DURDLE DOOR at DORSET UK

Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is an extremely popular beauty spot.

It is located on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset and is part of the Jurassic Coast. The coastline is of such international geological importance that it was designated England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 and is now part of a family of natural wonders including America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The magnificent natural limestone arch was formed when the power of the waves eroded the rock and forged a hole through the middle. The name Durdle is derived from an old English word ‘thirl’, which means to pierce, bore or drill.

As you look towards the sea, you will see Durdle Door beach on your right. Access to the pebble and shingle beach is on foot via a path and steps over the hill from Lulworth Cove or down from the Car Park (charges apply) which is located on the cliff top at Durdle Door Holiday Park. There is a coach drop-off point at the car park, and coach parking is at Lulworth Cove (postcode for Sat Nav is BH20 5RQ).

We recommend visiting between September and May when the beach and roads will be quieter. If you do want to visit during peak times, we recommend that you use public transport, walk or cycle, or if you are driving, it is best to arrive early or late in the day to guarantee a parking space.

Access to the pebble and shingle beach is on foot via a path and steps over the hill from Lulworth Cove or down from the Car Park (charges apply) which is located on the cliff top at Durdle Door Holiday Park. There is a 15 minute walk along a steep downhill path, plus a further 143 steps down onto the beach (trainers or walking boots are needed for this walk, flipflops are not recommended).

At the base of the chalk cliffs a number of caves can be seen which have been carved out by the sea. Please do not enter them as cliff falls are common.

Barbecues and fires are not permitted at any of the beaches or grassland areas on the Lulworth Estate. Overnight camping is not permitted on beaches, clifftops or elsewhere (apart from pre-booked camping at the Durdle Door Holiday Park).

If you have never been to Durdle Door before and want to know what facilities are available and how to get to the beach from the car park, you can watch this short video on Facebook.

Beach Type: Shingle beach.

Safety: Walking boots or trainers needed for walk to and on beaches. Bathing can be dangerous. The beaches shelve steeply and there is a strong under-tow. Take care on the shoreline because sudden large waves can engulf persons at the water's edge - this has caused fatalities. Do not sit near to the cliffs – danger of rockfalls.

Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards at Durdle Door- bathing is possible in places, however the beach shelves steeply in places, therefore please supervise your children at all times.

Toilets: There are no toilets on or adjacent to the beach. Toilets are available in the Holiday Park, a 15-minute walk uphill from the beach.

Accessibility: Durdle Door beach is accessed by a steep path and steps - not recommended for wheelchair users, mobility scooters or those who have mobility problems. From the car park there is a 15 minute walk to the view point and then another 140+ steps down onto the beach. Views of Durdle Door are not possible from the car park. Accessible toilets are located at Durdle Door Holiday Park car park.

Parking: Large car park is accessed via Durdle Door holiday park and it is a 15 minute walk down a steep path then steps to the beach. Good footwear is essential. Visit the Lulworth Estate website for further information.

Dogs: Dogs welcome all year off lead, however please be sure to pick up after them. There are no bins on the beach - the nearest ones are in the car park.