The Great Globe Durlston
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The Great Globe Durlston

4.6
·177 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Crisp air, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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The Great Globe Durlston

The Great Globe Durlston

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Crisp air, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(177 reviews)

"Sparkling amazing view of The Great Globe! It's worth visiting at least once."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 177 reviews

Type

Sculpture

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Globe

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 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

Coastal Views & Lighthouse

Durlston Country Park

Breathtaking ocean panoramas and a nearby lighthouse make for a picturesque walk along the cliffs.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

The Great Globe is perched on high cliffs, making it a windy spot even on calm days. Pack a windbreaker and wear sturdy trainers. Paths can get slippery if it rains, so be prepared for changeable weather.

Parking & Access

Parking is available but not free, with an ANPR system. Some paths can be steep, but ramps with informative displays are available. Scooters can be provided by the cafe for easier navigation.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
During a gale
Why
Dramatic coastal experience
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I love #Earth | #globe #History #vintage #vintagevibes #british #happy #interesting #education #fypdoesntwork #fyp #tiktok #craft #photography #trend
@inside.history
1.6M likes • 6.9M views

🧥 Pack for Wind & Rain

Bring a windbreaker and waterproofs. Trainers are a must for slippery paths! Reddit

🅿️ Parking Payment

Parking isn't free. Use the ANPR system to pay for your stay before exiting. Reddit

Globe Carnival Club 2023 #carnival #somerset #thosewerethedays #tavern #uk #england #parade #illuminatedcarnival #sheptonmallet #fyp #foryou #viral #november #westcountry #hiddengems
@carnivaluk
81.5K likes • 2.4M views
The Great Globe, Durlston Country Park, England. Follow your dreams, guys. #nature #ınstagood #travel #instagram #happyday #photovideo #england #dorset #thegreat #ocean #bluesky #vídeo #countryside #globe #dorset
anna_wojcieszczyk
236 likes • 904 views

☕ Cafe with a View

The Durlston Country Park cafe offers great views and can provide scooters. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails

Plenty of walking trails with informative displays along the way. Reddit

🥰Nice day out with the love of my life 💕 Heidi Stevens At South of Durlston Castle Within the Estate grounds is the Great Globe. Constructed in Greenwich in 1887 in Mowlem's stone-yard (whose founder John Mowlem had lived in Swanage), it was brought to Swanage by sea. The Globe, which is made of Portland stone, consists of 15 segments, with four stones for each of the lower three courses and thr...
neo__adventures
26 likes • 304 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Pack for Wind & Rain

Bring a windbreaker and waterproofs. Trainers are a must for slippery paths! Reddit

🅿️ Parking Payment

Parking isn't free. Use the ANPR system to pay for your stay before exiting. Reddit

☕ Cafe with a View

The Durlston Country Park cafe offers great views and can provide scooters. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails

Plenty of walking trails with informative displays along the way. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Don't forget to bring a water bottle for your explorations. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(177 reviews)

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

Stunning coastal views
Unique Great Globe sculpture
Excellent cafe and facilities

What People Dislike

Parking is not free
Paths can be slippery

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Many visitors opt to drive. For a scenic route, consider the chain ferry to Swanage. Reddit

Yes, there is allocated parking at Durlston Country Park. It's not free and uses an ANPR system for payment. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Durlston Country Park and The Great Globe itself is generally free. However, there is a charge for parking. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Absolutely! The park offers spectacular sea views, the unique Great Globe, and a lighthouse, providing diverse photographic subjects. Instagram+2

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with Durlston Country Park management or local authorities regarding drone policies before flying. Instagram

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. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming might require prior permission. Always be respectful of other visitors. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's an excellent cafe located within Durlston Castle, offering super views and a place to relax. Reddit

The cafe typically serves light meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a great spot to refuel after exploring the park. Reddit

Picnicking is usually permitted in country parks. There are likely designated areas where you can enjoy your own packed lunch. Reddit

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. Reddit

The cafe is generally accessible, and they can provide scooters for easier movement around the park. Reddit

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