Durlston Castle

Durlston Castle is an extraordinary Victorian building, which with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many others, took 8 years to transform, to provide a unique and beautiful facility for visitors to Durlston and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

The Castle is now the hub of the activities at Durlston Country Park. This restored building, completed in November 2011 is a must for all, not just for the amazing restoration that has taken place, but it is also the Visitor Centre, offering a wide range of exciting interactive displays and exhibitions.  Also within the building is the seventh wave cafe and restaurant, a shop, Gallery with different exhibitions every month, plus spectacular views from the Belvedere and roof terraces.

Wandering around the Castle you will also come across artwork including the Timeline, Diversity and the Walk of Words, 200 engraved Purbeck limestone blocks.

Despite being on four levels the Castle is easily accessible for all, with lifts and gentle ramps for those with less mobility.  We also have an intercom system and a Tramper electric buggy to help you around the site. 

A Ranger is always on hand to help you get the most of your visit.

Fine Foundation Gallery

The Fine Foundation Gallery, sponsored by the Fine Family Foundation, is a key hub of the new building, offering a varied programme of art exhibitions, live music and performance and interactive displays.

A partnership with Dorsets rural arts organisation Artsreach, has helped in the development of a varied new programme of events.   Highlights so far include live music from internationally acclaimed Senegalese Kora maestro Doudou Cissoko, an incredible knitted community garden by artist Pauline Stanley, 'Sea Fire and Ice' paintings by Antonia Phillips, 'Light, Life and Landscape' by Bruce Pearson and Anne Shingleton, the Churchfitters and much more! 

Our first exhibition 'Beginnings' during November and December 2011 featured work by Purbeck-based artists and makers, celebrating the rich elemental palette of the Jurassic Coast.