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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Oliver Plaza
Thistle London Piccadilly
Royal Garden Hotel

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Top Durdle Door Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Lulworth Cove Inn
Lulworth Cove Inn
4 out of 5
Main Road, West Lulworth, Nr Wareham, Wareham, England
Lulworth Cove Inn
Bishops Cottage
Bishops Cottage
3.5 out of 5
Main Rd, Wareham, England
Bishops Cottage
A charming yet contemporary thatched cottage close to Lulworth Cove.
A charming yet contemporary thatched cottage close to Lulworth Cove.
West Lulworth
A charming yet contemporary thatched cottage close to Lulworth Cove.
Stunning views, within walking distance of Lulworth Cove, this is one property which has it all.
Stunning views, within walking distance of Lulworth Cove, this is one property which has it all.
West Lulworth, near Swanage
Stunning views, within walking distance of Lulworth Cove, this is one property which has it all.
2 bedroom accommodation in Winfrith Newburgh
2 bedroom accommodation in Winfrith Newburgh
Winfrith Newburgh
2 bedroom accommodation in Winfrith Newburgh
Luxury Country Manor House with private grounds and swimming pool
Luxury Country Manor House with private grounds and swimming pool
East Lulworth
Luxury Country Manor House with private grounds and swimming pool
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.