rates
- Visa accepted
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed towards children
- Marketed towards families
- Marketed towards senior citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups - charge applies. Free coach parking included in tour price.
Venue Facilities
- Groups Accepted
Access Information
PARKING
Drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance
Route from the parking area to the nearest public entrance is:
With a ramp
Parking is provided for visitors
Parking on site
ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)
Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:
Gift shop
Information point
Public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair
CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT
Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the:
Meals for guests with special dietary requirements can be provided
Menus available in large print [i.e.14pt and over]
GENERAL
Clear signage throughout the attraction (e.g. colour contrasted, large lettering, use of pictograms etc.)
Contrast markings on all glass doors and all full-height windows
Effective lighting throughout the attraction for visually impaired visitors e.g. pools of light and dark areas are avoided
Information screens have visual / audible subtitles
Seating available throughout the attraction at appropriate intervals, for visitors with limited mobility
Wheelchairs provided
Free of charge
Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for visitors with limited mobility
Some routes
Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for wheelchair users
Some routes
This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From the west: Nearest major road is A351. Follow A351 from Wareham to Swanage, then follow Durlston Country Park signs through Swanage's one-way system and up hill to the car park.From the east: Nearest major road is the A35. Follow signs to Sandbanks and catch the car ferry over the Studland. Follow signs to Swanage, then follow Durlston Country Park signs through Swanage's one-way system and up hill to the car park.
Public Transport Directions
FROM THE WEST: the nearest mainline railway station is Wareham (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line). Catch the number 40 or bus from Wareham Railway Station to Swanage Bus/Train Station. Transfer to the Durlston Explorer number 5 bus to the Country Park (the bus runs from 25 May until 21 September 2019).
FROM THE EAST: Catch the train to Bournemouth Railway Station then transfer to the number 50 bus to Swanage Bus/Railway Station. Transfer to the Durlston Explorer number 5 bus to the Country Park (the bus runs from 25 May until 21 September 2019).
JOURNEY PLANNING: Contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit their website: www.travelinesw.com to look up bus timetables. From 1st January 2019, calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.
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Sunday, 6th June 2021 - Sunday, 6th June 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park:Life in the Meadows Guided WalkLife in the Meadows Guided Walk- more info
Monday, 17th May 2021 - Sunday, 27th June 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park:The Woodland Clan TrailThe Woodland Clan Activity Trail- more info
Saturday, 19th June 2021 - Saturday, 19th June 2021
Saturday, 31st July 2021 - Saturday, 31st July 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: #100years: Enchanted Cinema#100years: Enchanted Cinema- more info
Sunday, 15th August 2021 - Sunday, 15th August 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Durlston Past Guided WalkDurlston Past Guided Walk- more info
Saturday, 22nd May 2021 - Sunday, 6th June 2021
Events at Durlston Country ParkDorset Art Weeks Exhibition: “Take 4 Artists”Dorset Art Weeks Exhibition: “Take 4 Artists” And “Once More With Feeling”- more info
Saturday, 24th July 2021 - Thursday, 12th August 2021
Friday, 13th August 2021 - Wednesday, 1st September 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Summer Family TrailSummer Family Trail- more info
Sunday, 27th June 2021 - Sunday, 27th June 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: ‘The Woodland Clan Story’: Live outdoor performance for families‘The Woodland Clan Story’: Live outdoor performance for families- more info
Friday, 21st May 2021 - Friday, 21st May 2021
Friday, 28th May 2021 - Friday, 28th May 2021
Friday, 4th June 2021 - Friday, 4th June 2021
Friday, 11th June 2021 - Friday, 11th June 2021
Friday, 18th June 2021 - Friday, 18th June 2021
Friday, 25th June 2021 - Friday, 25th June 2021
Friday, 2nd July 2021 - Friday, 2nd July 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Seabird Boat TripSeabird Boat Trip- more info
Tuesday, 15th June 2021 - Wednesday, 30th June 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Art Exhibition: Painting in the Parks – and other Adventures!Art Exhibition: Painting in the Parks – and other Adventures!
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Wednesday, 28th July 2021 - Sunday, 15th August 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: “Breathe”: Landscape Photography by Andy Farrer“Breathe”: Landscape Photography Exhibition by Andy Farrer- more info
Thursday, 29th July 2021 - Thursday, 29th July 2021
Thursday, 5th August 2021 - Thursday, 5th August 2021
Thursday, 12th August 2021 - Thursday, 12th August 2021
Thursday, 19th August 2021 - Thursday, 19th August 2021
Thursday, 26th August 2021 - Thursday, 26th August 2021
Saturday, 14th August 2021 - Saturday, 14th August 2021
Sunday, 15th August 2021 - Sunday, 15th August 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: ‘The Woodland Clan’ Community Workshops‘The Woodland Clan’ Community Workshops- more info
Monday, 13th September 2021 - Monday, 27th September 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Art Exhibition:n‘Brushes with Colour’Art Exhibition:n‘Brushes with Colour’- more info
Tuesday, 29th June 2021 - Thursday, 22nd July 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Durlston Time Travellers Trail!Durlston Time Travellers Trail!- more info
Sunday, 25th July 2021 - Sunday, 25th July 2021
Sunday, 19th September 2021 - Sunday, 19th September 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park:Victorian Durlston: GeorgeBurt’s Grand Plans WalkVictorian Durlston: GeorgeBurt’s Grand Plans Walk- more info
Sunday, 11th July 2021 - Sunday, 11th July 2021
Sunday, 1st August 2021 - Sunday, 1st August 2021
Sunday, 5th September 2021 - Sunday, 5th September 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Walk With a RangerWalk With a Ranger- more info
Thursday, 2nd September 2021 - Thursday, 2nd September 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Opening Light“: Classical Music with Natalie Clein, the Carducci Quartet & GuestsOpening Light“: Classical Music with Natalie Clein, the Carducci Quartet & Guests- more info
Sunday, 2nd May 2021 - Sunday, 29th August 2021
Monday, 12th July 2021 - Sunday, 25th July 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Art Exhibition: Contemporary Engraved GlassArt Exhibition: Contemporary Engraved Glass- more info
Friday, 23rd July 2021 - Friday, 23rd July 2021
Tuesday, 27th July 2021 - Tuesday, 27th July 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park: Stars in the Grass: Glow-worm WalkStars in the Grass: Glow-worm Walk- more info
Saturday, 4th September 2021 - Saturday, 4th September 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park:Musical Fun for Families: Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival MusiciansMusical Fun for Families: Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival Musicians- more info
Monday, 21st June 2021 - Monday, 21st June 2021
Monday, 9th August 2021 - Monday, 9th August 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park:‘Cuppa and ChatCuppa and Chat- more info
Monday, 9th August 2021 - Monday, 9th August 2021
Tuesday, 10th August 2021 - Tuesday, 10th August 2021
Events at Durlston Country Park:‘The Woodland Clan’: Kids Art Workshops‘The Woodland Clan’: Kids Art Workshops- more info
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