
The Great Globe Durlston
A colossal stone sphere perched on dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking sea views and a touch of historical wonder.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds

The Great Globe Durlston
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal stone sphere perched on dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking sea views and a touch of historical wonder.
"Sparkling amazing view of The Great Globe! It's worth visiting at least once."

🧥 Pack for Wind & Rain
Bring a windbreaker and waterproofs. Trainers are a must for slippery paths!
🅿️ Parking Payment
Parking isn't free. Use the ANPR system to pay for your stay before exiting.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 177 reviews
Type
Sculpture
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Globe
Durlston Country Park
A massive 3-meter diameter Portland stone sphere, one of the largest in the world. A truly unique sight!

Durlston Castle & Cafe
Durlston Country Park
Enjoy stunning sea views from the cafe and explore the art gallery. The roof terrace offers panoramic vistas.

Coastal Views & Lighthouse
Durlston Country Park
Breathtaking ocean panoramas and a nearby lighthouse make for a picturesque walk along the cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Pack for Wind & Rain
Bring a windbreaker and waterproofs. Trainers are a must for slippery paths!
🅿️ Parking Payment
Parking isn't free. Use the ANPR system to pay for your stay before exiting.
☕ Cafe with a View
The Durlston Country Park cafe offers great views and can provide scooters.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Plenty of walking trails with informative displays along the way.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack for Wind & Rain
Bring a windbreaker and waterproofs. Trainers are a must for slippery paths!
🅿️ Parking Payment
Parking isn't free. Use the ANPR system to pay for your stay before exiting.
☕ Cafe with a View
The Durlston Country Park cafe offers great views and can provide scooters.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Plenty of walking trails with informative displays along the way.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Don't forget to bring a water bottle for your explorations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Great Globe and Durlston Country Park to be a stunning and unique destination with breathtaking coastal views. The accessible paths, informative displays, and excellent cafe are frequently praised. However, be prepared for potentially slippery paths in wet weather and the fact that parking is not free.
"Interesting place to visit. Accessible friendly (some paths are a bit steep but there are ramps which are nicely decorated with museum style information which was a nice touch). Excellent cafe (Durlston Country Park) with super views. You can go upstairs via a spiral staircase for a view from the roof terrace.
Lovely views down by the globe and the bath leading back up to the cafe/viewing platform. You can also walk to a Lighthouse nearby."
Sam
"Sparkling amazing 🤩 view of The Great Globe 🌏.
It worth visiting at least once. Due to high cliffs location it will be very windy even on a normal days. If raining, some path or trails could be slippery.
Plenty of walking trails
Do bring wind breakers jacket 🧥 and definitely trainers 👟
Parking is not free but you will find parking 🅿️ in allocated parking locations. It said they had automatic number plate recognition system when you enter the car park and you pay before you exit. When I typed my number plate, it didn’t recognised, I still paid for number of hours I was there to avoid any extra fees.
Don’t forget to keep the water bottle.
The art 🖼️ gallery is just at the building I was also good spot as you will get to view and buy oil painted arts of all the surrounding there.
Toilet 🚻 available in that building next to The Great Globe.
Cafe is also within the that same building."
Rakesh R
"Durlston park is amazing and the globe is stunning :) amazing spot during a gale too !!"
Mark McIntyre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Globe is located within Durlston Country Park near Swanage. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site. During peak season, a bus service may also be available.
While the park is accessible by car, public transport options might be limited. Check local bus routes for Swanage and the surrounding areas. A Reddit user mentioned taking the chain ferry to Swanage as part of their journey.
Many visitors opt to drive. For a scenic route, consider the chain ferry to Swanage.
Yes, there is allocated parking at Durlston Country Park. It's not free and uses an ANPR system for payment.
Some paths can be steep, but there are ramps available that are decorated with museum-style information. Scooters can also be provided by the cafe.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Durlston Country Park and The Great Globe itself is generally free. However, there is a charge for parking.
Durlston Country Park is typically open year-round, but specific building hours (like the cafe or gallery) may vary. It's best to check the official Durlston Country Park website for the most up-to-date information.
The park itself is free to enter. The main cost associated with visiting is the parking fee.
The Great Globe is an outdoor monument and can be viewed at any time. However, access to facilities like the cafe and toilets will be dependent on their operating hours.
While there aren't specific discounts mentioned for The Great Globe, parking fees are usually standard. Check the Durlston Country Park website for any potential family or group rates.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds for photography. The dramatic coastal backdrop is stunning in various lighting conditions.
Absolutely! The park offers spectacular sea views, the unique Great Globe, and a lighthouse, providing diverse photographic subjects.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with Durlston Country Park management or local authorities regarding drone policies before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the globe and the expansive coastal scenery. A tripod can be useful for capturing dramatic seascapes, especially if you visit during windy conditions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming might require prior permission. Always be respectful of other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's an excellent cafe located within Durlston Castle, offering super views and a place to relax.
The cafe typically serves light meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a great spot to refuel after exploring the park.
Picnicking is usually permitted in country parks. There are likely designated areas where you can enjoy your own packed lunch.
Swanage town, a short drive or bus ride away, offers a variety of restaurants and pubs. The cafe at Durlston Castle is the closest dining option.
The cafe is generally accessible, and they can provide scooters for easier movement around the park.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit