Durdle Door

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
Durdle Door featuring a pebble beach and rugged coastline
Durdle Door showing a pebble beach and a sunset


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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Durdle Door Hotel

Durdle Door Hotel

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

Lulworth Cove Inn

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

Castle Inn

3 out of 5
Main Road, Wareham, England
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Bishops Cottage

Bishops Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Main Rd, Wareham, England
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Seaview Chalet-durdledoor-sleeps4to6- Pet Friendly

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3 out of 5
Wareham
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3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove

3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove

West Lulworth
3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove
Marley House Bed & Breakfast

Marley House Bed & Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
Marley House, Dorchester, England
Marley House Bed & Breakfast
The Red Lion Hotel

The Red Lion Hotel

3 out of 5
A352, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, England
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The Countryman Inn

The Countryman Inn

3.5 out of 5
East Knighton, Dorchester, England
The Countryman Inn
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

Near Durdle Door, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including sailing and adventurous hikes along stunning coastal paths. The area features an adventure park for thrill-seekers and picturesque beach walks ideal for leisurely strolls. Additionally, keep an eye out for local arts festivals that celebrate the vibrant culture of the region, offering a unique blend of adventure and creativity for all visitors.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Durdle Door, explore local gift shops and markets. If you're up for a drive, Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km away, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a variety of shops to browse through.

Recreation

Lodmoor Country Park, located 11.3km from Durdle Door, offers tranquil walking paths and picturesque landscapes perfect for relaxation. Just 12.9km away, Greenhill Beach invites visitors to unwind on sandy shores with calming sea views. For a fun-filled family day, Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, also 11.3km away, combines sports and adventure.

Adventure

Embark on the South West Coast Path Section 51 Trailhead, a scenic hiking trail located 1.6km from Durdle Door, offering breathtaking coastal views. Don't miss the South West Coast Path Section 50 Trailhead, also 1.6km away, and the Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, situated 8.0km from Durdle Door.

Nightlife

For an evening out, visit Weymouth Pavilion, an 12.9km drive for culture and romance. Alternatively, enjoy adventure at Skirmish Dorset, 16.1km away, or catch a film at Cineworld Weymouth, also 12.9km from Durdle Door, perfect for entertainment and a touch of romance.

*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 delightful mix of attractions, including stunning beaches, picturesque bays, and historic castles. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the sea or exploring the rich heritage of the area, Durdle Door has something to captivate every traveller's interest.

  • Lulworth Cove: A stunning natural bay located a mile from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove offers picturesque scenery and a lovely beach. The unique geology and tranquil waters make it perfect for leisurely walks and photography.
  • Durdle Door Beach: Just 322m away, Durdle Door Beach is famed for its iconic limestone arch and beautiful sandy shores. Enjoy the sun, sea, and stunning views while exploring this remarkable coastline.
  • The Tank Museum: Situated 8.0km from Durdle Door, The Tank Museum showcases a fascinating collection of armoured vehicles spanning over a century of history. Experience interactive exhibits that delve into military culture and innovation.

Best time to go to Durdle Door

The best time to visit Durdle Door is dependant 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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Durdle Door

To save money on your trip to Durdle Door, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, February, or October when prices are lower. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly accommodations, and arrange results from lowest to highest price. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also lead to significant savings. Additionally, take advantage of free activities like walking along the stunning coastline to enjoy the beauty without spending much.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Durdle Door are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Durdle Door is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Durdle Door is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could save some money by combining your hotel booking at Durdle Door with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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