Capstone Holiday Rental
Durlston Country Park, National Nature Reserve & Castle
Situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 280 acre countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, hay meadows, hedgerows and woodland. With stunning views, walking trails, the historic Great Globe, superb geology, fascinating wildlife and the newly renovated Durlston Castle, there is always something different to see and do.
Gateway to the Jurassic Coast, Durlston is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site which runs from Exmouth in the west to Old Harry Rocks at Ballard Down. It is also designated as Heritage Coast, Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Nature Reserve. Our offshore waters are part of the Marine Research Area.
Putlake Adventure Farm – Langton Matravers
Only two miles from Swanage Town Centre this adventure farm offers large indoor and outdoor play areas with trampolines, rare breeds of animals to meet and greet, bottle feeding of goats and lambs (subject to time of year), pony & tractor rides, 9 hole crazy golf, battery operated bikes. Visitors are encouraged to explore and make contact with a variety of friendly animals in a relaxed atmosphere. Gift shop, tearoom, and farm trail to walk. Open all year except Christmas and New Year
Dancing Ledge
This is a natural stone swimming pool set into a ledge on the cliff to the east of Swanage. It is only accessible at low tide. You need to park up at Spyway Car Park in Langton Matravers and walk – it is quite a distance and at Dancing Ledge the climb down is very steep, so please be aware of this. Not for the faint hearted.
Also managed by the National Trust – see their website for more details www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dancingledge
While you are out and about in this area – worth a visit to the Square and Compass pub at Worth Matravers – a real spit and sawdust pub. Don't expect anything other than pasties to eat, but very good beer and cider. A very popular pub, especially in good weather.
Swanage Area
Durlston Castle is the new Visitor Centre. A wonderful renovation of the Victorian Castle, fully accessible with a timeline from the car park, daily and monthly wildlife, geology, live camera images and regularly changing Exhibitions and Art in the gallery. Seventh Wave cafe & restaurant, and shop. Open every day 10am - 4pm. Free admission (car parking charges apply).
For more information: www.durlston.co.uk
Walk along the cliff from the cliff from the Castle towards the light house and see the old "Tilly Whim Caves" - used by smugglers in centuries gone by to off load their contraband. The goods were transported through a tunnel system from the caves to the upper end of Swanage. Unfortunately the caves have been shut for many many years as they are considered unsafe.
