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You are here: Things To Do > Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve
Durlston Castle and Country Park, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 320 acre countryside paradise. At this National Nature Reserve you'll find dramatic sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland.
With stunning views, walking trails, the historic Great Globe, superb geology, fascinating wildlife and Durlston Castle, there is always something different to see and do.
Durlston is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site which runs from Exmouth in the west to Old Harry Rocks at Ballard Down just north of Swanage. The Park is also designated as Heritage Coast, Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Nature Reserve. Our offshore waters are part of the Marine Research Area. This makes Durlston and the surrounding area a very special place for wildlife and geology.
The Victorian Castle has been wonderfully restored and is fully accessible - you'll find a historical timeline connecting the car park to the castle, telling you the story of the Park.
Durlston’s dark skies make it an ideal place to see the solar system, star clusters, galaxies and meteor showers. The Astronomy Centre houses a 14" Meade telescope in its own observatory, with facilities for talks and lectures in the nearby Learning Centre. The Centre is supported by the Ranger staff at the Country Park and by members of the Wessex Astronomical Society.
There are also daily and monthly wildlife sightings, information about the geology of the park, live camera images and regularly changing Exhibitions and Art in our gallery.
The Park is also home to Seventhwave Café & Restaurant and our shop (selling books, souvenirs and locally made gifts and jewellery.)
Come and spend the day here for fantastic sea views, beautiful picnic spots, signposted walking trails and lots of space for the kids to burn off some energy and connect with nature.
Open every day (except 25 and 26 December).
A variety of events and exhibitions take place throughout the year. Visit our website for details.
2021 Opening (1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021) |
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* 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.
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
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Free Admission | Free |
Parking fee applies.
This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.
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.
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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