Booking Your Visit To Durlston

on line Booking Form

When To Visit

Groups are welcome to visit Durlston throughout the year, although some of the Discovery Sessions are of a  seasonal nature and not possible through the winter. 

The Centre is open daily  from April to October (10 – 5pm) and at weekends from November to March (10.30  – 4pm). Schools wishing to visit the Centre outside these times are advised to book with the Rangers.

Booking Procedure

Please phone in advance to  arrange provisional visit dates before sending in the booking form. This should  ensure your chosen dates are available.
Complete the booking form on line or send it to us by post. Once we receive the form the booking becomes  confirmed in our diary. If you require written confirmation please send a self-addressed envelope with your booking form, alternatively we can send you an email.

Group Size

We put no limit on the size  of groups visiting Durlston.  For larger groups on Discovery Sessions it may be necessary to split into smaller units and the  sessions run consecutively or in succession. These options depend on the number  of Rangers available.

On The Day

Please ensure that you  arrive at the Visitor Centre on time. The Centre gets extremely busy during May / June with large numbers of groups visiting each day, so if you are running  late please let us know as soon as possible. Groups failing to turn up for  sessions, without prior notification, will be charged half the full cost of the  session.

Staffing And Risk Assessments

The Rangers complete their  own risk assessments for the activities, however the leader in charge of  the visiting group is responsible for the safety and behaviour of their members  while on the Park. The visiting group is also responsible for providing an adequate number of adults for the supervision of the children.

You may wish to download our generic risk assessments for bringing a group to Durlston.  These are no substitute for a pre-visit, but should provide much of the information you require.

  Education Risk Assessment letter.pdf

  Generic Education Risk Assessment.pdf

First Aid

The visiting group is  responsible for the welfare of its members. The Rangers have first aid training  but are unable to hand out any medicines.

Special  Needs

Some of the activities can  be adapted to suit individual needs. Please speak to a Ranger before your  visit.

Clothing

Durlston is an exposed  site, so be prepared for all weathers. Come rain or shine sessions will  continue unless you request otherwise. Please ensure your group has suitable  clothing, footwear, hats and sunscreen.

Facilities

Toilets, including  disabled, are next to the Visitor Centre. There are picnic tables, a patio and  a grassy area around the Centre for lunch. A small shop, selling educational souvenirs is also based at the Visitor Centre. More..

PLEASE NOTE Durlston is a public facility and in extreme circumstances it may be necessary to cancel or alter arrangements without  prior notice.

Telephone to check your chosen time is available, then email the booking for or send to: Durlston Country Park,  Lighthouse Road, Swanage BH19 2JL. 

  Please pay for your discovery session on arrival – cash,  card or cheque payable to Dorset County Council (minimum charge £20).