Durdle Door Beach

  • Durdle Door Beach - Dorset
    © Tony Armstrong-Sly and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Durdle Door Beach - Dorset
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  • Durdle Door Beach - Dorset
    © Sebastian Ballard and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Durdle Door Beach - Dorset
    © Mike Searle and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Durdle Door Beach - Dorset
    © Olliemtdog
  • Durdle Door Beach - Dorset
    © marktowning and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • The main feature of this iconic cove is the magnificent limestone arch leading into the clear, aquamarine waters of the sea. The arch, which separates Durdle Door from Man o’War Bay, was formed by thousands of years’ of pounding waves sweeping against the headland.

    Curving away from the arch the the sand and shingle beach at Durdle Door is backed by the high limestone cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. Fossils such as ammonites and belemnites are regularly found along this stretch although care should be taken under the cliffs because there are occasional rock falls in the area.

    During the summer months the crystal clear waters look extremely tempting, and on sunny days the area is popular with swimmers and snorkelers. However, there is no lifeguard and children need to be closely supervised as the sand in the bay shelves suddenly in places.

    Even if you feel less energetic this beach is a beautiful spot to relax with a picnic, whilst taking in the spectacular scenery.

    There is a pay-and-display car park at the cliff top. From March to the end of October, toilets with disabled facilities can be found at the nearby Durdle Door Holiday Park. There are plenty of walks with well-signposted footpaths nearby, including the South West Coast Path.

    Type of beach

    Sand and shingle

    Lifeguard service

    No

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed

    no dog bins. dogs are allowed on the beach.

    Dorset dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Diving & snorkelling
    • Swimming/bathing

    Facilities

    • Cafe/restaurant
    • Toilets

    Nearest town

    Weymouth

    Postcode

    BH20 5PU

    OS grid ref.

    SY 8049 8024

    Water quality

    Water quality star rating

    Awards

    Marine Conservation Society Recommended

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    Durdle Door Beach Reviews

    Beautiful

    Tina Robertson
    Oct 16th 2023

    Steep steps to beautiful clean beach with breathtaking views..

    Aug 11th 2021

    Very beautiful and clean but difficult to get to with children. Steep and rocky!  It’s more suited to people who like to stay on the beach all day with a picnic as there really isn’t anything else there.

    Jun 14th 2021

    Weekend visit is awful. Humanity overwhelming nature.