Plan your visit
Planning your Visit
Prepare for a steep walk and limited facilities. Bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and confirm your parking arrangements early.
Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast
Durdle Door, West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5PU
GPS 50.6211, -2.277
Open directionsGetting there
How to get to the Lulworth Estate.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive to Durdle Door Holiday Park (BH20 5PU). The car park is located at the top of the cliff. Parking spaces fill up very quickly in peak summer. | From Wareham ~20 mins, from Weymouth ~30 mins | £15-£25+ | No coach parking at Durdle Door; large vehicles have limited access. |
| Bus: Take the Jurassic Breezer (Route 30 or 31) operated by Morebus, which connects Weymouth, Swanage, Corfe Castle, and Wool station directly to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. | Varies by departure point | Standard local bus fare (approx £2-£3 single) | Services are much more frequent during the summer months. |
| Train: The nearest mainline railway station is Wool (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line). From Wool, take a local taxi or the Jurassic Breezer bus. | Train from London Waterloo takes ~2.5 hours | Varies | It is about a 5-mile journey from Wool station to Durdle Door. |
| Walk: Walk from the neighboring Lulworth Cove over the cliffside path (part of the South West Coast Path) to reach Durdle Door. | 20-30 minutes each way | Free | The 1-mile path is steep and requires sturdy footwear. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The site is open 365 days a year. Access is not permitted after dusk. May to September offers the best beach weather, but July and August get extremely crowded. Visit early in the morning to secure parking.
What to bring
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There are no bins, toilets, or food kiosks on the beach.
Pack a sturdy backpack and take all rubbish home with you.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries for your coastal trip.
Focus on the arch, the beach, and the immediate viewpoints.
- Arrive and park
Park at the holiday park to secure a space.
- Descend to the beach
Walk down the steep path and 143 steps to the shingle beach.
- Explore the shore
Take photos of the arch and relax on the pebbles.
- Climb back up
Ascend the stairs and return to the car park for refreshments.
Combine Durdle Door with a coastal hike to the neighboring bay.
- Park at Durdle Door
Secure your parking for 6+ hours (£25.00).
- See the arch
Head down to Durdle Door beach first while it is quiet.
- Hike the coast path
Walk the steep 1-mile path east toward Lulworth Cove.
- Explore Lulworth Cove
Check out the horseshoe bay and grab lunch in the village.
- Return hike
Walk the 1-mile route back over the cliffs to your car.
Practical advice for the beach
The path down is physically demanding. You must navigate a steep hill and 143 steps. Wear sturdy walking boots or trainers. Flip-flops are not safe for this descent. See our Accessibility Guide guide for mobility details.
Bring everything you need in a sturdy backpack. Keep your hands free for the climb. The estate bans all BBQs, fires, and overnight camping on the beach. Read more in our Lulworth Coastal Spots section.
Easiest way to do it
Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth
6 h 4.9 (494)
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Driver/guide
From$41per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Where do you park for Durdle Door?
Drive to Durdle Door Holiday Park (BH20 5PU). The car park sits at the top of the cliff. Spaces fill rapidly during the summer peak.
Can you fly a drone at Durdle Door?
No. Flying drones without permission is strictly prohibited. It disturbs nesting birds and violates private estate rules.
Are there places to eat at Durdle Door?
Refreshments are only available at the holiday park and car park at the top of the cliff. There are no food kiosks on the beach.