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Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Lighthouse Road
SWANAGE
Dorset
BH19 2JL

Add Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

Durlston Country Park
  • Durlston Country Park
  • Durlston Castle at Durlston Country Park
  • Durlston Castle and Great Globe at Durlston Country Park
  • Durlston Country Park
  • Durlston Castle at Durlston Country Park

Website

Telephone: +44 01929 424443

Opening Times

2020 Opening (1 January 2020 - 31 December 2020)

* The Country Park is open. We have toilets at the Learning Centre, cafe open for takeaway every day 11am - 4pm, from Sat 4th July (call 01929 421111 for bookings).

Normal Castle & Visitor Centre Opening Times: April to 31 October - 10:00 to 17:00 and November to 31 March - 10:30 to 16:00 (except Christmas Day).
The Park is open all year.

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Parking fee applies.

Website

Telephone: +44 01929 424443

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
1108 reviews
  • Certificate of Excellence 2019
  • Excellent
    715
  • Very Good
    329
  • Average
    45
  • Poor
    11
  • Terrible
    9

Recent Reviews:

  • KodoDrummer
    Yekaterinburg, Russia
    Many breathtaking clifftop views along the coast
    4 of 5 stars
    Sunday, 17th May 2020
    We enjoyed a fresh-air coastal walk, and came across an area adorned in small rounded-edge pebbles which were foot-massaging to walk on. Lots of birds along the coast. Lots of walkways. Spectacular... Read full review
  • LarryCobblepot
    Northampton, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Family
    Amazing!
    5 of 5 stars
    Wednesday, 3rd June 2020
    A lovely park with great views with a nice cafe and a lovely museum! Lovely food in the cafe and lovely plant, and great games for children! Read full review
  • sarahlR4283WZ
    Trip Type:
    Friends getaway
    Lunch with a dramatic view
    5 of 5 stars
    Thursday, 9th July 2020
    My friend and I came across the castle cafe yesterday by accident - so pleased we decided to try it! Dog friendly, efficient welcoming staff, amazing food, excellent facilities! Only complaint - no... Read full review
Write a review
© TripAdvisor 2020

Awards

  • Dorset TourismDorset Tourism Awards 2019 - Gold Award Dorset Tourism Awards 2019 - Gold Award 2019
  • Visit BritainWe're Good to Go We're Good to Go 2020

Facilities

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

Establishment Features

  • 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.
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Smoking Some Areas

Parking & Transport

  • On Bus Route - the number 5 bus runs from May until September.
  • 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

View Map

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.

Website

Telephone: +44 01929 424443

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