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    Welcome

    Durlston is the perfect place to start exploring Dorset's internationally acclaimed coast and countryside. With stunning sea views, superb coastal walking, exiting events and amazing wildlife, there's plenty to see and do.Durlston is carefully managed for conservation and public enjoyment by Dorset County Council.

    Durlston Castle is well worth exploring. Ejnoy interactive displays, relax on the rooftop terrace or check out live wildlife cameras and the latest dolphin sightings. The castle offers superb access for visitors with disabilities.

    A Ranger is always on hand to make sure you get the most out of your day and entry to the castle and park is free (car parking charges apply).

    Watch the video: Tramper at Durlston
    Durlston Castle

    Level access

    The main entrance has level access.

    There is level access from the main entrance to:

    Main ReceptionReception Accessible Toilet2nd Floor Accessible ToiletGallery Accessible ToiletSeventh Wave CafeDurlston Castle ShopGalleryDurlston National Nature Reserve

    There is level access from the car park to:

    Learning Centre Picnic Area

    Hearing

    The fire alarm has flashing lights.
    We have a hearing loop in
    Some staff have BSL and disability awareness training.

    Visual

    Glass doors have contrast markings.
    The walls and the doors have high colour contrast.
    Some parts of the venue have low lighting.

    General

    Some staff have disability awareness training.
    We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

    Getting here

    Durlston Castle
    Lighthouse Road
    Swanage
    Dorset
    BH19 2JL

    Travel by public transport

    You can get to Durlston Country Park NNR by bus.
    Bus runs in the summer season from July to September The bus stop is 0.1 miles / 0.2 km from Durlston Country Park NNR.
    You can get a taxi with Swanage Associated Taxis by calling 01929 421122. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

    Parking

    There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point has a dropped kerb.

    Drop off outside the castle is available if required. An assistance call point is available in the main car park.

    Arrival

    Path to main entrance

    From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.
    The path is 1400mm wide, or more.

    Main entrance

    The main entrance has level access.
    The door is 1320mm wide.

    The timeline provides a hard surfaced gently sloping path with handrails to the main entrance of the Castle from the car parks. The Castle has push button automatic doors.

    Watch the video: Accessibility guide to Durlston Castle

    Getting around inside

    Visual Impairment - General Information

    We have contrast markings on all glass doors and high colour contrast between walls and doorframes.
    Some parts of the venue have low lighting.

    Lift

    We have 3 lifts.
    You can get a lift to all floors.

    Lifts to all floors

    The lift is a platform lift.
    The lift door is 880mm wide.
    The lift is 940mm wide. The lift is 1480mm deep.
    The lift says the floor number at each floor.
    The lift buttons have raised numbers or letters.
    The lift shows the floor number, at each floor.
    With all lifts, please keep button pressed until you arrive at your destination floor.
    Lift

    Ticket/ information desk

    Main Reception

    From the main entrance to the desk, there is level access. The desk has a low section.
    Durlston Main Reception

    Public toilet

    Reception Accessible Toilet

    There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.
    From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The toilet door is 820mm wide.

    Public toilet

    2nd Floor Accessible Toilet

    There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.
    From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The toilet door is 820mm wide.

    Public toilet

    Gallery Accessible Toilet

    There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.
    From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The toilet door is 820mm wide.

    Shop

    Durlston Castle Shop

    From the main entrance to the shop, there is level access. The door is 1320mm wide.
    The route through the shop is 800mm wide, or more.

    Place to eat and drink

    Seventh Wave Cafe

    From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. The door is 1320mm wide.
    To get to a table, there are no steps.
    The route through the dining area is 800mm wide, or more.
    There is background music.
    The table and plates have high colour contrast.
    We cater for sugar free (diabetic), vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs), lactose free (dairy free), nut free, low fat and vegan specific diets.

    For any further enquiries regarding the cafe, call 01929 421111

    Gallery

    From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The door is 8200mm wide.
    Gallery

    Getting around outside

    Designated Walking Trail

    The Lighthouse Road

    The trail is 1000metres long. The trail has a hard surface. The trail is sloped. The trail has seats.
    Anvil Point Lighthouse

    Picnic Area

    Learning Centre Picnic Area

    From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. The entrance is 1000mm wide.
    Some tables have space for wheelchair users. You can bring your own food to the picnic area.

    Several other picnic areas are available throughout the park.

    Durlston National Nature Reserve

    From the main entrance to this area, there is level access.

    Durlston covers 340 acres with a wide variety of habitats and terrain.

    Watch the video: Durlston fly-by
    Aerial Photograph of Durlston

    Customer care support

    Accessibility equipment

    We provide wheelchairs.

    We provide electric trampers to explore our trails and an all terrain K2 Trekinetic offroad manual wheelchair. We also provide glideboards in reception.

    Dog bins are provided at various locations around the park.
    We have an area to charge mobility scooters and battery powered wheelchairs.

    Mobility vehicles can be charged on request at the main reception of The Castle.

    You can hire mobility equipment from Purbeck Mobility by calling 01929 552623.

    Emergency evacuation procedures

    We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.
    The fire alarm has flashing lights.

    Customer care support

    Some staff have disability awareness training.
    Some staff have BSL training.
    Guide info
    Any information, comments and views made available to users via this Accessibility Guide are provided directly from third party business operators. VisitEngland and VisitScotland do not endorse or validate this information. Any reliance on this Accessibility Guide is at your own risk. This guide is not intended to be a substitute for users making their own checks, inquiries and investigations directly with the business operators prior to making any booking or visiting the venue.