Are you planning a trip to Durdle Door Beach this year? If so – you’ll want to read our guide to visiting this amazing place!
Durdle Door Beach is one of Dorset’s must-visit spots – and it’s no wonder! Though it may not sound like much, this beach containing a natural limestone archway is truly a sight to behold. Durdle Door Beach is picture perfect – so put it at the top of your to-do list!
If you’re thinking of visiting Durdle Door Beach for the first time (or are a repeat visitor looking to streamline your itinerary), then you’re in luck as we’ve created a short guide containing everything you need to know about visiting Durdle Door Beach!
From information on how to get there to those all-important beach rules, consider this your one-stop shop for planning a trip to Durdle Door Beach.
How to get to Durdle Door Beach
There are plenty of different ways to get to Durdle Door Beach. Durdle Door Beach is easy to get to by car, public transport, and even by foot! Here’s a breakdown by vehicle!
Durdle Door Beach by car
If you’re looking to get to Durdle Door Beach by car, then the easiest way to do so is to put the address for Durdle Door Holiday Park into Google Maps or an equivalent satnav device. As you can’t exactly drive onto the beach itself, this is as close as you can get!
Durdle Door Location:
Postcode: BH20 5PU
Lat / Lon: 50.622002, -2.27685
Don’t stress about parking, as the Holiday Park has a great pay and display car park that will have you covered. Parking isn’t overly cheap, but it’s reasonable enough if you’re planning to spend the whole day there and maxes out at just under £10.
If you’re coming from London, then you’ll want to take the exit from the M25 onto the M3. From there, merge onto the M27 and continue onto the A31 until you reach Bere Regis where you’ll turn left at the roundabout onto the A35. Turn left into Southbrook and follow all the way along until you reach the A352. Then, go through Wool and follow the signs to Durdle Door Beach!
Public transport to Durdle Door Beach
If you’re coming to Durdle Door Beach by public transport, then you’ll want to hop on a train and a bus to get here. The closest station is Wool Station, and it gets you pretty close to Durdle Door.
From Wool Station, you can either get the X54 bus towards Weymouth, or book a ride share or taxi to take you the rest of the way. Just be aware that unlike in big cities, buses are pretty few and far between around here. So, be sure to check out the bus timetable before heading out on your big adventure!
Durdle Door Beach by foot
If you happen to live close by, you can actually walk to Durdle Door Beach. Depending on where you’re coming from, we recommend keying in the Holiday Park’s address and your own address and just following good ol’ Google Maps! Just please – don’t walk from London!
Amenities at Durdle Door Beach
OK, so what are the amenities at Durdle Door Beach?
First up – You should probably be aware that there are no toilets or any other facilities of the like on the beach itself.
The closest toilets are located within the car park area, which is about 30 minutes’ walk uphill from the beach. So, if you’re absolutely bursting you might struggle at Durdle Door Beach! So make sure you use the toilet when you arrive!
A great thing about Durdle Door Beach though, is that they allow dogs year-round! Simply pick up after them (of course) and keep them on a lead where possible.
There is a little shop that you can use to purchase necessities while you’re at the beach (think light refreshments and the like!). Thankfully, if you’re absolutely gagging for a drink, you won’t have to head all the way back to the Holiday Park to sort yourself out!
Durdle Door Beach Rules
As with any beach, Durdle Door Beach has some rules that all visitors should follow.
- Pick up after your dog!
- Do not enter the cliffs as cliff falls are common.
- Always supervise little ones as there is no lifeguard on duty.
- Barbecues and fires are not permitted at Durdle Door Beach or on any grassland areas on the Lulworth Estate.
- Overnight camping is not permitted on beaches, clifftops or elsewhere.
Nearby towns to Durdle Door Beach
If you’re looking for towns near to Durdle Door Beach, say you’re stopping over night or want to make your visit more than a day trip – then the following nearby towns to Durdle Door Beach will likely be your best options for finding nice hotels or B&Bs.
Milton Abbas
This beautiful village is packed to the rafters with quaint cottages and quintessential Englishness. Situated between Blandford Forum and Dorchester, this stunning village is well worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for a great afternoon tea or a hearty pub lunch, you’re sure to find Milton Abbas the perfect rest stop.
Weymouth
The wonderful seaside town of Weymouth is only 30 minutes from Durdle Door Beach and is the perfect holiday destination. With large sandy beaches, awesome beach huts, museums, and even a Sealife Park, it’s an ideal place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Durdle Door Beach.
Swanage
Swanage is another stunning town near Durdle Door Beach, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful seaside getaway.
West Bay
If you’re looking for an idyllic coastal spot that’s close to Durdle Door Beach, then West Bay should be at the top of your list. Perfect for those who love to indulge in water sports, this town is an explorer’s paradise. Just be sure to test your balance before hopping on a kayak!
Places to eat near Durdle Door Beach
Of course, after you’ve spend the morning or afternoon relaxing on Durdle Door Beach, you’ll want to stop off somewhere local and fuel up with some delicious food. The following options are great for food around Durdle Door Beach!
Castle Inn
The Castle Inn is one of the most popular places to eat near Durdle Door Beach. Serving up amazing roast dinners and some top-notch Yorkshire Puddings, you’re sure to arrive here hungry and leave more than satisfied! If you’re a veggie, then you’re in luck. The Castle Inn also serves up delectable nut roasts and salads that are sure to whet your appetite after visiting Durdle Door Beach.
Durdle Door Holiday Park
If you’re looking to keep things local, then why not check out Durdle Door Holiday Park’s ‘Man O’War’ Restaurant and Bar? Not only does this joint serve great food, but it’s open throughout the day and even has a pool table and other entertainment features that families love! It’s really close by – so worth a visit when at Durdle Door Beach.
Durdle Door Corner
If you’re visiting seasonally, then be sure to head down to Durdle Door Corner. Offering a lovely outdoor picnic area where visitors can enjoy drinks, ice cream, afternoon teas, and pizzas, it’s the perfect summer spot for weary hikers and beachgoers.
We hope that this guide to visiting Durdle Door Beach has been useful in planning your trip!
Durdle Door Beach really is one of the most stunning parts of Dorset, so you won’t want to miss it! Just be sure to plan your route, pick out some good activities, and most importantly – have fun!
