Durdle Door Tours

Durdle Door featuring a sunset, a bay or harbor and rugged coastline
Durdle Door which includes a bay or harbor, general coastal views and tranquil scenes
Durdle Door showing a pebble beach, a sunset and rocky coastline
Durdle Door which includes a pebble beach and rocky 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 kilometers) 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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Byron Hotel London
Maddox Street - 3 bed
Wimpole Mews - 4 Bedroom Apartment

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Durdle Door

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
Bishops Cottage

Bishops Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Main Rd, Wareham, England
Bishops Cottage
Seaview Chalet-durdledoor-sleeps4to6- Pet Friendly

Seaview Chalet-durdledoor-sleeps4to6- Pet Friendly

3 out of 5
Wareham
Seaview Chalet-durdledoor-sleeps4to6- Pet Friendly
Ivy Cottage

Ivy Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Wareham
Ivy Cottage
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
Belhuish Farmhouse

Belhuish Farmhouse

3 out of 5
Mildren Lane, Coombe Keynes, Wareham, England
Belhuish Farmhouse
Marley House Bed & Breakfast

Marley House Bed & Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
Marley House, Dorchester, England
Marley House Bed & Breakfast
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 sailing along the stunning coastline, explore the nearby Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, or catch a unique Durdle Door show. Perfect for day trippers, this area offers a variety of activities that showcase the natural beauty and adventure opportunities in the region, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Food and drinks

The Durdle Door area features local favorites like The Castle Inn, offering hearty pub fare and local ales. Nearby, The Lulworth Cove Inn serves fresh seafood and traditional British dishes with stunning views. For a sweet treat, stop by The Lulworth Bakery for delightful pastries and coffee.

Recreation

Greenhill Beach offers a tranquil spot for relaxation, just 8 miles from Durdle Door, where you can unwind by the sea. For a fun outdoor experience, Swanage 18 Hole Pitch and Putt, located 14 miles away, provides a sporty atmosphere perfect for a day of golfing.

Poole Stadium, 15 miles from Durdle Door, is a lively venue filled with sports energy, ideal for catching a game or enjoying various athletic events. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local sports culture.

Adventure

Warmwell Holiday Park Ski Slope offers thrilling skiing experiences within 5 miles of Durdle Door, perfect for snow sports enthusiasts. For scenic hikes, explore Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, also 5 miles away, showcasing stunning outdoor views. For water sports, visit Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, located 9 miles away.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, just 19 miles from Durdle Door, for a romantic show. If you're feeling lucky, visit Genting Casino Bournemouth, also 19 miles away, for gaming fun. For family-friendly thrills, head to Giggles, an arcade adventure zone located 18 miles from your base.

Find the best attractions near Durdle Door

Durdle Door offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue, with highlights including the stunning Durdle Door beach and the picturesque Lulworth Cove. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Jurassic Coast and enjoy breathtaking views, while history buffs can visit the impressive Corfe Castle. Additionally, the scenic Poole Harbour provides opportunities for water activities, making Durdle Door a fantastic destination for culture, relaxation, and adventure.

  • Lulworth Cove: Just a mile from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove is a stunning natural bay known for its unique geology and picturesque surroundings. Enjoy outdoor activities, explore the coastal paths, and soak in the beach vibes while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
  • Durdle Door Beach: Located a mere 0.2 miles from Durdle Door, this iconic beach offers a dramatic backdrop of the famous limestone arch. Relax on the pebbly shore, swim in the clear waters, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere and stunning views.
  • Weymouth Harbour: About 8 miles away, Weymouth Harbour is a charming spot featuring lovely scenery and a bustling atmosphere. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries, and take in the vibrant beach vibes of this historic harbor.

Best time to go to Durdle Door

The best time to visit Durdle Door can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Durdle Door falls in July and August. July has moderately high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Durdle Door falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 HighModerately High
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighModerately High
August62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Durdle Door

Visiting Durdle Door can be budget-friendly with free entry and nearby attractions like Weymouth Beach and Chesil Beach. To save on accommodations, consider visiting from November to January for lower rates, and book 1-3 months in advance for the best deals. Use Expedia to find competitive hotel prices, sort by budget, and explore last-minute offers. Joining Expedia's One Key program provides exclusive discounts and the chance to earn cash for future bookings. Combining hotel, flight, and activity reservations can also yield savings, ensuring an economical trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Durdle Door is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Durdle Door are November to January, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Durdle Door about 1-3 months out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search feature enables you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other options. You can easily organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Durdle Door hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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