đź“ŤLighthouse Road, Swanage BH19 2JL
Set above Swanage with panoramic views across the sea toward Old Harry Rocks, Poole Harbour & Bournemouth, and the Isle of Wight, Durlston Country Park makes for a great family day out in nature.
Discover stunning coastal paths, wildlife walks in the wildflower meadows, and fun kids’ trails that change throughout the seasons in the park’s woodland.
Durlston’s busy, year-round calendar of events has something for everyone – from regular guided walks, children’s craft activities and stargazing sessions to a programme of exhibitions and events in its gallery.
There’s a cafĂ©, visitor centre and shop in Durlston Castle, where you can discover the park’s Victorian and Jurassic pasts.
Durlston has many fully-accessible areas and accessible toilets.
There’s spacious parking for cars and coaches.
Durlston is dog-friendly.
Opening times
The park and car parks are open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year.
Visitor centre opening times:
- 1st April – 31st October: 10am – 5pm
- 1st November – 31st March: 10am – 4pm
- (Closed on Christmas Day & Boxing Day)
Plan your next adventure at Durlston Country Park by visiting its website: https://www.durlston.co.uk
Events at Durlston
Victorian Durlston Guided Walk 
Thu 2 Apr 2026
11.00 - 12.30
Bonkers Bunnies Children's Easter Trail (Durlston) 
Wed 25 Mar 2026 - Wed 15 Apr 2026
10.00 - 15.00
Family Scrub Bash (Durlston) 
Mon 16 Feb 2026
10.00 - 12.30
Pirates of Purbeck Children's Trail (Durlston) 
Wed 11 Feb 2026 - Wed 25 Feb 2026
10.00 - 15.00
'Have a Very Merry Durlston' Guided Walk 
Sun 21 Dec 2025
11.00 - 12.30
Crazy Christmas Children's Activity Trail (Durlston) 
Wed 17 Dec 2025 - Wed 7 Jan 2026
10.00 - 15.00
Layers in the Landscape Guided Walk (Durlston) 
Sun 7 Dec 2025
14.00 - 15.30
Halloween Children's Trail (Durlston) 
Wed 22 Oct 2025 - Wed 5 Nov 2025
10.00 - 16.00
Birdwatching for Beginners (Durlston) 
Fri 10 Oct 2025
10.30 - 12.00
Boats of the Bay Children’s Trail (Durlston) 
Tue 12 Aug 2025 - Wed 3 Sep 2025
10.00 - 16.00
Marvellous Meadows Children's Trail (Durlston Country Park) 
Sat 19 Jul 2025 - Mon 11 Aug 2025
10.00 - 16.00
Stars in the Grass: Glow-Worm Walk (Durlston) 
Fri 18 Jul 2025 - Tue 22 Jul 2025
21.00 - 22.30
Underwater World Children's Trail (Durlston) 
Wed 21 May 2025 - Wed 4 Jun 2025
10.00 - 16.00
Durlston Parkrun Easter Special 
Sat 19 Apr 2025
08.45
Fairy Doors Easter Trail (Durlston) 
Wed 2 Apr 2025 - Wed 23 Apr 2025
10.00 - 16.00
Open Studio: Emma Scattergood (Durlston) 
Wed 19 Mar 2025 - Sat 29 Mar 2025
Treemendous Trees Children's Activity Trail (Durlston) 
Wed 12 Feb 2025 - Wed 26 Feb 2025
10.00 - 15.00
A Hiker’s View Photography Display (at Durlston) 
Wed 18 Sep 2024 - Thu 26 Sep 2024
10.00 - 17.00
A Parliament of Owls Art Display (at Durlston) 
Tue 27 Aug 2024 - Thu 5 Sep 2024
10.00 - 17.00
Wildlife Safari Walk (at Durlston) 
Sun 18 Aug 2024
11.00 - 12.30
Ghostbusters Outdoor Cinema (at Durlston) 
Sat 17 Aug 2024
20.45
Nature Heals Photography Display (at Durlston)
Wed 14 Aug 2024 - Fri 23 Aug 2024
10.00 - 17.00
Minibeast Safari Kids’ Activity (at Durlston)
Thu 8 Aug 2024
10.30 - 12.00
Robin Mackenzie Printmaking Display (at Durlston) 
Sun 4 Aug 2024 - Sun 11 Aug 2024
10.00 - 17.00
Midsummer Meadows Guided Walk (at Durlston)
Sun 23 Jun 2024
11.30 - 13.00
Super Seabirds Activity Trail (at Durlston)
Wed 22 May 2024 - Wed 5 Jun 2024
10.00 - 16.00
