Durlston Country Park offers some of the best landscapes Dorset has to offer, from cliff-top views across the clear, turquoise sea to beautiful countryside and grazing cattle.
It is the epitome of Dorset, the mix of coast and country.
Durslton is a great place for people of all ages to explore. Its rich history is important to Swanage.
From dinosaurs wandering the area to becoming Dorset’s first country park and an eccentric landlady who rode her camel into town, Durlston has seen it all.
Here is a brief guide on the history of the park and what to expect when visiting.
To start at the very beginning, Durlston was formed in the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods, approximately 130-140 million years ago.
Dinosaurs would have roamed the area’s swamps and lagoons, Making Durlston a hotbed for fossils and even dinosaur footprints.
After the last Ice Age, the land became a natural woodland habitat, and the earliest evidence of human life dates back to the medieval period.
Swanage has always been well known as a quarrying and small fishing town. The cliff tops at Durlston were used to quarry Purbeck Stone, and by 1800, it was at its peak.
The area was also known for its many shipwrecks, so in 1881, the Anvil Point Lighthouse was built.
It is still a working lighthouse used to this day, and you can spot it when walking along the cliff tops of Durslton.
George Burt, also known as the ‘King of Swanage’, played an important role in the development of Durlston. As a young boy, he worked in the quarries but later moved to London and became very wealthy.
Upon returning to Swanage, he turned the town from a sleepy fishing port to a popular Victorian seaside resort.
He did many things to help the area, such as developing the water, sewage and gas works in the town.
He also enjoyed adding architectural features from past projects to Swanage, most famously the Wellington Clock Tower, which can be seen from the seafront (pictured above).
It had originally been located on London Bridge but has been standing proudly in Swanage ever since.
Burt purchased the Durlston Estate in 1863, wanting to transform the area by adding features such as the Great Globe and hiring men to maintain the woodland.
He completed the castle in 1891, which was originally built as a restaurant. Tourists loved to explore the pleasure gardens and tropical plants until George died in 1884.
Since George Burts’s death, Durlston has had many other owners, and the town’s population grew during the 1950s and 1970s.
Russell Parsons, the owner at the time, famously wanted to charge admission fees for walking along the cliffs.
This caused controversy, and the people of Swanage raised petitions for Durlston to be owned by the council.
During Parsons’s ownership, visitors could see small animals, exotic birds and reptiles such as snakes, guinea pigs and parrots in the park. Parson’s also let out caravans on the land, giving it the name Caravan Terrace.
The castle, then a restaurant, was run by an eccentric landlady named Ruth Burridge, who used to ride her pet camel into town.
Enid Blyton also visited during this time.
As the millennium approached, the park was developed further into an award-winning country park and nature reserve with the help of lottery funding.
In 2003, Dorset County Council acquired the land and the castle. Durlston has remained a thriving area for nature and wildlife to grow, making it a fantastic place for anyone to visit, whether they’re exploring, running, dog walking or enjoying a hike.
There are lots of fun things to do as a family, with a friend or even on your own.
From interactive displays and areas for children to explore, live wildlife cameras and family fun events such as dinosaur hunting and easter egg hunts.
In the woodland, wildlife is abundant, including seabirds, butterflies and even adders.
You can explore art exhibitions throughout the year at the castle, which often showcase artwork inspired by nature.
Or enjoy a bite to eat and refreshments at the Seventh Wave cafe.
Here, you can enjoy some of the most amazing views, watch seabirds such as Gullimots and Razorbills ducking in and out of the cliff edge or even dolphins in the sea.
A small gift shop is also located in the castle; here, you can buy scavenger hunt packs, art prints, souvenirs and more.
There are regular events held each month, some of which include park runs, cuppa and chat sessions, glass engraving workshops, stargazing and more.
To keep up to date with future events, visit the Durlston Website here.
Visiting Durlston Country Park is brilliant for all the family. With free admission to the park and castle, you can explore the area at your own pace, making it a cost-effective day out.
Whether you’re walking the dog, picnicking, jogging or on a family outing, you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable experience.
The park is also within walking distance of Swanage, so you can wander into town and enjoy the pretty seaside. Enjoy!
📍 Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL
