Durlston Country Park |
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Durlston 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, 400+ species of plant, 250+ species of bird, 34 species of butterfly, or the wide range of other wildlife, there is always something different to see at Durlston.
The easily accessible Visitor Centre includes sounds from under the seabed, video pictures of seabird colonies, monthly displays and a wildlife diary ensuring up to the minute information. A small shop selling maps, books, souvenirs and and ice creams is located here, whilst on the patio just outside the Visitor Centre, is Acorns cafe serving hot and cold snacks, pasties, sandwiches and drinks.
Durlston Castle is a Victorian folly built in the 1880s by George Burt, it is currently being restored and refurbished ready to open to visitors in September 2011.
In 2008 Durlston was designated as a National Nature Reserve, it is also a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, as well as being a Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while the offshore waters are part of a Marine Research Area. In short, it's a very special place.
The Park was established in the 1970s by Dorset County Council, and 30 years of careful management by the Ranger team have resulted in a superb site that everyone can enjoy.
General Information:
- Shop
- Pay and display car park
- Dogs welcome on lead or under close control
- Some areas accessible to less mobile, tramper buggy available - telephone
- Accessible toilets
- Refreshments
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
Durlston Visitor Centre and cafe:April - end October: Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm November - March:10.30am - 4.00pm |
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Directions
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| Show map of Durlston Country Park... |
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Durlston Country Park Postcode for SatNav: BH19 2JL |
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Nearby Attractions
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Swanage Railway
(1 Mile)*
The award-winning Swanage Railway currently operates on the six miles of track between Swanage and Norden, through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle. |
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Compton Acres
(8 Miles)*
Compton Acres invites you to escape to a different world. Twelve individual gardens in one, set in ten acres with spectacular views over Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. |
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Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
(9 Miles)*
Today the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is open to the public, including a wide range of schools, adult education, disabled people and community groups offering many activities and workshops. |
| more attractions in Swanage and things to do in Swanage ... |
| more things to do in Dorset and days out in Dorset... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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