What is the Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic Coast is a 95 mile stretch of the southern coast known for its significant geological formations and natural beauty. It contains over 195 million years of fossilised history, becoming a key site for geologists and paleontologists. Fossils from several periods have been discovered, and it spans the counties of Dorset and Devon. The Jurassic Coast was names as England’s first natural UNESCO world heritage site in 2001. Today, alongside its significant environmental and historical aspects, the Jurassic Coast is a coveted tourist destination, known for features including Durdle Door, Old Harry Rocks, and Lulworth Cove.
Jurassic Coast Geology
All along the Jurassic Coast are unique geological features. Layers of rock are visible from where they developed in a period of over 150 million years, creating distinct colours and textures. Many areas on the coast have shifted from horizontal to vertical layers as the land experiences the effect of geological folding in which these layers are bent or become curved by compressing forces. The rocks maintain their layers and do not break, but become warped and restructured.
The coast is also known for its prominent fossil existence, featuring mostly marine animals from 150 million years ago. Some areas along the coast are known for being areas where fossil hunting is easy and encouraged, with Charmouth Beach and Monmouth Beach being among the best and safest. There are guidelines about where and how to take things - you can collect fossils from the surface of the beach, but you cannot dig into cliffs or break rocks apart.
Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove
Located in Dorset on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are neighbouring coastal sites. Lulworth Cove is a circular bay, known for its near perfect horseshoe shape. Durdle Door is a gateway over the water that was created over time by waves wearing down the stone. The arch is likely over 10,000 years old. Both the Cove and the Door are surrounded by beautiful beaches, clear water, and magnificent rock structures. On a sunny day the sites are gorgeous and bold, and even in rain they create a stunning atmosphere.
How to Visit Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove
Travel
- Car: Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are best visited with a car. You get closest to the sites from the carparks, and you can visit the surrounding areas with ease. There are multiple carparks that are easy to access, at a £20 fee for the day. Parking is discussed below.
- Train: Durdle Door can be reached by train but it is much more difficult. It is not a route we have personally taken before.
- There are two train stations nearby: Wool and Wareham. Both are relatively near the coast, though more bus routes run from Wool to Lulworth Cove. You can find the timetable for buses from Wool to Lulworth Cove here. The buses stop in good locations not far from the site, so it is definitely doable, it just involves a longer day and broken up travelling. From London, the trains to Wool are roughly 2.5 hours. Alternatively, buses also frequently run from Poole and Bournemouth. The best route will be dependent on the season and the time, and it is best to check both train fares and the bus timetables before booking any part of the journey. This is all doable, but we’d recommend seeing Durdle Door if you are relatively local to the area or have more time.
Parking
- Closest to the site is the Durdle Door Car Park, which can be navigated to here. It is located near the top of the cliff, above the beach and involves a short walk down a rocky slope, and then steep stairs to reach the beach at the bottom. Do take caution and plan accordingly with footwear. The formation and beach are visible from higher up and often there are families who stay above the stair section, especially in very busy times.
- Alternatively, you can park at Lulworth Cove Car Park, a slightly larger car park. Parking here places you closer to facilities, including toilets and the gift shop, as well as several ice cream shops and pubs slightly down the road. From Lulworth Cove Car Park there are multiple ways to view the sea. There are trails up to coastal paths rising to the top of the elevated bank, as well as an open beach just an easy 5 minute walk along the road to Lulworth Cove. To reach Durdle Door from this car park, it is a roughly 30 minute journey with a steep uphill ascent, reaching the Durdle Door Carpark and then turning down the hill to reach the beach. It is a longer journey but it can be pleasant and offers lovely views along the way.
Both car parks are connected and paid for with association to your license plate, using card or Apple/Google pay. Payment is taken upon leaving the site so once you are parked enjoy your day, and before you leave just remember to visit the machine and input your information. Best done with an ice cream cone in hand!
What to do at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove
Walk the Coastal Paths
There are several open paths in the area, including the South West Coastal Path or routes from Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Maps can be found online or in the Lulworth Visitor Center.
Spend Time on the Beach
Bring cards, books, a camera, or just yourself. Enjoy relaxing by the sea. Don’t forget sunscreen! The beach in several areas is rocky or has very coarse sand so come prepared with towels to lay on and wear adequate clothing for the time of year. The breeze off the water can make the area quite chilly depending on the time of day and year.
Swim in the Sea
Though the English Channel is extremely cold for much of the year, on hot days it can be perfect to cool off and have some fun. The waves can be rough depending on when you visit, but it’s worth a dip either way. There are no lifeguards present either on Lulworth Cove beach or Durdle Door, and so take caution and know your limits.
Enjoy Fish and Chips
Stop into one of the pubs and enjoy the freshness of recently caught fish. After a day on the beach there’s nothing better. Although there are multiple sit down pubs, we particularly enjoyed The Lulworth Inn. Additionally, immediately before the water, there are smaller locations that serve takeaway.
Explore Dorset's Lost Village
Located a 12 minute drive away, Tyneham Village is an abandoned village that was used during the second world war for military training purposes.
Get Ice Cream
There are multiple little ice cream shops, each with many flavour options. We particularly enjoyed The Ice Cream Parlour, though there is also Jake’s Shop right across the street. There’s no going wrong!
Durdle Door Accessibility
The hike to Durdle Door is steep and may be difficult for some. There are dedicated steps on a wide path that make for an easy descent, but it is a way to the bottom and then back up to the top, with around 100 steep steps in total. There are handrailings along some of the path and we recommend wearing stable shoes that can withstand slippery conditions.
Lulworth Cove Facilities
- Toilets are availale in the Lulworth Visitor center
- It's a dog-friendly beach year round.
Lulworth Cove Food and Drink
Around Lulworth Cove are several pubs and ice cream shops, all perfect for a day on the coast. The food is fresh and the ice cream cools you down on hot summer days, and there is lots of seating outside and indoors.
