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.

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Three Falcons Hotel
Mowbray Court Hotel
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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
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
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
Ivy Cottage

Ivy Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Wareham, England
Ivy Cottage
3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove

3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove

West Lulworth, England
3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove
Belhuish Farmhouse

Belhuish Farmhouse

3 out of 5
Mildren Lane, Coombe Keynes, Wareham, England
Belhuish Farmhouse
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 enjoy a variety of activities including sailing and exploring the stunning coastline. You can join a Durdle Door bus tour or take part in guided door tours that reveal the beauty of the surrounding area. Day trips are also popular, providing an excellent opportunity to discover Dorset's natural wonders and iconic landmarks. Whether you opt for a tour or explore independently, Durdle Door promises a memorable experience.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km from Durdle Door, offers a lively shopping experience with a variety of high street brands, entertainment options, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It's a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Weymouth Pavilion, where culture and entertainment come alive just 12.9km from Durdle Door. For relaxation, unwind at Greenhill Beach, offering serene coastal vibes. For family fun, challenge yourself at Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, located 11.3km away, perfect for an adventurous outing.

Adventure

Experience winter sports at Warmwell Holiday Park Ski Slope, located 8.0km from Durdle Door, offering a thrilling ski atmosphere. For a scenic adventure, hike the Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, also 8.0km away, or explore the stunning South West Coast Path Section 51 Trailhead, just 1.6km away.

Nightlife

Durdle Door offers a tranquil nightlife experience, with nearby pubs like The Castle Inn and The Lulworth Cove Inn serving local ales and hearty meals. Enjoy scenic coastal walks under the stars before retreating to cosy accommodations for a restful night 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, located in Wareham, is renowned for its stunning beach and picturesque bay, making it a perfect destination for those seeking culture and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Lulworth Cove and historical castles. For a seamless experience, consider parking options at Durdle Door and plan for a delightful day enjoying the natural beauty and unique surroundings.

  • Lulworth Cove: A stunning natural bay located a mile from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove offers picturesque scenery and a beautiful beach. The area is perfect for leisurely walks along the coast, exploring rock formations, and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding countryside.
  • Durdle Door Beach: Just 322m away, Durdle Door Beach is famous for its iconic limestone arch and crystal-clear waters. This beach provides a fantastic spot for sunbathing, swimming, and taking in the breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The Tank Museum: Located 8.0km away, The Tank Museum is a fascinating cultural attraction showcasing an impressive collection of tanks and military vehicles. Visitors can immerse themselves in history and learn about the evolution of armoured warfare through engaging exhibits.

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 with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostlyAverageSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostlyAverageSlightly Low
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostlyAverageAverage
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 RainMostlyModerately LowSlightly Low
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostlyModerately LowAverage
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostlyModerately 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 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.