Durdle Door

Durdle Door showing a bay or harbour, rugged coastline and a sunset
Durdle Door showing a bay or harbour, rugged coastline and a sunset
Durdle Door showing tranquil scenes, a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Durdle Door showing a pebble beach, a sunset and rocky coastline
Durdle Door which includes 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 kilometres) 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.

Reviews of Durdle Door

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

Heading down to the crowded beach at Durdle Door you get a nice view of the Man O'War Bay to the left. Hardly any risk of getting people in your shot when pointing your camera this way. Not the worst view either! #BvS100k

Man Of War

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Man Of War during your trip to West Lulworth? While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Man Of War
View of the white cliffs of the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, England, UK

Durdle Door Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Durdle Door Beach during your trip to Wareham? Discover the countryside and bars in this quaint area.

Durdle Door Beach
Peaceful Sunrise at Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lulworth Cove during your travels in Wareham. Wander the gardens or discover the countryside in this quaint area.

Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove Beach which includes general coastal views, tranquil scenes and a bay or harbor

Lulworth Cove Beach

Spend the afternoon at this perfectly formed cove on the Jurassic Coast, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

Lulworth Cove Beach
It's not Greece, is England indeed. Worbarrow beach, Dorset, a half mile walk from Tyneham leads you to this paradise!

Tyneham Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Tyneham Beach during your trip to Steeple with Tyneham?

Tyneham Beach
#EndlessSummer , tank museum is a great place to spend a day looking at all the vehicle's . you even get to see the stars of the film "Fury"

The Tank Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at The Tank Museum during your trip to Bovington. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

The Tank Museum

Top Hotel Deals

Lulworth Cove Inn

Lulworth Cove Inn

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

Durdle Door Hotel

3 out of 5
West Lulworth House, Main Road Wareham England
Durdle Door Hotel
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
Amy Cottage

Amy Cottage

3 out of 5
25-26 Main Road West Lulworth Wareham England
Amy Cottage
Belhuish Farmhouse

Belhuish Farmhouse

3 out of 5
Mildren Lane, Coombe Keynes Wareham England
Belhuish Farmhouse
The Countryman Inn

The Countryman Inn

3.5 out of 5
East Knighton Dorchester England
The Countryman Inn
The Red Lion

The Red Lion

3 out of 5
A352 Dorchester England
The Red Lion
The Smugglers Inn

The Smugglers Inn

3 out of 5
Osmington Mills Weymouth England
The Smugglers Inn
See all 1,433 properties in Durdle Door
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

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km away from Durdle Door, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of businesses and entertainment suitable for the whole family.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Weymouth Pavilion, where you can enjoy a variety of shows and cultural events. For a serene escape, Lodmoor Country Park offers beautiful landscapes perfect for relaxation and wellness. For a fun-filled day, try your hand at Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, ideal for families and sports enthusiasts.

Adventure

At Durdle Door, embark on the scenic South West Coast Path Section 51 Trailhead, only 1.6km away, for breathtaking coastal views. Alternatively, challenge yourself at Warmwell Holiday Park Ski Slope, a thrilling ski field located 8.0km away, perfect for a sporty adventure.

Nightlife

Durdle Door offers a serene nightlife, perfect for stargazing along the stunning coastline. For a relaxed evening, visit the nearby Lulworth Cove where you can enjoy a cosy pub atmosphere at The Castle Inn, serving local ales and hearty meals.

*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 stunning array of attractions, featuring beautiful beaches, picturesque bays, and historic castles. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying outdoor experiences at iconic spots like Durdle Door Beach and the impressive Durdle Door Arch. Just a stone's throw away, Lulworth Cove provides additional scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in this captivating part of the UK.

  • Lulworth Cove Beach: Located 1.6km from Durdle Door, this stunning beach offers picturesque views and a relaxing atmosphere. With its unique geology and clear waters, it's perfect for sunbathing or a refreshing swim, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast.
  • Nothe Fort: Situated 11.3km away, this historic fort offers a fascinating glimpse into military history. Explore its well-preserved structures and enjoy panoramic views of Weymouth and the sea, all while soaking up the rich cultural vibes of this landmark.
  • The Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture: Located 14.5km from Durdle Door, this impressive statue celebrates the spirit of the Olympics. Set against a scenic backdrop, it provides a unique photo opportunity and a chance to reflect on sporting achievements.

Best time to go to Durdle Door

The best time to visit Durdle Door can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Durdle Door falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Durdle Door falls in January, 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

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Durdle Door during the low season (January to February and October) for more affordable options.
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