Durlston Country Park & National Nature Reserve

📍Lighthouse 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

Ghostbusters Outdoor Cinema (at Durlston)
Ghostbusters film - Columbia Pictures

Sat 17 Aug 2024
20.45

Pirates of Purbeck Activity Trail (at Durlston)
Durlston Castle (front exterior view)

Fri 19 Jul 2024 - Mon 12 Aug 2024
10.00 - 16.00

Super Seabirds Activity Trail (at Durlston)
View from Durlston's Seventh Wave Café

Wed 22 May 2024 - Wed 5 Jun 2024
10.00 - 16.00

Bonkers Bunnies Children's Activity Trail at Durlston
Durlston's Bonkers Bunnies Easter trail

Thu 28 Mar 2024 - Mon 15 Apr 2024
10.00 - 16.00