Durdle Door

Durdle Door featuring rocky coastline, a sunset and a bay or harbour
Durdle Door featuring rocky coastline, a sunset and a bay or harbour
Durdle Door showing general coastal views, a bay or harbour and tranquil scenes
Durdle Door showing a pebble beach, a sunset and rocky coastline
Durdle Door featuring a pebble beach and rugged coastline


Swim through the large natural arch in the cliffs, which juts out dramatically into the sea and dates back about 140 million years.

Durdle Door is a natural arch carved into the limestone cliffs on the Jurassic Coast of England. The geological feature is the unquestionable highlight of the Lulworth Estate, which is open to the public and consists of 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares) of picturesque terrain. Go for a romantic stroll along the stony beach and take photographs of this stunning geological feature.

The arch was formed by sea erosion on the cliff, which gradually wore away the weaker layers, leaving only the arch standing. Today, you’ll be able to spot other remnants of old arches in the form of rock stacks and stumps. As the crashing waves continue to pound Durdle Door, this is its inevitable future. The site’s name derives from the Old English word “thirl,” which means drill. The famous arch has featured in music videos and movies, such as Wilde and Nanny McPhee.

Note the fossil ripple marks in the slabs of rock at the lower section of the arch. At the top, there are visible rings that mark life from millions of years ago. Capture photos of these intriguing inscriptions of time.

When the weather is sunny, the pebbly beach is a nice place to spend the day. Work on your tan or go for a swim in the sea with your family. The beach is quite steep, so weak swimmers and families with children should take extra care.

Stroll along the green hills behind the beach for excellent views of the sea and the English countryside. Enjoy the serene ambiance and the fresh sea breeze as you traverse the large meadows. In the summer, there is a shop selling rock and fossil souvenirs as well as refreshments.

Durdle Door is 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) east of Weymouth on the south coast of England. You can access the site through the villages of Lulworth and Winfrith. Walk to the cliff tops and make your way down the steep hills to the beach. There is a parking lot nearby.

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Reviews of Durdle Door

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
133
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
50
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Even in high summer its not busy here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It's steep - not for pushchairs, small children or people with mobility difficulties.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Wear appropriate footwear, best views of Lulworth Cove. Watch out for drones and selfie takers.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The journey down is a little treacherous due to loose stones so wear sensible shoes. The water is very inviting so take your swim wear! Not a sandy beach but gravel so good idea to take beach shoes!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hard work, but well worth the climb from Lulworth Cove

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Loads of traffic - car park very stony and dusty. Expensive - £4 minimum.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Durdle Door Hotel

Durdle Door Hotel

3 out of 5
West Lulworth House, Main Road Wareham England
Durdle Door Hotel
Lulworth Cove Inn

Lulworth Cove Inn

4 out of 5
Main Road, West Lulworth Wareham England
Lulworth Cove Inn
Castle Inn

Castle Inn

3 out of 5
Main Road Wareham England
Castle Inn
Cajun Cottage

Cajun Cottage

3.5 out of 5
37 Main Road West Lulworth Wareham England
Cajun Cottage
A charming traditional coastguard cottage offering breathtaking views of Lulworth Cove and the surrounding countryside. This spacious retreat, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Sleeps eight people across four spacious bedrooms.

A charming traditional coastguard cottage offering breathtaking views of Lulworth Cove and the surrounding countryside. This spacious retreat, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Sleeps eight people across four spacious bedrooms.

West Lulworth England
A charming traditional coastguard cottage offering breathtaking views of Lulworth Cove and the surrounding countryside. This spacious retreat, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Sleeps eight people across four spacious bedrooms.
A beautifully appointed traditional coastguard cottage featuring a private garden and stunning views of Lulworth Cove in Dorset. Sleeps up to five people in three bedrooms.

A beautifully appointed traditional coastguard cottage featuring a private garden and stunning views of Lulworth Cove in Dorset. Sleeps up to five people in three bedrooms.

West Lulworth England
A beautifully appointed traditional coastguard cottage featuring a private garden and stunning views of Lulworth Cove in Dorset. Sleeps up to five people in three bedrooms.
Bishops Cottage

Bishops Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Main Rd Wareham England
Bishops Cottage
5 bedroom accommodation in West Lulworth, near Swanage

5 bedroom accommodation in West Lulworth, near Swanage

West Lulworth, near Swanage
5 bedroom accommodation in West Lulworth, near Swanage
Amy Cottage

Amy Cottage

3 out of 5
25-26 Main Road West Lulworth Wareham England
Amy Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Durdle Door

Explore the stunning Durdle Door with a variety of activities, including sailing and guided tours. Consider joining a Durdle Door bus tour or a day trip to discover the beautiful Dorset coastline. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty and unique rock formations in the area. Don't miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the scenic wonders that Durdle Door has to offer.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, visit Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km from Durdle Door. This vibrant venue offers a mix of shops, entertainment, and dining options, perfect for finding gifts and souvenirs during your stay.

Recreation

Weymouth Pavilion, an 12.9km journey from Durdle Door, offers a vibrant blend of romance and culture through captivating performances. For a tranquil escape, visit Lodmoor Country Park, 11.3km away, where wellness and relaxation abound amidst beautiful natural scenery. Enjoy family fun at the nearby Pirate Adventure Mini Golf.

Adventure

Warmwell Holiday Park Ski Slope offers thrilling ski experiences 8.0km from Durdle Door, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. For scenic hikes, explore the Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, also 8.0km away, or tackle the South West Coast Path Section 51 Trailhead, just 1.6km from Durdle Door.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Durdle Door is quite serene, with a charming atmosphere. For a casual drink, visit the nearby Lulworth Cove Inn, or enjoy a meal at the Castle Inn. Both spots offer a warm ambience and stunning coastal views, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Durdle Door

Durdle Door offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, perfect for all types of travellers. Explore the stunning Durdle Door beach and its iconic arch, and immerse yourself in the nearby scenic bay and historical castles. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or a relaxing day by the sea, Durdle Door provides an ideal setting for an unforgettable experience in Dorset.

  • Lulworth Cove Beach: A stunning beach located 1.6km from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove Beach boasts picturesque coastal views and a relaxing atmosphere. The unique geology of the cove creates an inviting environment for beachgoers, perfect for a leisurely day soaking up the sun or enjoying a picnic.
  • Nothe Fort: Situated 11.3km away, Nothe Fort is a historic military structure offering a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. Visitors can explore its intriguing architecture and enjoy panoramic views of Weymouth Bay, making it an excellent spot for history enthusiasts.
  • Kimmeridge Bay Beach: Located 9.7km from Durdle Door, Kimmeridge Bay Beach features stunning scenery and a charming outdoor setting. Ideal for both beach lovers and outdoor adventurers, this bay offers opportunities for rock pooling, fossil hunting, and enjoying breathtaking coastal vistas.

Best time to go to Durdle Door

The best time to visit Durdle Door is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Durdle Door

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Durdle Door.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and October) for more affordable package holidays to Durdle Door.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
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