


Explore coastal cliffs, diverse wildlife, and scenic trails in this free-entry country park and nature reserve with a café and rotating gallery exhibitions.
Venue Type
Indoor & Outdoor
Typical visit duration
All day
Booking
Walk-in
Recommended ages
0 months (newborn)+
On-site cafe offering refreshments
Hours: Summer (1st April – 31st Oct): 09:30 – 17:00. Winter (1st Nov – 31st March): 09:30 - 16:00 (16:30 Sat & Sun). Breakfast: 09:30 - 11:15. Lunch: 12:00 - 15:30. Tea & Cakes: 09:30 – 16:30 (Winter 09:30 – 16:00, 16:30 Sat & Sun). Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Visit websiteA lovely place to visit, decent amount of parking you pay on leaving we were there over 5 hours and it cost £7:90. Payment by coins, card or app. Nice visitor centre in the castle with a small shop and a café with tables inside and outside, nice range of drinks and food including some gluten free food. This was a lovely base to walk around the area and along the coast path with stunning views across the sea to the Isle of Wight.
Fantastic accessible spot. Probably the best designed place for wheelchair access. Amazing restaurant. This is a must visit for anyone with impaired abilities.
My sister showed me this place last September. It's a wonderful castle to visit and another must-see in my beloved Dorset County. Its walls offer a wonderful view of Durlston Country Park. It was from here that the first Marconi telegraph signals were transmitted. It's a must-see, especially since the castle welcomes tourists with exceptionally friendly staff. The nearby cliff paths and the lighthouse are also worth exploring. However, in stormy weather, you should be especially careful. I was almost blown off the cliff with my camera.
We walk through here and further west along the coast every time we visit Swanage. There's a smashing cafe at Durlston Castle that serves excellent lunches. You can sit inside or out, with smashing views out to sea to the Isle of Wight, and along coastal cliffs. Walking towards the castle from the east, look out for fun constructions for kids (and big kids) to play on. It's a great place to visit, alone or with the family.
An absolutely amazing place to visit. If you have a disability and can't walk to far you can hire a Tamper which is a electric ride on buggy. It's powerful enough to take you on any of the four walks, like cliff top or meadows. Just call in advance to book the tempers at just £3 for the day. The cafe has a great menu and the food is amazing, just make sure you get there before 3.45 pm to order your food. I would recommend this place to visit.
Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026
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This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026
