Durdle Door (Arch) Beach Dorset

Beach Type: Shingle & gravel

Information: Famous for the Durdle Door Arch (Nanny Mcfee Film) this beach is a narrow strand of mixed shingle. gravel and sand. The eastern end (Durdle Door Cove) is protected by the arch, while the rest of the beach is partially sheltered by a submerged offshore reef. There is a long walk from the holiday park to the beach followed by a good number of cliff side steps down to the beach, not ideal for elderly, persons with walking difficulties or disabled. Picnics recomended, Use the toilets before heading to the beach as its an uphill long walk back!
Lifeguard: No
Emergancy Facilties: No
Safe for Kids: Care is required since there can be a sudden steep slope underwater quite near the edge depending on the tide. The western end can be cut off under certain tide and wave conditions.
Pier: No
Litter and Dogs: The beach is occasionally affected by marine debris. The beach is cleaned every Spring as part of the Great Dorset Spring Clean. and on an ad hoc basis in the summer. Temporary litter bins are provided. no dog bins. dogs are allowed on the beach.
Facilities: Toilets are available in the caravan park (not near the beach) with facilities for disabled people. The site also has a shop and a café.
Activities: Durdle Door beach is used for swimming. scuba diving. snorkelling and fishing. There is no zoning for water sports activities.
Getting Here: Durdle Door is just west of West Lulworth. on the B3070 which leaves the A352 (Wareham to Dorchester road) at Holmbridge. The beach is approached by a steep 800 metre long footpath from the cliff top car park (at Durdle Door holiday park).
Parking: March - October: Park at cliff top car park at Durdle Door Holiday Park (Pay andDisplay). A small winter car park is located at the entrance of the Holiday Park and is free in Winter.
Public Transport: The nearest train station is Wool.
Walking: The undulating cliffs form a challenging section to the Dorset Coast Path. and its associated circular walks. To the east lies Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole, the Isle of Purbeck. to the west is White Nothe Headland.

Nearest Beach: Lulworth Cove in West Lulworth
Nearest Castle: Lulworth Castle in East Lulworth

Interesting places to visit: Tyneham Village, head for lulworth from Durdle Door, left at the junction in Lulworth drive up the hill past Lulworth Camp, take the next right and drive until you reach a sign to cross the firing ranges, it is near Lulworth Castle. Follow the road through the ranges to reach the empty village which is now a museum where time stands still, free of charge with a carpark and toilets. Beach there is Wobarrow Bay