Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
4.5
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- Missymoomoo_11Devon, United Kingdom171 contributionsWell worth a visit.This was my first visit to Durdle door. It was quite a walk down the hill to see it but well worth the effort. I managed to get some really good photos. Hard work getting back up the hill. We then went to Lulworth cove which was really beautiful. My favourite was going in the speed boat around the cliffs to Durdle door. It was so much better seeing it from the sea and getting a commentary. It was nice to only pay for the car park once as the ticket was valid for both car parks. Also there was a walk between the two by the coast path.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 October 2023
- IweinvanaalstLille, Belgium599 contributionsBeautiful jurassic coastThe walk from Lulworth cove to Man o War cove and the Durdle door covers one of the most beautiful stretches of the jurassic coast. Both Lulworth cove and Durdle door have a car park and the tickets are interchangeable, i.e. you can see one and then drive to the other. If you prefer to walk the entire section of coast between both attractions – passing Man o War cave along the way – I recommend scheduling two and a half hours in total to get back and forth. The path includes some steep climbing. You can access the beach and have a swim, although the currents are dangerous around Durdle door. Don't forget to bring a picknick and your camera because you will be taking lots of pictures !Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 October 2023
- iGrokVictoria, Canada88 contributionsWonderful Afternoon on the Dorset Coast!First we had a nice little look around the village and Lulworth cove, stocked up on some sweet treats, then headed over Durdle Door. A really scenic ocean-side walk. You can make this a relaxing stroll or you can pick up the pace and get a good work-out, it is entirely up to the visitor.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 January 2024
- Ali MLondon, United Kingdom4 contributionsSuperb for familiesAmazing place just few hours from London. I have been not too far away at Bournemouth a few times, can't believe i missed this place just a little further down. We wen just a week ago in Feb 2024 and it was perfect day. Great for families but i would say the walk down is steep and hard work so anyone with dodgy knees or mobility issues will likely be best to stay at the top near car park and explore the fields and so on, the walk up is also some effort i needed a break midway and wanted to collapse when i got right to the top haha thankfully others around me also felt the strain of the journey. Kids found it a breeze thankfully and just for the views and fun it's so worth it. Love the caves too just such a majestic place ;)Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 February 2024
- Abigail C4 contributionsBucket List WorthySteep walk up and down. Take waterproofs as weather can change quickly. Car parking £6 for 4hrs which is plenty of time. Did the entire walk, with an hour of stopping in 3hrs. Worth the effort to climb the steps and height to see the view.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 24 March 2024
- Emily B55 contributionsBest beach in EnglandI'm convinced that this is the best beach in England. It's just so cinematic and a lovely relaxed atmosphere. I have been here multiple times and it never fails to deliver. I once stayed in the holiday park as well camping, for a couple days which was lovely. Would definitely go back againVisited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 26 March 2024
- FussyvegeBroadstairs, United Kingdom32 contributionsSTEEP CLIMB & STUNNING VIEWSStunning views , well worth the steep incline walk from Lulworth cove to Durdle Door. Picked up a map to find the points of interest along the way. Be prepared for multiple weather conditions on a given day.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 March 2024
- Gary CLeeds, United Kingdom158 contributionsLovely day at the beachLulworth Cove is amazing. We visited last week, as we were staying near by and I'm so glad we did. We arrived at Lulworth Cove early to ensure we could get parked as we were told it can get busy. Parking is easy to pay for, especially if you use Just Park app. We walking over to the visitors centre to get our bearings and ask a few questions. The staff were veryy friendly. We then proceeded to walk to the cove. The tide was in, but we managed to walk about the beach for a while. There had been a landslide recently so most of the cove was not accessible, but there was still plenty to explore. My eldest found a fossil near the cliffs towards the left of the cove. He was delighted. According to the staff at the visitors centre it was a great specimen. We later went for lunch at Lulworth Lodge, after which we tackled the Lulworth Steps. Not for the faint hearted. Although only a mile or so long, the steps are steep and takes a lot of effort to climb. It's well worth the climb though, especially if you walk on to Durdle Door. All in all it took us about 90 mins there and back, with two young kids. For a well deserved reward we went for ice cream at Jimmy's Cube Kiosk, where they had plenty of flavours. All in all we spent about 6 hours at Lulworth Cove. I would highly recommend it.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 April 2024
- gfsc5Perth, Australia1,786 contributionsCliffs galoreThis well known tourist attraction, with its Enid Blyton connections, is very popular. There's a long, steep walk up to the best views and then onwards to the famous Durdle Door. A very steep and rocky walk back from there, though. Great views but these are also available if you head to the water and then up from there. Very impressive. There's lots of history here.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 April 2024
- Venture672259083771 contributionAmazing experience with the Dorset tour service!!!We went with the Dorset tour service to durdle door and lulworth cove, it was a breathtaking experience. Spectacular views, a fun experience if you love beaches and hiking! Our tour guide, Dean was very friendly, patient and gave us all the information needed to make the trip worthy! Would definitely recommend this tour for anyone looking for a nice summer with nature!Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 4 May 2024
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4.5
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Paul Alliston
6 contributions
May 2020
Lulworth Cove offers little or no attractions for visitors who appear to travel many, many miles to see this so called iconic location. It's beach is very small and at high tide only a matter of a few feet of shore line exists. Even when the tide is out the sand is minimal and if you walk to the east below the cliffs, (across rock strewn boulders), there is always the ever present danger of rock falls at any time. Car parking is very expensive - £4 minimum and when you return it's highly likely your car will be covered in chalky dust.
Additionally, litter is everywhere as rubbish bins have been removed from sensible and convenient locations as the controlling Wells Estate believe that everyone should take their rubbish home. Regrettably this is an unrealistic fallacy - people just leave their rubbish behind them if there are no adequate facilities provided !!!.
Durdle Door has a spectacular rock arch but access is via a very steep path and steps often resulting in people falling and breaking limbs. There are no facilities whatsoever on the beach itself only at the car park entry point
All in all I strongly recommend that Weymouth would be a better place if you are looking for sandy or shingle beaches where local amenities abound. A vibrant town with a fascinating harbour and marina to explore. Nothe Fort offers a great insight into the past and well worth a visit.
Sorry Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door - you've lost my support
Additionally, litter is everywhere as rubbish bins have been removed from sensible and convenient locations as the controlling Wells Estate believe that everyone should take their rubbish home. Regrettably this is an unrealistic fallacy - people just leave their rubbish behind them if there are no adequate facilities provided !!!.
Durdle Door has a spectacular rock arch but access is via a very steep path and steps often resulting in people falling and breaking limbs. There are no facilities whatsoever on the beach itself only at the car park entry point
All in all I strongly recommend that Weymouth would be a better place if you are looking for sandy or shingle beaches where local amenities abound. A vibrant town with a fascinating harbour and marina to explore. Nothe Fort offers a great insight into the past and well worth a visit.
Sorry Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door - you've lost my support
Written 29 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ricky V
Wareham, UK1 contribution
July 2020 • Friends
Admittedly I'm in the wrong as the car parking states 24/7 parking and closes at 6pm also no signs saying you need to book as its online. I've been going down in the evenings 20+ years and this has never happened and I get a ticket for £50. Arrived at 8:15pm for a walk and ventured back at 11pm while there was still enough light and the ticket was put on at 10.42pm. The amount of litter left in the carpark is shorly worse than me have a few hours to wonder down the cove. Why should the locals get penalised for when the massices have left. ( also like I said admittedly I'm in the wrong)
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OACKev
Dinas Powys, UK230 contributions
July 2020
If the sun is out, this is an experience not to be missed.
You arrive at a Pay & Display car park - the best way to pay is by downloading the Just Pay app (do it in advance, using your WiFi). It can be very windy at the car park, which is set at a high point and has refreshment trailers and toilets (make sure you go before setting out).
Due to the need for social distancing etc., the walking route is clearly marked as a one-way circular track. It's very undulating, takes in some lovely woodland and stunning, rugged valley pathways. Be aware that it's possibly not best under foot for people with mobility issues.
When you get to the clifftops overlooking Durdle Door, on a bright day, the sight is simply stunning (as is the bay next to it). Be mindful that the cliff edges are very high, so if you're a vertigo sufferer, you might want to stay back - and be careful with kids/pets.
The 'door' looks like something you expect to see in the Greek Islands, especially with the clear sea. There's a steep climb down the steps to the shingle beach (and obviously a steep climb back up) and the beach can get crowded. Whether you have a short stay as we did, or settle in for most of the day, as long as you're OK being on shingle rather than soft sand, this is an idyllic place to be. The route back to the car park is also a steep climb to give the heart a good workout before you get back in the car.
Definitely worth a visit.
You arrive at a Pay & Display car park - the best way to pay is by downloading the Just Pay app (do it in advance, using your WiFi). It can be very windy at the car park, which is set at a high point and has refreshment trailers and toilets (make sure you go before setting out).
Due to the need for social distancing etc., the walking route is clearly marked as a one-way circular track. It's very undulating, takes in some lovely woodland and stunning, rugged valley pathways. Be aware that it's possibly not best under foot for people with mobility issues.
When you get to the clifftops overlooking Durdle Door, on a bright day, the sight is simply stunning (as is the bay next to it). Be mindful that the cliff edges are very high, so if you're a vertigo sufferer, you might want to stay back - and be careful with kids/pets.
The 'door' looks like something you expect to see in the Greek Islands, especially with the clear sea. There's a steep climb down the steps to the shingle beach (and obviously a steep climb back up) and the beach can get crowded. Whether you have a short stay as we did, or settle in for most of the day, as long as you're OK being on shingle rather than soft sand, this is an idyllic place to be. The route back to the car park is also a steep climb to give the heart a good workout before you get back in the car.
Definitely worth a visit.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol
Skegness, UK1 contribution
May 2020
My family and I have just got back from a lovely weekend to Durdle Door, am not sure why there's all the negativity surrounding it. We decided we wanted to spend somewhere at the seaside for a change, and made the long journey down on Friday from Skegness. We would have travelled down Thursday but we decided to give the NHS one last clap before we left. The views when you get there are fantastic, especially when we spent a lot of time queuing to get down to the beach, which made it more bearable, and we had a lovely time chatting to people queuing next to us, laughing and sharing wine, whilst the kids played pat-a-cake with their children. The lovely sea air did wonders for the cough that my youngest has developed. Many of the surrounding restaurants were closed, but we were able to camp in a place called Wareham Forest and were able to enjoy a lovely BBQ there every night. This place is an absolute treasure and I can see why so many people made the long trips down. Would definitely recommend to anybody, no matter how near or far, you will leave feeling under the weather just because of how sad you are to be leaving it all behind.
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter N
London, UK5 contributions
June 2020 • Couples
We paid the premium parking whole day for £15 by app 2 days before visiting and stated 5 min walk to Durdle door. This is the parking space beside the snack trailer and toilets. However when we arrived a man with a truck blocked the way ( staff ) and directed to the just park (seemed like overflow) car park. The price was £10 whole day. This overflow car park was a 15 min walk to the premium paid car park.
Wasn’t happy with the parking shambles. Would like to hear if PCN are issued despite us paid premium parking but parked in overflow due to the man and truck blocking the way.
Wasn’t happy with the parking shambles. Would like to hear if PCN are issued despite us paid premium parking but parked in overflow due to the man and truck blocking the way.
Written 25 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan J
Stone, UK63 contributions
July 2020 • Friends
The one way system to the door is a farce, says a 20 minute walk which is a 35 minute hike , there were older people wondering how they could make it back ,tip go through the no entrysign and that is a very steep 10 minute walk.
The car parking is a joke ,25inute queue to get a ticket ,read the instructions very. Carefully or else you will get stung ( minimum £5 charge ) then another 20 minute queue to pay
Never again
The car parking is a joke ,25inute queue to get a ticket ,read the instructions very. Carefully or else you will get stung ( minimum £5 charge ) then another 20 minute queue to pay
Never again
Written 12 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stan155
Derby, UK12 contributions
Aug 2020
Durdle Door is a delightful piece of nature.
The sea will suck you in to danger, that's nature.
The steps are down a cliff, that's nature.
The walk isn't easy. that's nature.
The cliff edge drop is dangerous, that's nature.
It is a beautiful site and an enchanting beach, that's nature!
I had the good fortune of walking from 4 miles inland not meeting a soul and descending to Durdle then on to meeting my wife for a nice chill out at Lulworth.
I kid you not at Durdle I saw women in stiletto heals fit for a night out, people standing on soft overhanging cliff edges and people hurling themselves into a twenty foot swell on a windy dangerous day.
Whilst others attempted to get swept off the beach at high tied we spent a wonderful afternoon with a few other like minded people at distance. Granted the access wasn't lit up, carpeted or had signs saying keep 2 metres apart but it was that good the great unwashed wouldn't even know it was under their nose.
There are very good toilets, shops and an eating outlet....you just have to walk a little to them, and the car park access is excellent and well worth the money as you can use it at Lulworth also. In fact I would double it for obvious reasons.
If you need signs to tell you to put one foot in front of the other, breath in breath out and repeat a distancing rule we have been told every day for 5 months, then to put it politely, this isn't the place for you.
Otherwise, the whole area is a delight, with pleasant local people.
The sea will suck you in to danger, that's nature.
The steps are down a cliff, that's nature.
The walk isn't easy. that's nature.
The cliff edge drop is dangerous, that's nature.
It is a beautiful site and an enchanting beach, that's nature!
I had the good fortune of walking from 4 miles inland not meeting a soul and descending to Durdle then on to meeting my wife for a nice chill out at Lulworth.
I kid you not at Durdle I saw women in stiletto heals fit for a night out, people standing on soft overhanging cliff edges and people hurling themselves into a twenty foot swell on a windy dangerous day.
Whilst others attempted to get swept off the beach at high tied we spent a wonderful afternoon with a few other like minded people at distance. Granted the access wasn't lit up, carpeted or had signs saying keep 2 metres apart but it was that good the great unwashed wouldn't even know it was under their nose.
There are very good toilets, shops and an eating outlet....you just have to walk a little to them, and the car park access is excellent and well worth the money as you can use it at Lulworth also. In fact I would double it for obvious reasons.
If you need signs to tell you to put one foot in front of the other, breath in breath out and repeat a distancing rule we have been told every day for 5 months, then to put it politely, this isn't the place for you.
Otherwise, the whole area is a delight, with pleasant local people.
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henrique S
London, UK328 contributions
June 2020
Wonderful place, very organized but get ready for the walk from the parking lot to the beach.
Speaking of parking, it needs to be booked in advance, I recommend the JUSTPARK App, download and place the Durdle Door Car Park, remembering that you need to select the time from 9:00 am to 18:00 pm to appear the right option (the parking closes at 18:00pm). It costs £ 15 per car all day. In the parking lot there are restrooms and small food truck with beverage..
BARBECUE IS NOT ALLOWED, so bring ready-made fish and snacks.
The sea is very rough, so make sure you can swim to get back.
Speaking of parking, it needs to be booked in advance, I recommend the JUSTPARK App, download and place the Durdle Door Car Park, remembering that you need to select the time from 9:00 am to 18:00 pm to appear the right option (the parking closes at 18:00pm). It costs £ 15 per car all day. In the parking lot there are restrooms and small food truck with beverage..
BARBECUE IS NOT ALLOWED, so bring ready-made fish and snacks.
The sea is very rough, so make sure you can swim to get back.
Written 29 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fly A
1 contribution
Mar 2020
Owned by the Weld family who lease the neighbouring area to the Ministry of Defence, and own considerable miles of the coastline, charge FROM £4.00 for 2 hrs. A cup of tea is £2, and the steps were so bad people had resorted to going off the designated steps onto the cliff sides as it was safer. Definitely a real money making venture and must pull in a tidy annual profit to keep the Weld Castle family home nearby nicely furnished.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your report. You may be interested to know that the car parks at both Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are indeed, part of the Lulworth Estate. The money from parking goes towards upkeep of this beautiful area, visitor services (health and safety, facilities, footpath maintenance etc) and our conservation and education programmes. One car park ticket is valid at both car parks.
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Infinity photography events
Carlisle, UK8 contributions
July 2020 • Couples
The place itself is amazing! I’ve traveled a lot, but that place is worth going to see. When it comes to the “hike” - it’s not that bad. Would not recommend it with young children or elderly as it is steep, but that applies for most cliffs. The cheaper car Park is all the way down the bottom of the village- meaning you have to climb up the hill. If you pay the £15 car park - that’s already higher so it saves you the walk. My advice is go as early as possible as it gets really busy. Both my partner & I are very active so we parked in west Lulworth beside the church for free and walked 1.5 mile along the main road to get there, which is also an option.
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a beach chair and umbrella rental company local that we can book?
Written 30 June 2024
Behruzi
Mumbai, India
Hi. I’m planning a holiday to England sometime in September and intend to hire a car and drive down to west lulworth and stay there for 3 nights. What I would like to know is that if there is parking available over night (in my case for 3 nights) and how much would it cost per day?
If I were to stay at castle Inn or lulworth lodge or someplace like that what’s the parking situation?
Please do let me know.
Written 17 April 2023
I recommend that you email the hotel/Inn that you are interesting in staying at and inquire if they have parking at their property. Sometimes this information is also on their website. You can Google search for public parking near the hotel you are interested in. I have used the website parkopedia with good results for finding parking near hotels.
Written 23 April 2023
Can I take my mobility scooter to the Durdle Door
Written 4 July 2022
If you approach from Lulworth Cove then definitely not, its a very steep shingle pathway. You can access it believe from the car park above but again the paths are steep and shigle.
Written 4 May 2023
Go37427992597
Wembley, United Kingdom
hi everyone, i was planning to travel to Dorset ( visiti west bay, bridport and Jurassic coast) . Can anyone tell me the best travel itenary. I know i can get a train froom waterloo to weymouth . so will that be viable ?
Written 31 May 2022
Hello is it park at lulworth and walk to Durdle door or do it the other way round? We don’t mind walking and want to get the most out of the trip, thank you
Written 26 July 2021
We always park at lulworth then walk up to durdle dor. When you return have a lovely ice cream from anycof the kiosks.
Written 27 July 2021
Do you have to book a space in the carpark in advance or can you turn up on the day. How do you pay for parking
Written 18 May 2021
We have just turned up on the day (but it was Monday, out of the holiday season). When we were there you could only pay via app as the machines were not working. Hope this helps.
Written 21 May 2021
Are both the cove and durdle door nearby so we can do both at the same time within 3-4 hours ...?
Not sure of distance between the two ?
Also any nice places for a meal nearby (pubs/restaurants with a view please?)
Thanks a lot in advance
Written 25 September 2020
There is one car park , once parked turn left and walk up to Durdle Door. Steep climb, need strong shoes. After an ice cream return to the carpark and continue walking past it to the visitor centre and then down to the Cove, can also visit Stair hole. There are lots of eating places on the walk down to the Cove with a great range in price. Choose whichever suits your purse!
Written 26 September 2020
Becki T
Croydon, United Kingdom
Does anyone know if the Newlands Meadow car park is called somethind different? We are hoping to pop in for a visit on our way to Weymouth next Friday, arriving around 7.30am and the only car park that will be open is Newlands Meadow however this doesn't appear on a map. I wondered if it was known by a different name? Does anyone know if there are also facilities at this car park? Tia
Written 2 September 2020
There is a car park in the Main Street in lulworth by
Y the cafe and gift shops.
Written 2 September 2020
Derek M
Bristol, United Kingdom
Hi, Derek. What would you like to know about this attraction? how safe is it to descend the 33 steps to the beach
Written 19 August 2020
quite narrow and steep but doable if taken slowly
Written 18 September 2020
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