#724 European Rank
Durdle Door Beach
Dorset (Jurassic Coast), United Kingdom•English Channel• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Saffron Blaze (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
3.90/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
17.4°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€40/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Pebbles / Shingle
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Dorset (Jurassic Coast) · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
9.5°C
Air 8°C
Feb
8.8°C
Air 8°C
Mar
9.1°C
Air 10°C
Apr
10.6°C
Air 13°C
May
12.8°C
Air 16°C
Jun
15.2°C
Air 19°C
Jul
16.8°C
Air 21°C
Peak
Aug
17.4°C
Air 21°C
Sep
16.5°C
Air 19°C
Oct
14.6°C
Air 16°C
Nov
12.4°C
Air 12°C
Dec
10.6°C
Air 9°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 17.4°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all United Kingdom Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.2 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.2 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.2 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Durdle Door Beach
England's most famous natural wonder on the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, featuring a colossal 140-million-year-old limestone arch rising out of the sea.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (17.4°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Steep gravel path and wooden cliff steps (approx. 15 min walk) descending from the Durdle Door Holiday Park cliff-top car park.
•Protected Status / Environment: UNESCO World Heritage Site (Jurassic Coast), Dorset National Landscape (AONB), SSSI.
•Notable Feature: World-famous natural limestone arch jutting into the sea, shingle beach connecting around to Man O' War Cove.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
NoFree Parking
NoFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
From Wool or Wareham, drive to Durdle Door Holiday Park car park, then walk down the path.
•Swim through the massive natural limestone arch on calm summer days
•Walk along the cliff path to the perfectly circular sheltered cove of Lulworth Cove
•Part of England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site with 185 million years of geological history
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Dorset (Jurassic Coast), United Kingdom.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Durdle Door Beach?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durdle Door Beach
What is the water temperature at Durdle Door Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Durdle Door Beach averages 17.4°C (63°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Durdle Door Beach?
Durdle Door Beach is classified as a pebbles / shingle shoreline located in Dorset (Jurassic Coast), United Kingdom.
Is Durdle Door Beach good for families with kids?
Yes, Durdle Door Beach is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Durdle Door Beach?
Parking arrangements vary locally. Restroom facilities are present.
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