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Durdle Door in Dorset is one of the most iconic limestone arch in the UK. Nestled along the Jurassic coast, Durdle Door is truly a beauty of nature and one of the most photographed landmarks. Lulworth Cove is situated along the coast at a walking distance along the coastal cliffs from Durdle Door with mesmerizing views as you go along this route. Surely a Durdle Door Day trip should be on your plans this summer.
Durdle Door, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, is easily reachable by car with ample parking spaces available but we went using a public transport (train and bus combination) and it was a great day trip! Remember to start your day early as it gets quite busy during the summers or a good sunshine day. This is applicable for both car travelers or ones using the public transport.
How to reach Durdle Door from London by train
London to Durdle Door is easily accessible by train and bus combination. There are regular train services from Southwest Trains from London Waterloo to Wool, which is the nearest railway station to Durdle Door. The whole journey will take up to 2.5hours. From Wool station, you can either take a taxi or a bus directly to Durdle Door. Taxi cabs operators are present in front of the railway station and should roughly cost you £15-20 from Wool to Durdle Door for approximately 10-15min ride.
How to reach Durdle Door by bus from London
Dorset can be easily reached from London Victoria by bus services but will require a few changes along the way depending on the service you choose. Hence we do not recommend coming here using the bus. However, you can reach Poole from London Victoria and from Poole, you can take Jurassic Coaster X54 bus service direct to Durdle Door. All buses accept contactless payments and cash or you can alternatively bus tickets online via the Morebus app. The Jurassic Coaster bus X50 runs every 2 hours between Weymouth and Swanage via Winfrith, Lulworth, Wool, Wareham and Corfe Castle.
How to reach Durdle Door by train & bus
Combining the above two options makes the best choice while visiting Durdle Door and also one of the fastest ones apart from travelling via car. Once you reach Wool station, you can take the Jurassic Breezer 31 bus direct to Durdle Door followed by Lulworth Cove. There is a fixed timetable which you can find online for these buses. During non-summer peak days, this bus only runs on the weekends but runs daily later during the peak summer days.
If you are travelling from Swanage, Wool or Weymouth you can take the Jurassic Breezer 30 which travels via Durdle Door, Wool, Wareham & Corfe Castle. The Jurassic Breezer only operates within Zone C. A single adult journey from Wool to Durdle Door cost £2 until 30th June 2024.
Use the Journey Planner on this website to plan your journey.
Important Tips while visiting Durdle Door
- The path towards Durdle Door is steep and filled with small rocks and pebbles. Avoid carrying large luggage or buggies.
- Wear good and comfortable shoes for the walk.
- There are no toilet facilities down at the beach. Use the facilities near the car park.
- Pack food and water for the day as there are limited options. Nearest food options are at Lulworth Cove, which is short walking distance along the coast.
- Carry hat, sun cream, sunglasses, swimsuit, paddleboards or kayak if you have one and have fun!
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove in Dorset is also part of the Jurassic Coastline with its curved bay and crystal-clear waters. It is just a short walk from Durdle Door or take the next stop on the bus. It captivates visitors from all around the world and offers a range of activities for all ages. Enjoy a relaxing beach day at the Cove surrounded by clear waters for swimming . There are plenty of food options available at the Cove. Enjoy fresh fish and chips, locally sourced produce, and homemade treats while taking in the scenic views of the coastline. Toilet facilities are available at the Visitor Centre.
Coastal Walks
You can explore the beautiful coastline along the South West Coast Path. The views from the cliffs and the clear waters are truly amazing! You can also walk from Lulworth to the iconic landmark Durdle Door and relax at the pebble beach.
Visit Lulworth Castle
Take a short drive or cab to Lulworth Castle and Park. Explore the rich historical castle, stroll along the beautiful park and enjoy a picnic or go on a nature trail.
Boat Tours & Water Sports Activities
While visiting Lulworth and Durdle Door as a day trip, you can plan to go for a short boat ride from Lulworth to Durdle Door and see it up-close. Cruise along the coastline and admire the huge white geological formations and get to know the facts and wildlife from the tour guides.
Rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the cove and the clear waters of Lulworth Cove. You can also paddle yourself towards the Durdle Door as you explore the hidden coves, the white coastline and stunning rock formations.
Day Trip Options to Durdle Door & Jurassic Coast
Hopefully this article was helpful in planning your trip to Durdle Door. Please do check out our other blogs on best day trip ideas from London and about other beautiful destinations across the world! Hope we inspire you to travel and create new memories!
