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Hidden Dorset > Discover > Natural Environment > Countryside > Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park
Ali Tuckey, Park Ranger
Durlston Country Park
Lighthouse Road
Swanage
BH19 2JL
Tel: 01929 424443
Durlston Country Park Countryside
A fabulous 280 acre countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland.
Durlston Country Park is a fabulous 113 hectare (280 acre) countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland.
Whether it is the fabulous views, walks, the Great Globe, the superb geology or the fascinating array of wildlife, there is always something different to see at Durlston.
On the southeast tip of Purbeck, 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, this superb site, owned and managed by Dorset County Council, is governed by the ethos of 'Conservation for Public Enjoyment'.
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. Durlston is also designated as Heritage Coast, Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the offshore waters are part of the Marine Research Area.
The accessible Visitor Centre is popular with families and children featuring sound from the seabed, live video pictures of seabird colonies, monthly displays and a daily diary of wildlife sightings. You can also buy guides, maps, books, souvenirs, drinks and confectionery.
The Lookout café is perched on the cliffs at Durlston Castle, a Victorian folly built in the 1880's.
Directions
By Road:
Take A351 from Wareham (11 miles), or come across the Sandbanks-Studland ferry from Bournemouth (10 miles) to Swanage and follow the brown tourist signs up the hill and park in our pay and display car park.
By Foot:
Walk in via one of the many public footpaths from Swanage or Langton Matravers or take the South West Coast Path from the west.
By Cycle:
Follow the road up from Swanage, but once you get to Durlston there are no cycle routes or bridleways, so park your cycle at the secure stands by the Visitor Centre.
By Bus:
(Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays only from Easter until mid September)
- From Swanage (on the 142 or 143 Poole to Swanage bus). Leaving Swanage Bus Station: 10.50 : 11.50 : 12.35 and 15.40 (for the 8 minute journey).
- Return from Durlston to Swanage (stay aboard for Wareham and Poole) at 12.15 : 13.15 : 16.15 and 17.15.
By Train:
The nearest mainline train station is Wareham (11 miles) or Bournemouth (across the Ferry on the 150 bus).
There is a steam train that runs from Swanage to Corfe Castle. You will need to walk, take the bus or a taxi once you have arrived at the Swanage bus and train station.
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