For those seeking a beach that seems plucked from a fairy tale, Durdle Door in Dorset is an absolute must-visit as the summer days wane.
Renowned as one of the UK’s most snapped beaches, Durdle Door’s allure is undeniable. Boasting a spot on the Jurassic Coast, this breathtaking cove isn’t just a natural wonder.
Now, Durdle Door has been named the UK’s “most instagrammable beach” in a new study from NoDepositRewards.
By searching the number of hashtagged posts on Instagram, they coukld see which were the most popular with tourists. Durdle Door came out on top with a total of 379,093 hashtagged posts on Instagram.
It’s hardly surprising this spot is so popular as not only is it stuning,it’s also a popular Hollywood filming location. Dunkirk, World WarZ and Far from the Madding Crowd have all been shot at this beautiful cove.
The beach’s crowning glory is undoubtedly the majestic limestone arch that emerges from the shore and stretches into the sea. This awe-inspiring formation, sculpted over millennia by the relentless ocean, bestows upon the beach a fantastical charm.
The name ‘Durdle’ harks back to the Old English ‘thirl’, meaning to pierce or drill, aptly describing the arch’s creation.
It’s steeped in history as England’s inaugural UNESCO World Heritage site, earning its place alongside the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef back in 2001.
In 2022, Durdle Door was lauded as one of the top 100 beaches worldwide by Beach Atlas, rubbing shoulders with exotic locales such as Bora Bora, Copacabana, and Turtle Beach.
With a stellar 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove draw globetrotters eager to witness the famed landmark.
A visitor from America exclaimed: “We traveled from the U.S. and thought the scenery was breathtaking.”
Meanwhile, a tourist from Mumbai, India, shared: “The views were amazing, took many photos and videos. All family members enjoyed.”
Durdle Door, renowned for its stunning beauty, can get quite crowded, particularly during the peak season. However, it tends to be less busy off-peak.
If you’re planning a summer visit, be prepared for a bit of a walk as the cliff-top car park above the beach fills up quickly.
Regardless of when you visit, access to the beach is only possible on foot via a path and steps. The journey takes about 15 minutes and sturdy footwear like trainers or walking boots are recommended due to the steep and challenging terrain.
Upon reaching the base of the cliffs, you’ll notice several sea-carved caves. However, these are unstable and prone to cliff falls, so entering them would be ill-advised.