Guided Walks and Activities at Durlston Country Park

🚶‍♀️🌿 Guided Walks & Discovery Activities at Durlston Country Park, Swanage 🌿🚶‍♂️

Discover the wildlife, geology and fascinating history of Durlston Country Park with a varied programme of guided walks and activities led by rangers and expert volunteers. From seabirds and spring flowers to Victorian history and coastal geology, there’s something to interest everyone.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a regular rambler, each walk offers a fresh perspective on this stunning coastal National Nature Reserve. Many activities are free, with most guided walks costing just £3.50 per person.

📅 Upcoming Guided Walks & Activities

🌱 Family Scrub Bash

16 February | 10:00am–12:30pm
📍 Learning Centre

Lend a hand with conservation! Join a ranger to help clear scrub on the National Nature Reserve, creating space for rare wildflowers to thrive.

👕 Wear sturdy clothing and waterproof layers
💷 Free
🎟️ Booking required

🌳 Pleasure Grounds Guided Walk

5 March | 11:00am–12:30pm

Explore the history, wildlife and restoration of the Durlston Pleasure Grounds on this relaxed guided walk around the park.

📍 Meet at Castle Reception
💷 £3.50 per person
🎟️ No booking required – just turn up
🌦️ Dress for the weather

🌼 Signs of Spring Guided Walk

8 March | 2:00–3:30pm

Join a guide to enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at Durlston, from seabirds and butterflies to early wildflowers and fresh coastal life.

📍 Meet at Castle Reception
💷 £3.50 per person
🎟️ No booking required

🌊 Park to Pier Guided Walk

15 March | 10:30am–12:30pm

Walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier with a ranger, discovering the wildlife, geology and history of the park, the pier and Swanage town along the way.

📍 Meet at Durlston Castle Reception
💷 £7 adults | £3 children
🎟️ No booking required
🥾 Walking boots recommended – includes hills and steps

🤝 Meet the Volunteers Day

22 March | 10:30am–3:30pm

Drop in and chat with Durlston’s friendly volunteers to find out more about the different ways you can get involved with the Country Park and National Nature Reserve.

💷 Free
🎟️ Drop-in event

🏛️ Victorian Durlston Guided Walk

2 April | 11:00am–12:30pm

Step back in time and uncover Durlston’s curious Victorian past on this fascinating historical walk around the park.

📍 Meet at Castle Reception
💷 £3.50 per person
🎟️ No booking required
🌦️ Dress for the weather

🐦 Birds of the Cliffs Guided Walk

4 April | 11:00am–12:30pm

Guillemots galore and much more! Discover the hustle and bustle of Durlston’s seabird colonies with a ranger on this coastal walk.

📍 Meet at Castle Reception
💷 £3.50 per person
🎟️ No booking required

🌸 Spring Flowers Guided Walk

5 April | 2:00–3:30pm

Join a guide to look for Durlston’s spring orchids and enjoy the park’s colourful wildflower meadows in bloom.

📍 Meet at Castle Reception
💷 £3.50 per person
🎟️ No booking required

🌊 Park to Pier Guided Walk (with Pier Volunteer)

19 April | 10:30am–12:30pm

Join Pier Volunteer John, Chair of the Dorset Geologists’ Association Group, for a guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier, exploring geology, wildlife and local history.

📍 Meet at Durlston Castle Reception
💷 £7 adults | £3 children
🎟️ No booking required
🥾 Walking boots recommended – includes hills and steps

🦋 Meet the Moth

25 April | 11:00–11:30am

Join one of Durlston’s volunteers as they open up the moth traps from the night before. Durlston is home to an incredible variety of moths, with over 450 macro-moth and 200 micro-moth species recorded so far — who knows what might be discovered!

📍 Meet at Castle Reception
💷 Free (donations welcome)
🎟️ No booking required

🌺 Orchids and Other Spring Flowers Guided Walk

29 April | 2:30–4:00pm

A guided walk to hunt for spring flowers, including Early Spider Orchids and cowslips, while enjoying Durlston’s beautiful landscapes.

📍 Meet at Castle Reception
💷 £3.50 per person
🎟️ No booking required

A wonderful way to slow down, learn something new and explore one of Dorset’s most spectacular coastal landscapes 🌊🌿

 Note: This event listing is a guide only. For up to date information and or changes to the event please check with the organiser or venue.

ℹ️ For the most up-to-date activity dates and details, please check with the Durlston website.

Durlston Country Park

Located in Swanage Durlston Country Park is an expansive, clifftop nature reserve with amazing views and walks. Plus a visitor centre / gallery in a renovated Victorian castle.