Durlston Castle reopens after £5.5m revamp
- Published
The castle was built in the late 19th Century by George Burt
A grade-II listed castle in Dorset is to be reopened to the public after a £5.5m restoration project.
Work at Durlston Castle, near Swanage, started in May 2010 with the help of a Heritage Lottery Fund contribution.
The centrepiece of the 280-acre Durlston Country Park now has a new visitor centre, shop, gallery and cinema room.
The castle was officially opened earlier with its doors opened to the public from 10:00 GMT on Friday.
Great Globe
Councillor Robert Gould, member for environment at Dorset County Council, said: "The project has been fantastic for Durlston and for Dorset.
"The visitor centre is a wonderful focal point and view point for the Jurassic Coast.
"Visitors to the area will enjoy the new activities, events and features within the castle, as well as being able to explore the beautiful park itself."
As part of the project, the 40-tonne stone Great Globe, which was erected in the late 19th Century by George Burt, owner of the Durlston Estate, has been restored.