Durdle Door

One of the most-loved natural landmarks of Dorset and a highlight of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Durdle Door attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The limestone arch is one of the most iconic and widely-photographed landforms in Britain.

People on Durdle Door beach with Bat Hole behind them

Boy in a white bobble hat looking at Durdle Door from beach

The beach at Durdle Door with people walking

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the 200-foot high arch rises from the sea just to the west of the equally famous Lulworth Cove.

Other parts of the Purbeck coastline are also renowned for being natural geological wonders, such as the nearby Stair Hole in Lulworth and Old Harry Rocks, which can be found between Swanage and Studland.

The beach at Durdle Door is predominantly shingle and not suitable for swimming, however the natural beauty of the area and wealth of walking trails and spectacular views has been drawing visitors for generations.

The smaller beach that you’ll see to the east on your approach to Durdle Door is Man O’ War Bay.

Safety information

Warning and safety sign on the descent to Durdle Door

Durdle Door can be accessed and enjoyed safely, however there are important warning signs and advice in place.

Swimming is not advised in the sea here – the beach shelves suddenly and steeply and there may be strong rip currents.

There is also no lifeguard service at Durdle Door – in an emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Steps and pathways may become slippery after wet weather. There may also be loose stones and the risk of falling rocks and unstable cliffs. Keep to pathways and away from cliff edges.

Facilities

There are no facilities at Durdle Door itself, though toilets and refreshments are nearby.

Food and refreshments

Rowan tree in front of colourful buildings and the Lulworth Cove Inn in West Lulworth

There are various pubs to stop for a drink or some food in West Lulworth

There is a restaurant at the holiday park, named after Durdle Door’s neighbouring beach Man O’ War Bay.

A wider selection of cafés, restaurants and pubs, along with takeaway options and ice cream parlours are available in the village of West Lulworth and by Lulworth Cove, which are around a half an hour walk or ten minute drive from Durdle Door.

The village of East Lulworth also has a tea room and a pub.

Public toilets

Public toilets at Durdle Door car park

The closest toilets are at Durdle Door Holiday Park.

You’ll spot the loos on your right as you drive in to the car parking area, which is just past the Durdle Door Holiday Park.

There are also various facilities, including public toilets at the visitor centre in West Lulworth village.

Durdle Door as a filming location

It’s no surprise that this stunning landform has been used as a filming location over the years.

You can catch a glimpse of the arch or its beach and surrounding landscape in the following TV and big-screen adaptations:

Emma Thompson as Nanny McPhee on Durdle Door beach (Picture credit: YouTube)

Nanny McPhee – The beach scene in Nanny McPhee is filmed at Durdle Door. Due to the lengthy walk and steps to access the beach, filming equipment was delivered to the beach by helicopter
Far from the Madding Crowd – Both the 1967 and 2015 adaptations use various locations locally around Purbeck
Wilde – The biopic of Oscar Wilde starring Stephen Fry is also partially filmed in Swanage along the pier
Nuts in May – The episode Play for Today in Mike Leigh’s camping comedy features Durdle Door amongst other Purbeck locations
Five on a Treasure Island – Enid Blyton’s children’s adventure is filmed in various places in and around Durdle Door, Lulworth and Corfe Castle

A number of music videos have also been shot here, including Saviour’s Day by Cliff Richard, Shout by Tears for Fears and Tears of the Dragon by Bruce Dickinson.

How to get there & parking

Directions to Durdle Door

📍 Postcode for your SatNav: BH20 5PU

The best way to get to Durdle Door is by driving, although there are seasonal routes that stop very close to the entrance to the holiday park and start of the path down to Durdle Door.

In the summer months, the Purbeck Breezer No. 30 bus will take you to both Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

Person looking at map on Durdle Door beach

Looking at a map of the Dorset coastline on Durdle Door beach

From Swanage

Follow the A351 from Swanage through the villages of Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle. Continue on the A351 at the Stoborough roundabout, taking the first left onto West Lane and immediately right onto Holme Lane.

Turn left at the B3070 and follow the road through East Lulworth and West Lulworth until you see signs for Durdle Door and Durdle Door Holiday Park, where you can park for the day.

Journey time: Around 35 – 40 minutes

From Wareham

Join the A352 outside Wareham, turning left onto the B3070 toward East Lulworth.

Follow the road into West Lulworth and Durdle Door will be signposted.

Journey time: Approximately 20 minutes

Google Maps showing pin of the location of Dorset's Durdle Door

Location of Durdle Door (Google Maps)

Parking

There is a large amount of parking at the Durdle Door Holiday Park, which also has an overflow parking area for busier periods.

Durdle Door itself is around 900m from the car park.

Cars parked at Durdle Door, from the overflow parking section

Car parking area at Durdle Door

Parking prices

Up four hours – £5
All day – £10
Larger vehicles (over 5.5m) – £15
Motorbikes – £1
Coaches – Please park at Lulworth Cove

You can also park at the Lulworth Cove car park in West Lulworth village and walk up the hill to access Durdle Door. (Tickets are interchangeable at both sites, as well as Lulworth Castle).

Nearby attractions

Lulworth Cove – The pretty village of West Lulworth and its stunning cove is about a 30-minute walk from Durdle Door. You can also park in West Lulworth village, where your car park ticket for Durdle Door will also be valid
Man O’ War Bay – Just to the left of the path down to Durdle Door and its expansive beach is the smaller Man O’ War Bay
Lulworth Castle – A 17th Century castle and grounds in East Lulworth. The castle is owned by the Weld family, who also own the Lulworth Estate, which Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are part of
Lulworth Equestrian Centre – Explore the beautiful Lulworth Estate on horseback from the nearby riding stables in Coombe Keynes
Corfe Castle – The ruined castle and its pretty, historic village are a short drive from Durdle Door