Durdle Door Beach

Durdle Door is the Portland limestone arch that stands off a shingle beach on the Jurassic Coast, close to Lulworth. It is privately owned by the Weld family, who own the Lulworth Estate, and the beach is a steep walk below the car park, so the descent is part of the visit.

Check access first

Beach access has been affected by storm damage to the staircase. The Lulworth Estate’s Durdle Door page describes the steep path and steps but gives no dated confirmation of their current condition. Check with the estate before travelling and follow any closure signs at the car park and path.

The walk down

The estate calls it a steep fifteen-minute walk from the clifftop car park, and asks for trainers or walking boots. Visit Dorset describes a large car park at Durdle Door Holiday Park, then a steep path and steps to the beach. The estate says the final descent is not suitable for those with disabilities, and that there is no access to the beaches after 9pm or dusk.

Swimming and safety

There is no lifeguard at Durdle Door. Visit Dorset’s beach guide warns that bathing can be dangerous and to stay away from the cliffs because of rockfalls. The estate asks people not to enter the sea caves at the foot of the cliffs, because cliff falls are common. Keep away from the base of the cliffs.

Dogs and facilities

The same beach guide lists dogs as welcome all year, off the lead. There are no toilets or kiosk on the beach itself. The estate puts toilets and refreshment kiosks in the car park area, a walk of around fifteen minutes from the sand.

Nearby

Man O’ War Bay, reached by its own steps, is a mix of sand and shingle and also allows dogs. Lulworth Cove is a separate place with its own page.