Durdle Door in photos
Durdle Door in Dorset, England is one of my favourite places on the planet. It is the most beautiful creation of nature. One of the top 10 destinations in England.
This magnificent arch was created about 10,000 years ago. It is privately owned and is open to the public. No entry charges are applied for this iconic landmark. However you need to pay for parking.
It is a stunning place where you can enjoy some sun in summer. The water is crystal clear but extremely cold. Although this doesn’t stop people from swimming at this magical place.
It is also a great place for those who love hiking. Highly recommended for people who love the active day out and long walks along the coastline. Just keep in mind that it can be windy.
Postcode and Distance from London
Postcode: BH20 5PU
Distance from London: Durdle Door is located 210 km (130 miles) from London. You will need about 3 hours to get there by car. But it is worth it.
Parking and facilities at Durdle Door
Parking is available near the site. It is pay and display parking. The price for 2 hours is about £4. There are public toilets in the car park. And you will usually find an ice cream kiosk near the parking. However, there are no facilities at Durdle Door beach.
The car park is located 25-30 minutes from the beach. You will need to walk to the cliffs and then down the stairs to get to the beach itself. So it takes some time to get there. And there is a rather steep descent down the hill.
However, the most difficult part is walking back to your car from the beach, as it is up the stairs and up the hill. And 30 minutes up the hill can be a bit challenging on a hot summer day.
Swimming at Durdle Door Beach
Hundreds of people come to this iconic landscape in summer. Most of them just enjoy the sun and the beautiful view. But some even swim here. Just keep in mind that water is extremely cold here. In Summer it is usually around 16-17 degrees Celsius (61-63 degrees Fahrenheit). So, if you are not afraid of cold water, you could actually swim at Durdle Door.
Just keep in mind that the place is not fully equipped for swimming. There are no lifeguards or any other facilities at the beach. There are no cafes or restaurants at the beach. Bring your water and food with you.
Durdle Door at Sunset
People come here to watch sunsets all the time. Even in winter. It is a magical phenomenon. The sun is setting in the sea over the English Channel.
It is very beautiful to watch. However, the photos of the arch during the sunset might not turn out the way you expect them to. Firstly, the arch is very dark, as the sun sets behind it. Secondly, there are almost never any clouds over the sea during the sunset. They seem to disappear every time the sun is about to set.
Natural Sea Arches will eventually collapse
If you ever have a chance, make sure to visit some of the natural sea arches, as they don’t last forever. Sea arches are usually formed when the waves hit the weakest part of the rocks or cliffs. At first they might form a small tunnel which later becomes a massive arch. There are many beautiful sea arches around the world. They might collapse any minute because of the severe weather conditions or other factors.
Very nice place! Particularly at sunset. We come here very often to relax. You need to walk a bit but the scenery is worth of all efforts. Definitely it is a paradise for photographers.