Durdle Door

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
Durdle Door which includes a pebble beach and rugged coastline
Durdle Door featuring a sunset and a pebble beach


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.

Plan a trip to see Durdle Door

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyde Park Radnor Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
The Pelham London - Starhotels Collezione

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, 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
Lulworth Cove Inn
Castle Inn

Castle Inn

3 out of 5
Main Road, Wareham, England
Castle Inn
Seaview Chalet-durdledoor-sleeps4to6- Pet Friendly

Seaview Chalet-durdledoor-sleeps4to6- Pet Friendly

3 out of 5
Wareham, England
Seaview Chalet-durdledoor-sleeps4to6- Pet Friendly
Amy Cottage

Amy Cottage

3 out of 5
25-26 Main Road West Lulworth, Wareham, England
Amy Cottage
The Red Lion

The Red Lion

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

The Countryman Inn

3.5 out of 5
East Knighton, Dorchester, England
The Countryman Inn
Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake

Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake

2 out of 5
Dorchester, England
Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake
The Smugglers Inn

The Smugglers Inn

3 out of 5
Osmington Mills, Weymouth, Weymouth, England
The Smugglers 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

At Durdle Door, visitors can indulge in various activities, including invigorating beach walks along the stunning coastline. For those seeking adventure, sailing is a popular option, allowing you to explore the picturesque waters surrounding this iconic landmark. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an exhilarating experience on the sea, Durdle Door offers a delightful escape into nature.

Shopping

Durdle Door offers charming local shops for unique souvenirs and gifts. If you're up for a drive, Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km away, features a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment options and a wide range of stores for all your shopping needs.

Recreation

Lodmoor Country Park, a tranquil recreation park 11.3km from Durdle Door, offers a peaceful escape with lush landscapes perfect for relaxation. Greenhill Beach, located 12.9km away, invites visitors to unwind by the sea. For family fun, enjoy the adventurous Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, also 11.3km distant.

Adventure

Discover the stunning South West Coast Path Section 51 Trailhead, a mile from Durdle Door, perfect for hiking enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views. Another mile away, the South West Coast Path Section 50 Trailhead offers similar adventure. For a longer trek, enjoy the Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, five miles from Durdle Door.

Nightlife

In Durdle Door, Weymouth Pavilion offers a charming theatre experience, perfect for culture and romance, while Cineworld Weymouth provides entertainment in a cinematic atmosphere. For adventure, Skirmish Dorset’s arcade promises an exhilarating night out, making it a lively spot for all ages.

*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 for travellers, including beautiful beaches, scenic bays, and historic castles. Visitors can immerse themselves in outdoor experiences, enjoy the cultural aspects of the area, and relax by the coast. Whether you're exploring the iconic Durdle Door rock formation or discovering nearby points of interest, there's plenty to keep you engaged during your visit.

  • Lulworth Cove: A stunning natural bay, Lulworth Cove is renowned for its picturesque beach and breathtaking scenery. just 1.6km from Durdle Door, it offers delightful coastal walks and is perfect for picnics with a view.
  • Durdle Door Beach: Located a mere 322m from Durdle Door, this beautiful beach boasts iconic limestone formations and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and photography.
  • The Tank Museum: Situated 8.0km away, The Tank Museum showcases an impressive collection of armoured vehicles and tells the story of armoured warfare, providing a fascinating cultural experience for history enthusiasts.

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 in the cheaper months of January to February or October, and aim for a Tuesday stay, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation, filtering for the lowest prices or Eco-certified hotels. Additionally, look for package deals that combine hotel bookings with flights and activities to maximise savings. Lastly, be mindful of potential parking charges at airports to keep your overall travel costs down.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Moreover, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save some money by combining your Durdle Door hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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