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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Kensington Court Hotel
The Abbey Notting Hill
Ellen Kensington

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
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

Durdle Door offers a range of exciting activities, including stunning coastal walks and outdoor adventures perfect for a day trip. For those considering an overnight stay, there are several hotels nearby with positive reviews, as well as excellent campsites for a more rustic experience. Whether you're keen on sailing or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Durdle Door is a fantastic destination for a memorable getaway.

Shopping

In Durdle Door, enjoy local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 33.8km away, boasts vibrant entertainment options and a mix of family-friendly stores perfect for finding that special memento from your trip.

Recreation

Explore Lodmoor Country Park for tranquil walks and serene picnics amidst nature. At Greenhill Beach, enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves while unwinding on the sandy shores. For some fun, challenge your family at Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, where excitement and laughter await.

Adventure

The South West Coast Path Section 51 Trailhead, located 1.6km from Durdle Door, offers stunning coastal views and invigorating hiking. Similarly, the South West Coast Path Section 50 Trailhead, also 1.6km away, provides a picturesque trek. For a longer adventure, explore Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, situated 8.0km from Durdle Door.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Durdle Door by catching a show at Weymouth Pavilion, just 12.9km away, or enjoying a film at Cineworld Weymouth. For an adventurous twist, head to Skirmish Dorset, located 16.1km away, for some thrilling arcade fun.

*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 offers a delightful mix of beach, bay, and castle attractions, perfect for those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Popular points of interest include stunning coastal walks and the iconic limestone arch. For accommodation, consider nearby holiday cottages, hotels, or country houses to enhance your stay. With various options just a few miles from Durdle Door, you'll find the ideal base to explore this beautiful region of England.

  • Lulworth Cove: A stunning bay located 1.6km from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove is famed for its breathtaking coastal scenery and unique geology. Explore the sandy beach, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the cliffs, and take in the picturesque views of the vibrant sea.
  • Durdle Door Beach: Situated a mere 322m from Durdle Door, this beautiful beach offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for sunbathing or swimming. The iconic limestone arch is a must-see, providing a striking backdrop for photos and unforgettable memories.
  • The Tank Museum: Located 8.0km away, The Tank Museum is a fascinating cultural experience showcasing an extensive collection of tanks and armoured vehicles. Learn about military history through interactive exhibits and enjoy a day filled with education and exploration.

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 RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No RainMostly 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 RainMostly 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, plan your visit between January to February or in October when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting accommodation from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-friendly hotels. Consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Lastly, utilise public transport or explore on foot to keep travel costs down while enjoying free activities in the beautiful surroundings.

  • 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 lets you specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it more economical to combine your Durdle Door hotel reservation with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia