Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove Walk: A Complete Guide to the Jurassic Coast Circular

Have you seen photos of Durdle Door and wondered if it really looks like that? This huge limestone arch stands in the sea on the Dorset coast, part of the Jurassic Coast. Just over the hill is Lulworth Cove, an almost perfectly round bay with a little shingle beach. Put them together and you get one of the most beautiful short coast walks in England.

We have explored the Dorset coast by kayak, paddling from Swanage past Old Harry Rocks and wild camping on a beach. However, we haven't walked to Durdle Door yet. It's high on our bucket list, so I've researched every detail for you. The route below is a loop of about 6.5 km. It climbs over Hambury Tout to Durdle Door, then comes back inland through a valley with the funny name of Scratchy Bottom.

Here is a fun fact. The name Durdle probably comes from the Old English word "thirl", which means to pierce or bore. So it is literally the door with a hole in it! The sea cut through the Portland limestone to make the arch about 10,000 years ago. The arch and the cove are on the private Lulworth Estate, owned by the Weld family, but the public can visit all year.

At a glance

• Distance: about 6.5 km (4 miles) for the loop. Just to Durdle Door and back is just under 1 mile each way
• Elevation gain: around 250 m
• Allow 2–3 hours, plus time on the beaches
• Difficulty: Moderate. One steep climb over Hambury Tout, steps down to the beaches and muddy fields after rain
• Route type: Circular (Lulworth Cove → Hambury Tout → Durdle Door → Scratchy Bottom → Lulworth Cove)
• Start/finish: Lulworth Cove car park and Visitor Centre (satnav BH20 5RQ)
• Best season: all year. Spring and autumn are quieter than summer
• Prices: free to walk and to visit the beaches. Parking is expensive (see below)
• Toilets: by the Visitor Centre at Lulworth Cove and at the Durdle Door car park
• Suitable for children: yes, for kids who can manage one big hill and some steps
• Dogs: allowed on the beaches. Keep them on a lead near the cliff edges and around cows in Scratchy Bottom

Route description

Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole

Before you set off, I suggest a short detour to Stair Hole, just west of the cove. Here the sea has broken through the rocks, and you can see the layers of rock folded like a crumpled carpet. It is called the Lulworth Crumple. Then walk down to the shore of Lulworth Cove for a look at the round bay. The Visitor Centre explains how it all formed, and it is free to visit.

Over Hambury Tout

From the back of the Lulworth Cove car park, take the South West Coast Path through the gate. It goes straight up the steep slope of Hambury Tout. This is the hardest part of the walk. You gain about 100 m in only 600 m or so, so take it slowly! The path is wide and well used, but it is chalky and stony. If you want a quieter option, there is a grassy trail to the right of the main path that also climbs the hill.

From the top the views open up along the coast in both directions. Then the path drops gradually towards the Durdle Door car park and holiday park.

Man O' War Cove and Durdle Door

Go through the gate near the holiday park and head towards the sea. You reach the cliff top above Man O' War Cove, the bay just east of the arch. Steps lead down to both Man O' War beach and Durdle Door beach. The steps are steep, but it is definitely worth going down. Durdle Door beach is shingle, and the view of the arch from the shore is stunning.

Back at the top, carry on west along the coast path past the arch. I suggest turning around after a few minutes, as the view back to Durdle Door is one of the best on the whole walk.

Scratchy Bottom and back to Lulworth

Just before the next big hill, turn right through a gate into Scratchy Bottom. Yes, that is its real name! This grassy valley often has cows in it, kept behind a fence. Climb the short, steep hill at the end and go through the gate at the top. Cross the road near the holiday park to reach the trail and woodland. Follow it around the base of Hambury Tout and then the signs back to Lulworth.

Tip: this inland part can be very muddy after rain. If it has been wet, you might prefer to return the same way along the coast path.

How to get there

By car and parking

From Dorchester, take the A352 towards Wareham and turn right at Winfrith Newburgh. Then follow the brown signs for Lulworth Cove. From Wool, follow the road south for about five miles. The satnav postcodes are BH20 5RQ for Lulworth Cove and BH20 5PU for Durdle Door.

Parking: the Lulworth Estate runs both car parks, and they are not cheap. As of 2026, Lulworth Cove costs £9 for up to 3 hours, £17 for up to 6 hours, £25 for up to 9 hours and £32 for longer. The Durdle Door car park costs £15 for up to 6 hours and £25 for up to 9 hours. Charges apply every day of the year. In summer and on bank holidays, arrive early to avoid disappointment. Please don't park on the verges in the village!

By public transport

• Train: the nearest stations are Wool and Wareham, on the South Western Railway line between London Waterloo and Weymouth.
• Jurassic Breezer 31: this moreBus service runs a loop from Wool station to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. In 2026 it ran daily from 18 May until the end of the summer season. In spring and autumn it runs at weekends and in school holidays.
• Other summer buses: the Lulworth Estate lists the First X54 (Weymouth to Wareham station) and the open-top X50 and Breezer 30 between Weymouth and Swanage. They all call at Wool station. Check Traveline South West for current times.

By bike

There are no direct cycle routes to Lulworth. You can follow the B3070/B3071 into West Lulworth. There is bike parking above Durdle Door.

Permits, fees & opening times

• You don't need a permit or ticket to walk here or visit the beaches.
• Durdle Door: open all year. However, beach access is not allowed after 9 pm or dusk.
• Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre: open every day from 10 am to 5 pm (4 pm in winter), closed on Christmas Day. Entry is free.
• Lulworth Ranges: the Fossil Forest, east of the cove, is on Army land. You can only visit when the ranges are open, usually at weekends and in school holidays. Check the gov.uk firing notices before you go.

When to go

Durdle Door is one of the busiest places on the Dorset coast. On sunny summer weekends the path is full by late morning. So in my opinion, the best time is early morning, or spring and autumn. If you love photography, the soft light early and late in the day is gorgeous on the white cliffs. Just remember that you can't stay on the beach after 9 pm or dusk.

In winter the walk is still lovely and much quieter. However, the paths get muddy and slippery, and the wind on Hambury Tout can be strong. Check the weather forecast and the tide times, which you can get at the Visitor Centre.

Hiking with kids

Suitable for children: yes! The loop is short, and there is a real wow moment when you first see the arch. Kids who are happy to walk up one big hill will be fine. Smaller children can do the out-and-back walk to Durdle Door instead.

• Pushchairs: the short section from Lulworth Cove to Stair Hole is suitable for pushchairs. Beyond that, the path climbs steeply over Hambury Tout, and the beaches are reached by steps.
• Carriers: a back carrier is the best way to bring toddlers over the hill and down the steps.
• Keep them engaged: go rock pooling, spot the "crumple" at Stair Hole and count the layers of rock. They will also love saying Scratchy Bottom!
• Stay safe: keep kids well back from the cliff edges and out of the caves at the bottom of the cliffs.

What to pack

• Trainers or walking shoes with good grip. The chalky paths are slippery when wet
• A waterproof and a warm layer, as it is windy on the cliffs
• Water and snacks, plus a picnic for the beach
• Swimsuit and towel in summer
• Sun cream and a hat, as there is no shade
• OS Explorer OL15 (Purbeck & South Dorset) if you want to extend the walk
• A bag to take your rubbish home

With a little one, you could start with the easy stretch to Stair Hole. We use our Out n About Nipper on muddy paths, beaches and rough tracks, and it copes really well. However, I wouldn't push it over Hambury Tout. That part is better with a carrier.

Safety tips

• Stay away from the cliff edges. The cliffs are unstable, and in 2013 a large landslide destroyed part of the coast path east of the arch.
• Don't enter the caves at the base of the chalk cliffs. Cliff falls are common.
• Never climb on or jump from the arch. Climbing is not allowed on the Lulworth Estate coastline, and that includes tombstoning. Jumps from Durdle Door into shallow water have caused life-threatening injuries.
• Swim with care. Only go in when the sea is calm, and stay close to the shore.
• Watch your step on the steep, stony paths and the beach steps, especially in the wet.
• In an emergency on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Leave no trace & sustainable tips

• Come by train and bus. The Breezer 31 connects Wool station with Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, and it saves you the big parking fee.
• Take your litter home or use the bins provided. Please don't leave anything on the beaches.
• Stay on the paths. The cliffs are a protected habitat, and walking off the path speeds up erosion.
• Follow the Countryside Code. Close gates behind you and give the cows in Scratchy Bottom plenty of space.
• Leave rocks and plants where they are, so others can enjoy them too.
• Support local: eat and shop in West Lulworth.

Where to stay & eat nearby

• Durdle Door Holiday Park sits on the cliff top, with pitches for tents and tourers. You can't stay much closer to the arch!
• West Lulworth, the village just above the cove, has places to eat and stay.
• The Lulworth Estate also lets country houses and cottages.
• Lulworth Cove itself has a café by the beach for a cuppa after the walk.
• Swanage and Weymouth are bigger towns with lots more choice, both linked by the summer buses.

More to explore nearby

• Fossil Forest: a short walk east of the cove on the range walks, when they are open.
• Lulworth Castle and Park: also on the Lulworth Estate, with cheap parking.
• Tyneham: the abandoned village inside the Army ranges, open on the same days as the range walks.
• Old Harry Rocks: more white chalk stacks and a lovely circular walk from Studland.
• White Nothe: a longer, challenging coast walk west from Lulworth for experienced walkers.

FAQ

How long is the walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door?

It is just under 1 mile each way on the South West Coast Path. The circular walk back through Scratchy Bottom is about 4 miles (6.5 km) and takes 2–3 hours.

How much is parking at Durdle Door?

As of 2026, the Durdle Door car park costs £15 for up to 6 hours and £25 for up to 9 hours. Lulworth Cove starts at £9 for up to 3 hours.

Can you get to Durdle Door by public transport?

Yes. Take the train to Wool, then the Jurassic Breezer 31 bus to Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove. It runs daily in summer and at weekends and school holidays in spring and autumn.

Can you swim at Durdle Door?

Yes, many people swim there in summer. Only swim when the sea is calm, and never jump from the arch.

Are dogs allowed at Durdle Door?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach. Keep them on a lead near the cliffs and around livestock.

Have you been to Durdle Door? Did you go down to the beach or stay on the cliff top? Let me know in the comments!