How to get there

Durlston Country Park is on the south coast of England, 40 miles south-west of Southampton, 20 miles from Bournemouth and 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset.

Location

Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL

Grid reference: SZ 031 773
Size: 115 (Ha)
Habitats: sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, hay meadows, hedgerows and woodland.
Site designation: Site of Special Scientific Interest, Green Flag Award and National Nature Reserve

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

Between 19 June and 26 September 2010, Discover Dorset tours will be running a bus between Swanage town and Durlston Country Park. The bus will run on a 30 minute service picking up from the Victoria Avenue beach car park, Swanage Railway Station and Swanage Pier, allowing you to catch a train or boat to Swanage and then transfer to bus up to Durlston. The cost will be £1 for adults and 50p for children each way. Download the poster and timetable on the right or find out more about Discover Dorset tours from their website (opens in a new window) .

By train

The nearest mainline train station is Wareham (11miles) or Bournemouth (across the Ferry on the 150 bus). Swanage Railway runs a steam train from Norden Park and Ride to Swanage calling at Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Herston. You will need to walk, take the bus or a taxi once you have arrived at the Swanage bus and train station.

For full details Public Transport Details – call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit their website.

Accessibility

Durlston Country Park is a hilly cliff-top site but some areas are accessible to less mobile visitors - please call for details, as much can depend on the ground conditions. Durlston has one 'Tramper' buggy for free loan - please phone to book or for more details. Be aware that some areas are not suitable for a standard electric buggy, or the Tramper
The visitor centre is fully accessible, and has a toilet for disabled visitors and a fully accessible viewing hide
Some picnic tables are wheelchair accessible - ask for details
Cycling and horse riding are not permitted at Durlston Country Park (outside of the car parks). Cycle racks can be found at the visitor centre

Please always check with the bus and train operator before setting off on your journey.