Durdle Door Tours and Activities

Durdle Door showing a bay or harbour, a sunset and rugged coastline
Durdle Door featuring general coastal views, a bay or harbour and tranquil scenes
Durdle Door
Durdle Door featuring 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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Mowbray Court Hotel
Corinthia London
The Savoy

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
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
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 immerse yourself in outdoor adventures like sailing and boat trips, while enjoying the stunning beaches. There are also picnic tables available for a relaxing meal amidst nature, and nearby tub getaway options for those seeking a little extra comfort. Whether you're exploring the rugged coastline or simply soaking up the sun, Durdle Door offers an unforgettable getaway experience.

Shopping

For shopping near Durdle Door, visit local souvenir shops and markets for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km away, offering a variety of family-friendly stores and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Swanage 18 Hole Pitch and Putt, enjoy a fun round of golf amidst picturesque landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Lodmoor Country Park offers serene walking trails and peaceful spots for relaxation. Greenhill Beach beckons with its calming waves, ideal for unwinding and enjoying nature's beauty.

Adventure

Explore the South West Coast Path Section 50 and 51 Trails, both a mile from Durdle Door, offering breathtaking outdoor scenery and adventure vibes. For a longer hike, trek to Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, located 8.0km away, immersing yourself in stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

Durdle Door offers a charming nightlife experience with nearby venues like the Weymouth Pavilion and Royal Manor Theatre, both 12.9km away, showcasing cultural performances. For a more adventurous vibe, visit Skirmish Dorset, 16.1km away, where fun-filled arcade games await the whole family.

Find the best attractions near Durdle Door

At Durdle Door, you can enjoy the stunning beach and bay, while exploring the iconic Durdle Door rock formation. This area offers a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, making it perfect for travellers seeking adventure. Don’t miss the chance to relax at Durdle Door Beach and soak in the breathtaking views of the coastline and nearby castle ruins, ensuring a memorable visit to this picturesque destination in England.

  • Lulworth Cove: A stunning natural bay located 1.6km from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove offers breathtaking outdoor scenery and a relaxing beach vibe. Ideal for a picturesque stroll, this area is perfect for photography and enjoying the coastal beauty.
  • Durdle Door Beach: Located a mere 322m from Durdle Door, this beach features iconic rock formations and a tranquil atmosphere. It's a fantastic spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply soaking in the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
  • Lulworth Castle: Situated 1.6km away, Lulworth Castle is steeped in history and romance. This impressive structure offers cultural insights, beautiful grounds, and a chance to explore the heritage of the area.

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 July, visitor numbers are moderately high 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

When visiting Durdle Door, take advantage of the free entry to the site and nearby attractions like Lulworth Cove Beach and Weymouth Harbour. For budget-friendly accommodation, plan your trip between January to February or October, and aim for a Tuesday stay to find the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare room prices and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. By filtering for eco-certified hotels, you can find affordable and sustainable options for your stay.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to define your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. 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 accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Durdle Door with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.