Durdle Door, Lulworth

Name: Durdle Door
Address: Lulworth Car Park, Lulworth, United Kingdom

#1 among attractions in Lulworth

Top attraction, Beach, Arch

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Saffron Blaze / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Wilfredor / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Saffron Blaze / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Wilfredor / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / 0x010C / URL • 6. En.wikipedia.org / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Saffron Blaze / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Helena Downton / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset, United Kingdom, Durdle Door is a striking natural limestone arch that has become an iconic part of the British coastline. This geological wonder, sculpted by the relentless forces of the sea, is part of the Lulworth Estate and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Durdle Door stands majestically on the coastline, offering a breathtaking view that has captivated visitors for generations. The name 'Durdle' is derived from the Old English word 'thirl', meaning to bore or drill, which aptly describes the arch's formation process. Over millions of years, the sea eroded the limestone to create the archway that is approximately 200 feet (60 meters) wide.

Visitors to Durdle Door can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming in the clear blue waters of the English Channel, sunbathing on the picturesque pebble beach, and exploring the many coastal paths that offer stunning views of the coastline. The South West Coast Path, for instance, provides an excellent route for hikers to experience the natural beauty of the area.

To reach Durdle Door, tourists typically park at the nearby Durdle Door Holiday Park and follow a well-trodden path down to the beach. The descent involves a steep walk, so visitors should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for the return climb. There are no facilities at the beach itself, so it's advisable to bring water and any necessary supplies.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts are particularly drawn to Durdle Door for its dramatic landscape and the opportunity to capture the arch's silhouette against the backdrop of a setting or rising sun. The site is also a popular location for kayaking and snorkeling, offering a unique perspective of the arch from the water.

Durdle Door is not only a feast for the eyes but also a site of significant geological interest. The exposed rock strata provide insights into the Earth's history, making it a fascinating destination for both casual sightseers and geology aficionados.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 50°37'16"N, 2°16'37"W

Address

Lulworth Car ParkLulworth United Kingdom

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Day trips

Durdle Door – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Hambury Tout, Scratchy Bottom, Castle Inn, Lulworth Cove.

0.7 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Hill
Hambury Tout, Lulworth
17 min walk • Hambury Tout is a large chalk hill by the coast near Lulworth, Dorset, England. It overlooks Lulworth Cove to the west. Hambury Tout is the site of an ancient burial mound.
~1310 ftNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Valley
Scratchy Bottom, Lulworth
7 min walk • Scratchy Bottom is a clifftop valley between Durdle Door and Bat's Head in Dorset, England. A dry valley in the chalk, it is surrounded by farmland at its sides and landward end, with cliffs at the seaward end.
1.2 miE
Nightlife
Castle Inn, West Lulworth
32 min walk • The Castle Inn is a public house in West Lulworth, Dorset, England, which dates from the 16th century. It was originally called The Green Man, and later The Jolly Sailor. As of 2014, the pub is a popular traditional pub and hotel. The Castle Inn has a focus upon traditional real ales, real ciders and fresh food.
1.4 miSE
Sheltered bay with an unusual formation
Lulworth Cove, Lulworth
36 min walk • Lulworth Cove is a cove near the village of West Lulworth, on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, southern England. The cove is one of the world's finest examples of such a landform, and is a World Heritage Site and tourist location with approximately 500,000 visitors every year, of whom about 30 per cent visit in July and August.