Durlston Country Park

Durlston Country Park is a fabulous countryside paradise. Whether it is the stupendous views, the walks, the Great Globe, the superb geology or Visitor Centre there is always something different to see at Durlston Country Park.

Opening times and entry charges

Durlston Country park is open all year, sunrise to sunset. It's free entry but there are car parking charges.

At Durlston you can enjoy sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, hay meadows, hedgerows and woodland.

Particular wildlife to look out for includes: Guillemots, Fulmars, Whitethroats, Stonechat, Skylarks, Peregrine Falcon. Early Spider Orchids (plus 8 other orchid species), Early English Gentian, Cowslips, Thrift. Adonis Blue, Lulworth Skipper, Marbled White butterflies. Bottlenose Dolphins and much more.

What's on

From 5 April 2013 there will a photographic history Durlston Past and Present (pdf, 420kb) (opens in a new window) exhibition in the Fine Foundation Gallery. This runs until 9 May 2013 (please note the exhibition is closed 18 - 21 April).

There are a variety of events at Durlston over the Spring and Summer (pdf, 3Mb) (opens in a new window) to see and take part in.

Durlston Castle claims top prize!

Durlston Castle was voted Best Heritage Project in the 2012 National Lottery Awards after being put to a public vote. Many thanks to everyone who voted for us! See our news release Durlston Castle claims top prize (opens in a new window) for further details, and also the National Lottery Good Causes (opens in a new window) site.

Visit the Durlston website

Visit the Durlston Country Park website (opens in a new window) for more information.

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.
Facilities
Find out information on parking, picnics, the shop, visitor centre and more.
Education at Durlston Country Park
Durlston is a superb outdoor classroom with a wealth of opportunities to enhance the study of geography, science, history, art and much more.
Friends of Durlston Country Park
Friends of Durlston is a diverse, friendly group providing opportunities for local visitors, regular or occasional, to support and play a role in the management of Durlston Country Park.
Durlston Marine Project
The Durlston Marine Project is a community-based marine awareness programme.
Durlston Country Park Team
Find out the contact details for the countryside rangers and staff.