There are some truly stunning coastal walks in Britain, and Durdle Door is a spectacular one, highlight of a Jurassic Cost.
The walk isn’t too difficult, the views are dramatic, the landscape is incredible, carved by geography and history.
Witness the blue sea, the cliffs, and beautiful gold pebbled beach.
Durdle Door is a magical place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
This part of the Jurassic Coast (Dorset and East Devon Coast) is England’s only Natural World Heritage Site after being awarded the status by UNESCO in December 2001.
It is equally special as a holiday destination for couples, families, friends. It’s especially a fantastic base for exploring with the children; Monkey World, Lulworth Castle, the Tank Museum, Farmer Palmers, Corfe Castle, the Blue Pool and many, many more attractions are less than a 30 minute drive away.
We stayed in Hilton Bournemouth and after a wholesome buffet breakfast, drove 45 minutes to Durdle Door and were blown away by the sheer beauty of it.
The coast is made from five types of rock, which formed underwater and tilted when the tectonic plates shifted and collided.
The four rocks protruding from the sea, named the Bull, the Blind Cow, the Cow and the Calf mark the line of the coast 10,000 years ago.
We recommend the 1.25 mile (2 kilometre) walk from Durdle door to Lulworth Cove, as it is one of the most picturesque and favoured coastal walks in Dorset.
We recommend you start at Durdle Door, where there is plenty of parking available. The address for Durdle Door is: South West Coast Path, Dorchester, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5PU.
There is also a large car park at Lulworth Cove, in case you can’t find parking at Durdle Door. From there, you would do the reverse Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk.
On dry days the Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove walk should be fine in trainers or comfortable shoes, so it is better if you avoid wearing flip flops or open toe sandals. After a few days of rain, some sections can get particularly muddy, so in this case hiking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended.
If you are going to be spending the day on the beach at Durdle Door, we recommend bringing everything you need with you, as there is only a small kiosk available serving ice cream, tea, cold drinks and coffees.
The path down is slightly steep from the car park and covered in the loose shingle, meaning it can get slightly slippery, so we would recommend wearing good walking shoes to walk down to the beach, which is unfortunately inaccessible for wheelchair users or large buggies.
There is also a beach next to Durdle Door, Man’O’ War beach. It is actually better for swimming if you are visiting with children, as the sea is calmer. It can also be accessed by a set of fairly steep but well maintained steps.
We like the walk to Lulworth Cove, stopping for a fresh seafood lunch, and a leisurely walk back, when feeling energetic. On the occasion that we feel less energetic, we take the bus back.
Lulworth Cove is a natural cove that looks straight out of the Pirates of the Caribbean film. When the weather is nice, the cove is the perfect spot to go swimming. The beach is surrounded by old wooden fishing boats, seafood cafes and the most beautiful circular, picturesque bay. Lulworth Cove Sat Nav postcode to car park is BH20 5RQ.
It’s also useful to know that tickets purchased at Lulworth Cove car park are also valid at Durdle Door Standard car park, Newlands Meadow and Lulworth Castle, and vice versa.
Here you are spoiled for choice if you like seafood. The Cove Fish shop are a family run fishmongers. The fish and seafood don’t get more local or fresh than this. The shop is run by a local fishmonger who has one of four fishing boats that fish from Lulworth.
We also enjoy the Lulworth Cove Inn Restaurant, always a lovely family stop here, great snacks and good options for all the family. Good local ales too.
If you’re looking for a good picnic spot then I’d definitely recommend St Oswald’s Bay Beach, as it’s quieter.
We always return to Hilton Bournemouth – the hotel location could not be better.
There is everything on the door step, restaurant, gardens, swimming pool, spa and parking (hotel guests pay subsidised parking charge).
We love it. The rooms are excellent. Lots of space and truly comfortable beds and proper pillows, with the pool being a bonus for kids.
Email us if you have any questions about our Durdle Door adventure, we would love to hear from you.
