Durlston Today

Courses and Classes 2009

The Lookout cafe

First thing every day we write a diary of Today's sightings and record the weather at 9am. Why not have a look?
Today's Diary

A great range of courses and evening classes are on offer at Durlston in 2009. For details, visit our new Lifelong Learning pages

Now OPEN every Thursday & Friday 10.30-3.00pm and Saturday and Sundays 10.30-4.00pm.  Serving a range of quality food and drinks.  more

Durlston Country Park, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 280 acre countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland. With stunning views, walking trails, the historic Great Globe, superb geology and fascinating wildlife there is always something different to see. Latest: News / Sightings / Photos

Durlston's visitors, wildlife and landscape

Conservation For Public Enjoyment

This superb site in Purbeck, owned and managed by Dorset County Council, is governed by the ethos of 'Conservation for Public Enjoyment'.

Gateway to the Jurassic Coast
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.  We are also designated as Heritage Coast, Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Nature Reserve. Our offshore waters are part of the Marine Research Area. 

Visitor Centre
Our accessible Visitor Centre is popular with families and children. It features sounds from the seabed, live video pictures of seabird colonies, seasonal displays and a Daily Diary of wildlife sightings. We also stock guide books, maps, souvenirs, drinks and snacks.

The Lookout Café
The Lookout café is perched on the cliffs at Durlston Castle - a Victorian folly built in the 1880's - and offers spectacular views across the English Channel and to the Isle of Wight.