Durdle Door

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

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
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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 cosy cafes.

The Tank Museum

Top Durdle Door 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
Ivy Cottage

Ivy Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Wareham England
Ivy Cottage
The Red Lion

The Red Lion

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

The Countryman Inn

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

The Smugglers Inn

3 out of 5
Osmington Mills Weymouth England
The Smugglers Inn
Best Western Weymouth Hotel Rembrandt

Best Western Weymouth Hotel Rembrandt

3 out of 5
12-18 Dorchester Road Weymouth England
Best Western Weymouth Hotel Rembrandt
See all 1,425 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

At Durdle Door, visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including sailing and exploring the stunning coastline. Notable options include the Durdle Door bus tour, various door tours, and day trips that start from nearby locations. For a comprehensive experience, consider joining the Discover Dorset tours, which showcase the natural beauty and attractions of the area.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the nearest shopping experience is at Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km away. Here, you can enjoy a variety of shops, entertainment options, and family-friendly amenities, all set in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for picking up gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Weymouth Pavilion, enjoy captivating performances in a charming theatre setting, perfect for cultural enrichment. Lodmoor Country Park offers serene walks and relaxation amidst nature, ideal for rejuvenation. For a fun family outing, challenge yourself at Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, combining sport and adventure in a delightful atmosphere.

Adventure

Warmwell Holiday Park Ski Slope offers thrilling skiing experiences and sports excitement, located 8.0km from Durdle Door. For stunning views and invigorating hikes, explore the scenic South West Coast Path Section 51 and Section 50 Trailheads, both situated 1.6km away, boasting beautiful outdoor landscapes.

Nightlife

Durdle Door offers a tranquil nightlife experience, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Nearby, Wareham features charming pubs like The Black Bear and The Saxon, where you can enjoy local ales and live music in a friendly atmosphere, all within a short drive from the stunning coastline.

*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 attractions, including its stunning beach, picturesque bay, and historic castle. Ideal for those seeking cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, visitors can explore the iconic Durdle Door arch and enjoy a day at the beach. For convenience, parking facilities are available nearby, making it easy to access this remarkable destination. Don't miss the opportunity to uncover the scenic beauty and rich heritage of this enchanting area.

  • Lulworth Cove: A picturesque bay just 1.6km from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove boasts stunning coastal scenery with its unique limestone formations. Enjoy the tranquil beach, indulge in outdoor activities, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and sea.
  • Durdle Door Beach: Located a mere 322m from Durdle Door, this beautiful beach is famous for its iconic natural limestone arch. Relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, and capture the stunning sunsets that paint the sky over this striking landmark.
  • The Tank Museum: Situated 8.0km away, The Tank Museum offers a fascinating insight into military history with a remarkable collection of tanks and armoured vehicles. Explore engaging exhibits that showcase the evolution of armoured warfare and its impact on modern history.

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.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.