One Of The UK's Most Photographed Destinations Is A Unique And Breathtaking Beach

On England's southern coast, there's a sight to make every photographer swoon. Think Arches National Park but with the sea as a backdrop. Okay, it's only one arch, but it's a spectacular one! The impressive limestone arch at Durdle Door forms part of a unique and breathtaking beach that will make you whip out your smartphone and start snapping. 

Americans visiting the U.K. often understandably stick to the big cities or well-known landmarks, like Windsor Castle and Stonehenge. Surprisingly, not many U.S. visitors make it to the coast. Those who do tend to make a beeline for Cornwall, where they're more likely to have a warm and sunny beach vacation (yes, warm and sunny in the U.K.). Many visitors haven't even heard of Durdle Door or the county where it lies. However, Dorset experiences much the same weather as Cornwall, with highs reaching a pleasant 77 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. Dorset is where you will find the delightful Durdle Door, one of the U.K.'s most photogenic natural monuments. Have we sold you on visiting yet?

Standing on the clifftop above Durdle Door, with sweeping views along the coastline over the ancient archway, is breathtaking. The craggy, 10,000-year-old arch rises majestically out of the sea, the white limestone forming a contrast against the blue of the water. You can take the first iconic photo of the landmark from atop the cliff before moving to the top of the stairs, where you can snap another quintessential shot of the arch with the steps curling down away from you.  

Let's talk about the stairs. If you want to get close to Durdle Door, you'll need to tackle the 143 steps that wind down the cliff edge to the shingle beach below. The walk down is not for those scared of heights or with breathing difficulties — remember, you have to get back up! If you can manage the walk down, you can explore the lovely beach and get more glorious photos of Durdle Door. 

It is important to remember that there is a steep, 15-minute walk from the car park to the steps. Unfortunately, the car park is the main gripe for many visitors. It costs almost $13 for four hours, but there are other ways to reach the beach, including by bus or even by bike. We strongly recommend one of these options if you visit during the summer months. A drive from central London to Durdle Door takes under three hours (door to door, if you will), making the area fairly accessible.

The magnificent arch sits on the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prized for its spectacular rock formations and abundance of fossils. Stretching for 95 miles, the Jurassic Coast is an underrated destination for a quiet coastal vacation in England, and there's so much to see. From Durdle Door, you can walk a mile along the clifftop to reach Lulworth Cove, a beautiful, horseshoe-shaped bay famous for its transparent turquoise waters. 

If you fancy fossil hunting, drive around an hour west of Durdle Door to the beaches between Charmouth and Lyme Regis. There are many fossils here, and the beaches are safe, making it the perfect area for novice fossil enthusiasts. If you're traveling with children, hype them up by telling them about the real-life fossilized sea dragons they can find there! In the other direction, Durdle Door is also just a 50-minute drive from Bournemouth, where you'll find arguably the best beach in the U.K. You'll find all the trappings of a delightful English seaside resort, from the colorful beach huts to the pier stretching out to sea. You'll also find surprisingly pleasant water temperatures, so bring your bathing suit and choose your own spot to enjoy on the 7 miles of beach — unless you are still taking photos of Durdle Door, of course.