Durdle Door Tours and Activities

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

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The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
St Martins Lane London
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Popular places to visit


Top Durdle Door Hotel & Accommodation 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
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
3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove

3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove

West Lulworth
3 Bed Holiday home close to idyllic Lulworth Cove
Marley House Bed & Breakfast

Marley House Bed & Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
Marley House, Dorchester, England
Marley House Bed & Breakfast
The Red Lion Hotel

The Red Lion Hotel

3 out of 5
A352, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, England
The Red Lion Hotel
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, you can enjoy a range of activities including sailing and outdoor adventures. For those keen on fitness, the Purbeck Sports Centre offers excellent facilities. It's also a great spot for a day trip, with various hotels nearby that provide positive reviews for a comfortable stay. Experience the stunning coastal scenery and make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark in the UK.

Shopping

In Durdle Door, enjoy a charming local shopping experience with unique gift shops. If you're up for a drive, Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km away, offers a vibrant mix of shops, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Recreation

Lodmoor Country Park, located 11.3km from Durdle Door, offers serene walking trails and picturesque picnic spots, perfect for relaxation. Greenhill Beach, 12.9km away, invites you to unwind on its sandy shores while soaking up the sun. For family fun, Pirate Adventure Mini Golf provides an exciting challenge in a vibrant setting, just 11.3km away.

Adventure

The South West Coast Path Section 51 Trailhead, located 1.6km from Durdle Door, offers breathtaking coastal views and invigorating hiking. Similarly, the South West Coast Path Section 50 Trailhead, also 1.6km away, provides scenic trails for outdoor enthusiasts. For a longer trek, explore the Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, 8.0km from Durdle Door, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

For a great night out, visit the Weymouth Pavilion for a live show, only 12.9km away. If you're up for some fun, check out Skirmish Dorset, 16.1km away, for arcade adventures. Cineworld Weymouth, also 12.9km away, is perfect for catching a film with loved ones.

*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 is a must-visit destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of its iconic limestone arch and the surrounding bay. Explore Durdle Door Beach and take a short walk to the picturesque Lulworth Cove for a delightful day trip. This area is perfect for those seeking a blend of culture and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for a memorable holiday experience.

  • Lulworth Cove: A scenic bay located 1.6km from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove offers stunning coastal views, crystal-clear waters, and charming walking trails. It's perfect for a leisurely day of beach activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
  • Durdle Door Beach: Just 322m away, Durdle Door Beach is renowned for its iconic limestone arch and picturesque beach vibes. Ideal for sunbathing or a refreshing swim, this spot is a must-visit for relaxation and stunning photo opportunities.
  • The Tank Museum: Situated 8.0km from Durdle Door, The Tank Museum showcases an impressive collection of armoured vehicles and military history. Experience engaging exhibits that delve into the cultural significance of tanks, making it a fascinating visit 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 during the cheaper months of January to February or October, avoiding the peak summer season. Tuesday is the best day for lower accommodation rates, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to filter your options based on budget and preferences, and look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Keep an eye out for discount codes and free cancellation offers to enhance your travel experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by booking an Expedia package that combines your Durdle Door hotel stay with your flights and activities.