Things to do near Durdle Door
Located just 11 miles from Weymouth Bay and Seaview, Durdle Door is the ideal place to spend time with the whole family. Bring along the furry member too!
There are quite a few things to do near Durdle Door, making it a fantastic location for those who wish to enjoy long walks, sample amazing cuisine, and just relax. Here are some recommendations for those visiting this famous Dorset delight.
- 1. Walk along the beach
- 2. Stay at Seaview or Weymouth Bay holiday park
- 3. Enjoy Rockley Park Holiday Park
- 4. Sample history at Lulworth Castle
- 5. Visit the peacefulness at Lulworth Cove
- 6. Check out Monkey World
- 7. Man O'War Beach makes for the perfect day
- 8. Explore nature at Ringstead Bay
- 9. Take a trip into the wartime past at Tyneham Village
- 10. Scout for fossils at Kimmeridge Bay
1. Walk along the beach
Durdle Door offers a pebble and shingle beach that is beautifully clean and welcoming. Access is via a footpath at the top of the cliff down to the waterfront. It's a bit steep of a walk, but caves and dunes are worth the exploration. It's possible to get into the water, though there are some steep shelves and currents to be aware of when you decide to take a dip!
2. Stay at Seaview or Weymouth Bay holiday park
Seaview and Weymouth Bay are heavily noted for their beautiful natural areas and expansive, rolling hills. For those who come for a visit, it has much more to offer, including Lulworth Cove itself. Perhaps one of the best experiences for families is the pool, of which there are both indoor and outdoor pool areas to enjoy. There are even areas designed for the youngest members of the family.
Between them, there’s a huge amount to explore, including kart hire, den building, and bug hunting, as well as loads of options for food and drink. Both parks are places where you can make memories that last a lifetime!
3. Enjoy Rockley Park Holiday Park
Located just at the mouth of the Rock Lea River, Rockley Park is the perfect destination for the entire family and another one of our Dorset holiday park gems. It's close enough to Poole to make it a day trip, too. This harbour is filled with natural beauty, from the far-out small boats to the soft sand along the beach. Those who visit are sure to love the view, but there's quite a bit more to enjoy here, too.
There's an outdoor play area that is ideal for smaller children. There's also an entertainment venue, a splashing pool, and lots of areas for walking trails. Engage in crazy golf, Junior Segways, Archery Coaching, painting, and bungee trampolines, just to mention a few of the activities here.
4. Sample history at Lulworth Castle
Lulworth Castle is one of the best-preserved castles from its time. This 17th-century castle looks like a fairy-tale property, with beautiful brick and stonework and lots of green space around it. Damaged in the early 1900s, it's been restored and offers an excellent opportunity to learn and explore all that this period of time had to offer. Many of the interior furnishings are from that time period.
There are things to do for most in the family, including a child's playground area. There are also a few areas for enjoying food and drink, so a picnic is a great idea! Tours are a fantastic way to learn more about this English Heritage property.
5. Visit the peacefulness at Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is a true local treasure and one of the best things to do near Durdle Door. The cove itself is a beautiful natural cove with stunning blue water. It formed when the sea and river came together during the last Ice Age. The geology here and landforms are truly one of a kind. Of particular interest are Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole. Many come for the views themselves, with panoramic visuals to take in.
There's much to do here, from biking through the area to explore the cove and the 150 million years of history it represents. A walk along one of the many paths here is a brilliant way to enjoy the area.
6. Check out Monkey World
Monkey World is quite the unique location near Durdle Door. It's a monkey and ape rescue centre which provides both education for people of all ages and supports the rehabilitation and preservation of natural habitats around the world. For those that enjoy primates or want to learn more about them, this place is perfect! There are about 20 species present in the centre. The rescue and rehabilitation centre has helped 27 governments around the world to stop the trade of primates.
The location offers ample opportunities to meet and learn about the primates and there are a range of opportunities to learn here, including on guided tours, special talks, and conferences.
7. Man O'War Beach makes for the perfect day
Following the archway from Durdle Door, there's a steep rocky area that takes visitors down along the coastal path to Man O'War. Whenever possible, plan a visit at sunset or sunrise to capture the beautiful scenery of the sky over the steep cliffs and open bay.
With ample history and the perfect location right off the waterfront, this is the type of experience that makes for a fantastic place to visit. From the rich coastline views to the ample history in virtually every scene here, there is something special to enjoy at every turn.
8. Explore nature at Ringstead Bay
Another of the scenic highlights of the Dorset Coast, the massive white cliffs, shingle beaches and glorious views at Ringstead are well worth a visit. Protected by the National Trust, this area of outstanding beauty is also noted for its geology, particularly the ancient coral bed which contains numerous fossils dating to the Jurassic era.
A well-maintained path from the car park takes you on a gentle walk down to the beach, during which you’ll enjoy spectacular views. In spring and summer, the meadows are carpeted in wildflowers, and birdwatchers may spot peregrine falcons nesting in the adjacent cliffs.
9. Take a trip into the wartime past at Tyneham Village
Visit the abandoned village of Tyneham, evacuated during World War II and now a historical site. The preserved buildings and informative displays offer a poignant glimpse into the past. In 1943 the government sited shooting ranges near the village and trained military forces nearby. For the villagers’ own safety, they were forced to leave.
The village, with its church, rectory, and cottages, is now a quaint and slightly eerie reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary folk during the war. The firing ranges are still active, so the village is closed during these activities. Check the village website for more information before planning your visit.
10. Scout for fossils at Kimmeridge Bay
A short drive from Durdle Door, Kimmeridge Bay is celebrated for its geological significance and fossil-rich cliffs. It's a popular spot for rock pooling, snorkelling, and trail walking. At low tide, it’s safe to explore the beach and look out for the striped rock formations and ammonite fossils among the rockpools.
On the hillside southeast of the bay, you’ll spot an ornate viewpoint, the Clavell Tower, now preserved by the Landmark Trust as bookable accommodation. The tower once inspired visiting writers including PD James and Thomas Hardy.
Another must-visit attraction is the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, an environmental charity with a small museum of aquatic life and ecology. You’ll pass it on the road up to the Clavell Tower. The Centre is open from April to October.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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