Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks!

Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Durdle Door is probably the most famous stone arch anywhere in the world.

It was created when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone around 10,000 years ago.

Together with Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door is an extremely popular beauty spot.

In peak season you will not be able to enjoy the serenity of this extraordinary natural arch because of the crowds.

We visited Durdle Door on a rainy, dark autumn day, and it was just mesmerizingly stunning!

The dark clouds and the mist added to the experience and the fact that we almost had the place to ourselves made it even better.

Getting there

Durdle Door is only accessible on foot.

Most people take the uphill route to the arche, which starts from the car park at Lulworth Cove.

But there is also a car park above Durdle Door. The arche itself sits at the end of a long shingle beach which can be accessed via steep steps.

Walking

Starting from the car park at Lulworth Cove, you will see a white path heading up a steep hill. This is the path to Durdle Door, which lies to the west of Lulworth Cove.

Its only 1,5-mile but steep in parts. At the top of those climbs you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Dorset AONB.

From Durdle Door we continued along the South West Coast Path towards Bat’s Head and returned inland back to Lulworth Cove.

Images by Cool Places Britain
The Purbeck Way

If you like a challenge, then you could start at Durdle Door and head east towards Lulworth Cove.

From West Lulworth you can follow the Purbeck Way West Route. This 9-mile loop travels to the Isle of Purbeck.

From Lulworth Cove, it heads north west to Winfrith Newburgh. Then it heads east to Coombe Keynes and then back south again to West Lulworth.

Lulworth Cove to Bat’s Head
Purbeck Way West

Cool Places to Explore: Lulworth Cove | Corfe Castle | Isle of Purbeck | Isle of Portland.