Situated on the Southern Coast of England, Durdle Door is a spectacular limestone archway that is undoubtedly one of Dorset’s top tourist attractions. In fact, in 2001 the Jurassic Coast was named England’s first Natural World Heritage Site, obtaining its place on the prestigious list that includes other wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Grand Canyon in America.
As well as the delightful coastal walkways and Durdle Door itself, you can also enjoy day trips on local cruise liners, visit the nearby towns and cities in Dorset and discover the delicious cuisine of Southern England. During your stay, you can base yourself in a nearby holiday park or in Bournemouth, the closest major city to the UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline.
How Do You Get To Durdle Door?
Located on the Southern coast of England, in Dorset, the easiest way to get to Durdle Door is to travel to the nearby town of Bournemouth. This popular holiday destination has numerous hotels to suit all budgets and a multitude of restaurants, cafes and local attractions, including the Bournemouth Marina.
If you’re arriving from overseas you can fly into one of London’s international airports. Once you’ve landed in London you can hire a car to drive the 130 miles down the M3 motorway to reach Bournemouth.
Alternatively, you can catch one of the frequently departing trains, from any of London’s main stations to Bournemouth. If you catch a train from Waterloo station, one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, you’ll be in Bournemouth within less than 5 hours. The train ride through the countryside also affords amazing views of some of the UK’s most picturesque rural landscapes.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Durdle Door?
The ideal time to visit the Jurassic Coast in Dorset is during the summer months. Dorset has an extremely pleasant maritime climate that is hottest between July and August when temperatures average around 21 Degrees Celsius. The sky is clear blue with very little rainfall and there’s usually a refreshing wind along Dorset’s rugged coastline.
During the evenings, temperatures dip to around 10 Degrees Celsius which is still warm enough to enjoy a stroll along the promenade or have dinner outside of a seafront restaurant.
Of course, if you want to avoid the crowds then visiting in the autumn, between September and October, will still let you enjoy average temperatures of around 8 to 12 Degrees Celsius while exploring the coastline. It is worth remembering though, that it does rain quite frequently during the autumn in England, but as long as you bring a waterproof jacket and some sturdy walking shoes you’ll be fine!
Hotel prices in the off-season are also significantly cheaper, so it’s a good time for visitors who want to see Dorset on a tight budget. You’ll also avoid the main tourist crowds that arrive in the summer months.
What Is There To Do On The Jurassic Coast?
Visit Durdle Door.
No trip to England’s Jurassic coast would be complete without seeing the remarkable natural feature of Durdle Door. As one of the most breathtaking features of the UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline of Dorset, Durdle Door is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. The arch itself can be easily accessed by following a pathway of boardwalks and wooden steps which will take you right down to the base of the Durdle Door.
There is a public car park at the Durdle Door Holiday Park, just a 15-minute walk from the archway; so even if you’re not in peak physical condition you’ll have no problems reaching the iconic landmark. Alternatively, you can walk along the coastal path from Lulworth Cove, another celebrated regional landmark. The perfect place for a photo opportunity, Durdle Door is one of the most picturesque features on the highly diverse coastline.
Take A Cruise With Stuart Line Cruises.
This multi-award winning family-run cruise liner operates throughout the year along the coast of Dorset. Operating from their base in Exmouth, the cruise liners offer you a variety of different tours, giving you the opportunity to spend some time out on the ocean while taking in the remarkable scenery.
The cruise liners operate in all weather and provide a family-friendly service, including onboard entertainment and food. The service provides fun family days out on the water, pleasure cruises, party cruises and even band nights! If you’re traveling with your furry friend, then you’ll be glad to hear that Stuart Line Cruises are entirely dog-friendly.
To find out more about Stuart Line Cruises and the different tours and activities that they offer, you can book tickets or learn more on the company’s website.
Stay At The Durdle Door Holiday Park.
If you want to stay right on the dramatic Jurassic Coast within a stone’s throw of Durdle Door and the surrounding countryside, then Durdle Door Holiday Park is the ideal place to base yourself during your vacation in Dorset. The resort has a wide choice of accommodation options, including camping sites, RV touring pitches, rustic wooden camping pods and a selection of luxury holiday homes, making it the perfect home-from-home for families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Durdle Door Holiday Park has its own on-site shop, laundrette, modern toilet facilities, restaurant and bar. There’s also free parking, an outdoor children’s playground, free internet and a gorgeous picnic area. To find out more about the holiday park or book your accommodation right next to Durdle Door, see here.
Electric Bike Tour Of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
One of the most exciting ways to explore the beautiful Dorset countryside is to join a guided half-day electric bike tour of the area. The tour operator provides you with an electric bike, as well as safety gear, before taking you around some of the area’s finest attractions. Along the way, you’ll visit the Sandbanks, Old Harry’s Rock, the Corfe Castle and the Studland Beach and Nature Reserve.
If you’re staying in Bournemouth, Poole or right next to Durdle Door, the tour operator can arrange to pick you up, or, alternatively, you can make your own way to the meet-up point at the entrance to the Durley Chine Beach car park. To learn more about taking a half-day electric bike tour, or book your tickets, you can see here.
Eat At Rick Stein’s Michelin Starred Restaurant In Bournemouth.
While you’re enjoying your time on the Dorset coast you simply must visit the legendary Rick Stein restaurant on the Sandbanks of Poole Harbour. This Michelin starred restaurant is a food buff’s paradise and serves some of the best gourmet cuisine in the county!
With incredible views across Poole Bay, the Rick Stein Sandbanks restaurant has a fantastic menu that includes seafood platters, Cornish lobster, grilled meats and, of course, the classic British favorite, fish and chips. If you’d like to have an aperitif before you have your dinner the restaurant has an elegant bar with great sea views. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu.
To find out more about the Rick Stein Sandbanks restaurant, or make a booking for your table, you can visit their website, here.
