Durlston Country Park

There are so many places to visit in Dorset. This is another post about a day out near Bournemouth.

One Sunday, we got plenty of sunshine and decided to go to the south-eastern part of the Isle of Purbeck – some 20 miles (30 kilometres) from Poole. It could have been less if we decided to use Sandbanks Ferry (it would only be about 12 miles away), however, we decided to drive by car.

Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve

We intended to have a little Sunday hike, so we went directly to Durlston Country Park parking. The only way to get there is to drive through Swanage because that is the only road to access the country park and when you reach it that also is the end of that road.

The good news is that they have a nice parking lot and prices are reasonable. For example, if you only wish to visit the castle and the Great Globe, one hour would be enough and parking would cost you £2; parking is located next to the castle.

If you wish to have a little walk along the coast and observe beautiful landscapes and cliffs near Anvil Point Lighthouse, two hours may be enough, and you would pay for parking £4. And whole day stay at this parking place will cost you only £5; it is operated by Dorset Council.

Anvil Point Lighthouse

After arrival, you can start your journey immediately. If you turn to the right from the parking (facing the sea, which you would rather hear than see), in a couple of minutes you will see what this place offers. As a first thing, you may wish to go to the coast near the lighthouse. There is plenty of space to comfortably sit down and enjoy the stunning scenery of cliffs and to listen to the sounds of waves when they meet the coastline – none of them ever end.

We even decided to have a quick picnic lunch there, however, near parking there is an educational centre, and they have all the facilities for a comfortable lunch break – you may sit at a garden table and enjoy your food outdoors.

Country Park

Along the coast, there is a South-West Coast Path, and you can follow it, however, Durlston Country Park has its paths, and you may just turn to the right at any point after passing the lighthouse.

There are fields where many wild birds nest, however you may even have your dog with you. Near nesting places, you are only required to keep your dog on the lead to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Durlston Castle

Just a few words about the castle. The area around it is nice; there is a café inside it and you may get ice cream and some snacks also outside. There are exhibitions inside the castle you may wish to visit. And of course, the Great Globe in the garden – it is worth to see it at least once.

There are magnificent views from the coast, and you can even see Old Harry Rocks and Bournemouth skyline from there.