Planning to Visit Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove? Here's What You Need To Know

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are must-visit destinations on the Dorset Coast, and I have been fortunate to visit them several times.

In this post, you'll find the best tips and advice on visiting these two iconic beaches in Dorset.

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Where is Durdle Door?

You will find Durdle Door in Dorset, near the historic Lulworth Cove. West Lulworth is the nearest place to stay if you are planning a few days in the area, which I would definitely recommend.

Driving time from London is approximately 3.5 hours. If you aren't driving, the nearest city is Weymouth, which has train connections to London. You'll then be able to catch a bus - X54, X50, or Breezer 30- taking roughly 40 minutes into Lulworth and from there walk or hail a taxi to Durdle Door.

Or book a Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove Jurassic Coast Day Trip from London.

What is Durdle Door?

The Jurassic Coast is breathtaking, and seeing Durdle Door for the first time is unforgettable. This limestone arch reaches into the bright turquoise sea and looks almost unreal. Walking along the coastal path, you might even forget you're still in England when you spot it.

This coastline became England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, and it's full of history. The Portland limestone forming the arch is about 150 million years old, shaped by waves hitting the cliffs. If you look closely while exploring, you might even find a prehistoric fossil on the beach.

Is the beach sandy?

Contrary to what photographs may suggest, Durdle Door's beach is a shingle and pebble beach, not sandy, so bring your water shoes to enter the water without pain or unsteadiness navigating the stones!

Is there parking at Durdle Door?

Yes, Durdle Door has a large (payable) parking area. Prices: £3.10 for up to 1 hour, £12.40 for up to 4 hours, and £20.00 for the whole day. Sat Nav: BH20 5PU will take you to the car park via the Durdle Door Holiday Park.

Prefer to start at Lulworth Cove? Head to West Lulworth car park (Sat Nav: BH20 5RQ), park there, and enjoy a scenic 40-minute coastal walk over the cliffs directly to Durdle Door. The walk is on a coastal path and starts with an uphill incline, so if you are arriving with picnics, beach chairs, and maybe even a paddleboard (because that is a popular watersport at Durdle Door), you may want to park directly at Durdle Door.

Save your parking ticket! It gives you same-day access to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove if you plan to visit both.

What is there to do in Durdle Door?

Durdle Door features two distinct beaches. The first, Durdle Door Beach, showcases the coast's iconic stone archway. The second, Man O'War Beach, offers a quieter, less-visited alternative, reached by veering left down the wooden steps before you reach the main beach.

Bring your swimwear, water shoes, an inflatable paddleboard or kayak, a picnic and plenty of refreshments to spend the day on the beach. The water is very cold but refreshing, and it's fun to swim or paddleboard near the prehistoric archway.

Are dogs allowed on these beaches?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the beaches all year round, so your four-legged friend can enjoy a day at the seaside with you.

Best Tips for visiting Durdle Door

Get there early, or you'll be fighting for an inch of beach to claim as your own. Durdle Door is one of the South Coast's most popular destinations, so it attracts crowds, especially in the summer months.

Don't forget to bring some portable shade, e.g., pop-up beach umbrella tents, as there are no facilities on the beach. Toilets are in the car park along with a snack wagon for drinks and food; however, it's a 15-minute walk back to the car park from the beach.

The stairs down to Durdle Door Beach are steep, and there are a lot of them, over 100 to be more precise, so bear that in mind when deciding how much stuff to bring with you. We saw people arriving with pull-along wagons heaped with toys, food and beach paraphernalia. Getting it all down to the beach must have been very hard!

Lulworth Cove

If the thought of a long walk to the beach isn't your thing, then why not opt for time at Lulworth Cove instead?

From the parking area and bus terminal, after a short walk down to the village past a few shops, a pub and some holiday rentals, you will find yourself in Lulworth Cove. Here you can swim, sunbathe and even take a sightseeing rib boat tour along the Jurassic Coast to Durdle Door and back again.

Lulworth Cove has a pebble beach, so you'll need your beach shoes to get in the water easily. There are facilities by the beach: the Boat Shed Cafe, plus toilets close to the beach and in the car park, so it's a lot easier to spend the day here than at Durdle Door, though of course you aren't looking at the iconic archway.

Lulworth Cove is great for rock pooling at low tide or crabbing. If you want to catch some incredible images of the horseshoe-shaped cove, take a walk up the headland, and from there, a bird's-eye view of the turquoise water will be your reward.

Don't forget to stop by Lulworth Heritage Centre in the car park to discover more about the area's prehistoric history and fossil hunting!

Where to stay in West Lulworth

When I visited Lulworth, I stayed at the Limestone Hotel and Restaurant, which I would recommend. My room was comfortable, and the hotel offered far-stretching views across the countryside. I dined in the restaurant, and the food was delicious, as was breakfast the following morning.

Other Lulworth accommodations in the area include: Durdle Door Hotel and Lulworth Cove Inn.

Nearby Attractions

• Lulworth Castle: Just a 10-minute drive away, you can explore the 17th-century castle and its expansive 1,000-acre deer park. Tip: If you've paid for parking at the main Lulworth Cove car park, it includes parking at the castle.
• Tyneham Village: A "ghost village" frozen in time. Evacuated in 1943 during WWII, it is now an eerie, historic site featuring ruins, a church, and a schoolhouse.
• Worborrow Beach is a 1-mile walk through the village, as is Pondfield Bay. Be aware: the village is not always open, as it is part of the M.O.D.'s firing ranges, so check Tyneham's public access schedule before setting out.

Please PIN for Future Travel to England

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