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Anyone who thinks there’s nothing like the perfect location hasn’t been to Durdle Door. This natural limestone is one of the finest natural attractions in the UK. If you’re one of those people who have been yearning for a visit, you’re probably asking, ‘Where is Durdle Door?’ Good thing you’re here, because we’re set to answer that question and explain everything you need to know about this location. We’ll also explain how to get here from different parts of the UK.
Durdle Door is located on the Jurassic coast. Sometimes written as Durdle Dor, it is a natural limestone arch near Lulworth in Dorset, a county that houses Bournemouth, Dorchester and Weymouth. Durdle Door is the property of the Weld family, which owns the Lulworth Estate, but is also open to the public.
The main limestone arch lies at the foot of a steep path followed by a set of wooden steps. You can access it from above through a pay-and-display car park and the South West Coast Path.
See here to learn more about Dorset, Bournemouth’s county.
How Was Durdle Door Formed?
Durdle Door was formed through a combination of erosion and movements on the earth’s surface. It appears as a layer of hard limestone standing almost vertically out of the sea. The formation of Durdle Door dates back to over 140 million years, when layers of sediment and debris accumulated in the shallow sea. These rocks were uplifted and tilted through the process of geological folding.
The name, ‘Durdle’ is derived from Old English, meaning to pierce, bore or drill.
As time passed, erosion wore away weak rock layers, leaving behind the more resistant limestone that formed the arch you’ll find there today. The arch reaches an impressive 200 feet (61 metres) high and spans around 100 feet (30.5 metres) wide. Durdle Door is part of Lulworth Cove and makes up the larger Durdle Door Natural World Heritage Site.
What Is Durdle Door Famous For?
Durdle Door is famous for its natural limestone arch, which extends into the sea. The landmark is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the UK’s most photographed locations.
Formed by the erosion of softer rocks, Durdle Door is one place known for its geographical significance. Its beauty also draws numerous tourists yearly. On top of that, attractions nearby in Dorset like beaches and cliffs make for perfect coastal scenery.
How To Get To Durdle Door
The route to Durdle Door varies depending on your location and mode of transportation. It’s best to use a Sat-Nav or Google Maps, as it can be tricky to navigate the country lanes around Purbeck. All you have to do is enter ‘Durdle Door Holiday Park’ as your destination or use the postcode, BH20 5PU. You’d be wise to download an offline version of this map before leaving home, as internet coverage can be unstable in rural Dorset.
If you like to keep it old school and drive without a Sat-Nav, there’s still hope for you. Assuming you’re starting around Bournemouth or London, aim for Wareham. Take the Wareham Road (the A352), passing through the town, then turn left onto the B3070, following signs for East Lulworth and Lulworth Cove. Turn right once you make it to the village of West Lulworth and look for signs on the road pointing to Durdle Door.
Anyone coming from the Weymouth direction can start by following signs for Wool (but you won’t actually get as far as the village). You’ll find a right-hand turning signposted for Winfrith Newburgh just before getting to the Red Lion Hotel on the A352. Drive through this village, following signs that lead to Lulworth Cove and you’ll arrive at BH20 5PU, spotting the entrance to Durdle Door Holiday Park on your right. Access and car parking are via this holiday park.
Looking for fun activities in Bournemouth? We have a detailed guide, which covers the best attractions in this city.
Things To Do Around Durdle Door
You can’t get enough of Durdle Door. There’s so much to do around this natural limestone arch. We’ve compiled a list of the best activities if you’re not sure where to start.
Durdle Door Beach
Durdle Door Beach is directly beneath the famous limestone arch in the Jurassic Coast. This beach is one of the factors that makes this location so attractive, as it offers a lovely place to relax, sunbathe or swim.
Beware of cliff falls and sudden large waves at the water’s edge when exploring Durdle Door Beach.
Durdle Door Beach is both a sand and shingle beach, with clear waters perfect for swimming. You still need to tread carefully though, as the beach shelves steeply in places and there are no lifeguards on duty.
The beach provides a stunning view over the cliff, making it a great spot for picnics and photography. During the summer, a mobile kiosk on the steep path leading to Durdle Door provides ice creams and refreshments. You can also check out Man O’War Beach, another lovely beach within a 3-minute walk of Durdle Door.
Durdle Door Holiday Park
Just a short walk from the limestone arch is Durdle Door Holiday Park, the perfect accommodation if your trip here extends beyond one day. This holiday park offers everything from camping and glamping facilities to luxury holiday homes.
This park serves as the ideal base for anyone looking to explore the coast, with easy access to Lulworth Cove and other locations. Durdle Door Holiday Park is also highly family-friendly with amenities like a shop, restaurant and play areas. It also offers accessible toilets for wheelchair users.
SDVH offers minibuses for hire in Dorset, perfect for group trips within the county. You can also check out our range of cars.
Lulworth Castle
You should see Lulworth Castle if you’re willing to stray a few miles away from Durdle Door. This 17th-century castle is situated just south of the village of Wool in a beautiful parkland. The castle has a rich history and visitors get a chance to explore its interior, which includes a tower that offers the most amazing views over the Dorset countryside.
The grounds of Lulworth Castle also feature a chapel, woodland walks and a play area for children. The castle hosts events like fairs, re-enactments and outdoor concerts, so you may be lucky to catch this while you’re here.
Lulworth Cove
If you love Durdle Door Beach, chances are you’ll also appreciate the beauty that is Lulworth Cove. This stunning horse-shaped shingle beach is known for its distinct crystal-clear waters and unique geology. Watersport lovers will see this bay as a haven because it’s perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Chalk cliffs surround the cove, serving as a perfect background for photos. Remember to bring your walking boots so you can enjoy a hike via a path leading back to Durdle Door.
Monkey World
Now, something for animal lovers. Monkey World is a primate rescue centre, near Wareham Town. This rescue centre serves as home to over 250 rescued, endangered primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans and gibbons.
You can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation efforts while watching the primates in spacious enclosures. Monkey World also has picnic areas, a cafe and a gift shop.
You can also check out our premium car options or hire a passenger van from any part of the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Durdle Door?
Durdle Door is a limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset. It is a popular tourist destination, mainly because of its dramatic appearance and stunning scenery. The arch came to be due to the relentless erosion of the sea, which carved a hole through the rock. It is regarded as one of the greatest testaments to nature’s power. The name, ‘Durdle’ comes from Old English, which means to bore or drill.
How Can I Get To Durdle Door From London?
You can get to Durdle Door from London by taking the M3 motorway towards Southampton, then aiming for Wareham. Continue to Durdle Door Holiday Park, where you’ll find a pay-and-display car park. You can also take public transport in the form of a train. The train gets you to Wool station, from where you can board a bus to West Lulworth.
Can I Swim At Durdle Door?
Yes, you can swim at Durdle Door but be careful when doing so, as there are no lifeguards. You also have to be aware of the strong currents, which can be dangerous for new swimmers. What’s more, there may be submerged rocks under the water, so try not to dive in so you don’t crash into them. You can also swim at the nearby Man O’War Beach.
Is Durdle Door Dog-Friendly?
Yes, Durdle Door is dog-friendly. You can bring your furry friend along to enjoy the stunning views and the beautiful sand-shingle beach. The best part is that dogs are welcome all year round but make sure you clean up after them. Also, remember not to let your dog swim in the water near the arch, as currents can be strong in this area and cliff falls may happen.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Visit Durdle Door?
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Durdle Door or the public beach below the arch. However, there is parking at the top of the cliff, which costs £20 for all-day cars and £10 for 4 hours. You also have to consider the cost of accommodation if you plan to spend a few days or more.
Conclusion
So, where is Durdle Door? This unique limestone arch is right in the heart of the English Channel Coast. This location has grown to be an attraction, offering an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, hire a car and embark on this journey to create memories that will last a lifetime.
