Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, Swanage, Dorset BH19 2JL

Details

Accessibility

https://www.durlston.co.uk/accessibility-guide

2026:

"Level Access

• There is level access from the main entrance to:
  • Dining Table
  • Main Reception
  • Reception Accessible Toilet
  • 2nd Floor Accessible Toilet
  • Gallery Accessible Toilet
  • Durlston Castle Shop
  • Gallery
  • Durlston National Nature Reserve
• There is level access from the car park to:
  • Learning Centre Picnic Area

Hearing

• The fire alarm has flashing lights.
• We have a hearing loop in Main Reception, The Rock Room, The gallery and the Cinema room.
• Some staff have BSL and disability awareness training.

Visual

• Glass doors have contrast markings.
• The walls and the doors have high colour contrast.
• Some parts of the venue have low lighting.
• We have display information in BSL."

General

• Some staff have disability awareness training.

Accessibility equipment

• We provide wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are free.
• We have a hearing loop in Main Reception, The Rock Room, the Gallery and the Cinema room.
• We provide electric trampers to explore our trails and an all terrain K2 Trekinetic offroad manual wheelchair. We also provide glideboards in reception.
• We have an area to charge mobility scooters and battery powered wheelchairs.
• Mobility vehicles can be charged on request at the main reception of The Castle.
• Dog bins are provided at various locations around the park

Emergency evacuation procedures

• We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.
• The fire alarm has flashing lights.

Customer care support

• Some staff have disability awareness training.
• Some staff have BSL training.

Parking

• There are accessible parking spaces. Parking is not free.
• There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point has a dropped kerb.
• From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp.
• The path is sloped.
• Drop off outside the castle is available if required. An assistance call point is available in the main car park"

Brief description

https://www.durlston.co.uk/

2026:

"Discover stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, exciting events and Victorian history as you explore Durlston’s Jurassic Coast. At Durlston Castle rooftop views, exhibitions, and a café, gallery and shop, make for a great day, whatever the weather! Open daily."

Address

Durlston Country Park Car Park

Swanage

BH19 2JL

Email

info@durlston.co.uk

Phone

01929 424443

Website

https://www.durlston.co.uk/visit-about-durlston.aspx

Directions

https://www.durlston.co.uk/how-to-get-here

2026:

"Take the A351 from Wareham (11 miles), or come across the Sandbanks to Studland ferry from Bournemouth (10 miles) to Swanage. For Satnav the postcode is BH19 2JL

From Swanage follow the brown tourist signs up the hill to Durlston.

The only charge made for visiting Durlston is for parking - via ANPR camera system.  This parking charge is essential, as it helps pay for visitor facilities, public toilets, countryside ranger service, education programme and land management.

There are 2 MER Electric Charging Points in the car park (parking charges apply). A 22kW AC dual socket charger, providing a maximum 22KW, so 11KW maximum if two vehicles.

On foot:

Durlston is a one mile walk uphill from Swanage, following one of many Public Footpaths. You can follow the waymarked Southwest Coast Path from Swanage seafront or follow Park Road, or Seymer Road then Durlston Road to walk up through the Durlston Pleasure Grounds. (about 1 mile)

From the centre of Swanage, you can follow the waymarked Victorian Trail through the meadows to Durlston Castle visitor centre (about 1mile)

From Herston, follow the waymarked 'Herston-Durlston' Trail which brings you in from the west across the meadows and downland (about 1 1/2 miles)"

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

https://www.durlston.co.uk/visit?nid=4bbe37f7-84e3-440c-8585-46a90f0ccab1

2026:

"The country park and car parks are open from sunrise to sunset all year round. Overnight parking and camping are not allowed.

The visitor centre at Durlston Castle is open every day (except Christmas Day & Boxing Day) :

1st April – 31st Oct : open 10.00am – 5pm

1st Nov – 31st March : open 10.00am – 4pm "

Transport

https://www.durlston.co.uk/accessibility-guide

2026:

"Travel by Public Transport

You can get to Swanage by bus (from Poole no.42 or Bournemouth no.50), this bus station in Swanage is 1.5 miles from Durlston Country Park NNR.

The nearest mainline train station is Wareham (11 miles) or Bournemouth (across the Ferry on the number 50 bus). 

There is a steam train that runs between Swanage and Corfe Castle. 

Travel by Taxi

You can get a taxi from Swanage. Some of the taxis are wheelchair accessible."

Amenities

https://www.durlston.co.uk/accessibility-guide

2026:

Cafe

Picnic area

Shop

Gallery

Toilets

Dogs welcome