There are many things to do near Durdle Door other than the famous limestone arch, and that’s what I’ll be covering in this blog post. Keep reading fo 12 things to do near Durdle Door that aren’t Durdle Door.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase a product through these links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. And we can continue bringing you free tips and advice. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates – you are awesome, and we thank you!
12 Cool Things to do Near Durdle Door
1. Man O’War Beach
You don’t need to walk far from Durdle Door to reach the first spot on our list. Man O’War Beach is just east of the famous arch, just beyond the rocky headland you see when walking the coastal path.
It’s actually impossible to miss if you’re walking from the Durdle Door car parks or campsite, as it’s the first viewpoint you see. The stunning coved beach hugged by the rugged coastline is sure to grab your attention.
If you’re planning on a swim, I’d recommend Man O’War Beach over Durdle Door. Both are pebble beaches with crystal-clear water, but the sea is less choppy at Man O’War, and it’s generally less busy.
2. Lulworth Cove
Even further east of Durdle Door is Lulworth Cove – another picturesque coved beach . Being the closest beach to East Lulworth village, it’s quite built up here with restaurants, pubs, souvenir shops & hotels.
Personally, I don’t find Lulworth as inviting as Durdle Door and Man O’War, as a lot of boats dock here. However, I do enjoy the coastal walk from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove.
For the best view of Lulworth Cove, climb up onto the headlands on either the left or right-hand side. That way, you’ll get a spectacular birds-eye view.
3. Stair Hole (Lulworth Crumple)
To the west of Lulworth Cove lay the Stair Hole, otherwise known as the Lulworth Crumple. If you have ever wondered how erosion contributes to shaping our coastlines, the Stair Hole will help you understand.
From the viewpoint of the headlands, you’ll see how the once flat sedimentary beds have been twisted and crumpled to create fascinating patterns and forms within the rock.
As well as caves, blow-holes, and arches, you can see that a cove is forming. It allows you to imagine what Lulworth Cove might have looked like 10’000 years ago. It’s kind of mind-blowing.
Related Read
4. Fossil Forest
If you climb the headlands to the east of Lulworth Cove, you’ll find the Fossil Forest. Here lie the remains of an ancient submerged forest from Jurassic times.
According to experts, there’s evidence that a forest of conifers, tree-ferns and cycads grew here 145 million years ago!
Again, it’s kind of surreal looking at the rock formations. I can’t even begin to comprehend the history behind them. But it’s definitely a must-see while you’re in the Dorset area.
5. Walks & Hikes
One of our favourite things to do near Durdle Door is to go on walks. There are many opportunities to explore the Jurassic Coast and surrounding countryside on foot, which always leads to an unexpected adventure.
There are a ton of walking trails in the area, which cater to various skill and fitness levels. So whether you want to spend the entire day hiking through challenging terrain or simply take a gentle walk along the coast, there’s something for everyone.
The best way to locate trails is by checking out walking apps or websites such as All Trails or Komoot. Alternatively, you can pick up walking guides and maps from the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre.
6. Lulworth Castle
If you fancy a break from coastal walks and beaches, you might visit the impressive Lulworth Castle.
Once a 17th-century hunting lodge, the castle is a magnificent building steeped in history. You can explore via a tour and the museum.
The stunning spacious grounds are also there to enjoy, where you can wander through woodlands and take in the breathtaking countryside views.
7. Corfe Castle
Another exciting thing to do near Durdle Door is visit the Corfe Castle ruins. The castle is thought to be over 1000 years old and was once a royal palace and fortress.
Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed after the English Civil war. However, the ominous ruins are still an impressive sight to see nonetheless.
These days the site is run by the National Trust, so it’s a little on the pricey side. But it makes for an interesting day out, and it’s worth it to see the pretty Corfe village which the castle overlooks.
8. Old Harry Rocks
Old Harry Rocks are two chalk stacks that mark the most Eastern point of the Jurassic Coast. The formations were initially a part of the same coastline as the iconic Isle of White needles.
Old Harry is the largest rock formation out of the two. Legend has it that the name refers to the devil who once slept on the rocks. The smaller formation next to Old Harry is referred to as Old Harry’s Wife.
Other than Durdle Door, Old Harry Rocks is probably the most recognisable landmark along the Jurassic Coast. It’s only a 35-minute drive between the two, so it makes for a perfect day trip.
9. Bournemouth
If you don’t mind the 1-hour drive, visiting Bournemouth is easily one of the best things you can do near Durdle Door.
A far cry from the serene village of Lulworth, Bournemouth is an energetic seaside city. It’s home to one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches boasting pristine golden sand that stretches for miles.
There’s a ton of things to do in and around Bournemouth that will keep you entertained for hours, so I recommend spending an entire day here. Or even an overnight stay if you have the time.
Related Read
10. Weymouth
A 30-minute drive west of Durdle Door, we have Weymouth – another atmospheric seaside town that’s well worth a visit.
It’s a little tacky and outdated when you compare it to Bournemouth, but that’s part of its charm. We only got to spend a little bit of time here, and we both wished that we’d had more.
Highlights of Weymouth include its sandy beach dotted with colourful beach huts and the vibey harbour area with its plentiful bars and restaurants.
11. Isle of Portland
Just South of Weymouth is the Isle of Portland. It’s an island as the name suggests; however, a barrier beach known as Chesil Beach connect it to the mainland. You can drive there in 15-minutes from Weymouth.
We spent two nights on the Isle of Portland on our recent road trip of Dorset to Cornwall. We had no idea what to expect before our visit, but it turned out to be quite the hidden gem.
It’s a small island (6km long by 2.7km wide), but there’s a lot to do. There’s a handful of beautiful beaches, a fascinating quarry, and a picturesque coastal path walk, not to mention castles, lighthouses and viewpoints.
12. West Bay
For our final recommendation of things to do near Durdle Door, we have the stunning golden cliffs of West Bay. Broadchurch fans might already recognise it, as most of the show is filmed here.
I love how as you move from East to West, the Jurassic Coast evolves from while chalk to grey limestone to golden sand. You get a truly unique view and experience in every place that you visit.
If you make it to West Bay, it’s worthwhile stopping by Bridport. Bridport is a lively and quirky market town with an excellent reputation for arts, culture, events and food.
Related Read
Enjoy These Things to do Near Durdle Door
Well, that concludes our list of things to do near Durdle Door. I hope you’ve found it helpful. If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.
Planning a trip around the UK?
Check out our England series for more travel tips and advice.
PIN IT FOR LATER
