From 'just gorgeous' to 'poor': What recent Tripadvisor reviews say about Durdle Door

With possibly the most famous stone arch anywhere in the world, tourists flock to the beauty spot throughout the year to enjoy its scenic views, coastal walk or a paddle in the sea.

Reviewers appear to be huge fans of the coastal spot on Tripadvisor, with a four-and-a-half rating based on 4,035 reviews.

A trip to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is currently the favourite thing for tourists interested in nature and wildlife to do in Dorset, with a five-out-of-five rating on Tripadvisor.

We have rounded up some of the most recent reviews of Durdle Door, with some enthusiastic users describing it as a ‘great spot’ and ‘picturesque’ while some disappointed reviewers said their visit was ‘poor’ and its beach was ‘overcrowded’.

• Read more - The best secret beaches in Dorset

‘Stunning views’

One user wrote about their visit in June: “Stunning views from the top.

“The sea was crystal clear, loved the tea van at top as it's long walk down to beach and sea but even longer climb back up.”

‘Fantastic scenery – but choose your time to visit carefully’

One five-out-of-five review reads: “We went in the evening which turned out to be the best time to visit Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door as the light was perfect.

“It cost £5 for four hours car parking irrespective of how long you plan to stay.

“Once parked, do wear walking boots as the path down to the cliff is VERY STEEP and rocky.

“Do not wear flip flops or sandals as you likely to come away with a sprained ankle or worse tripping over and breaking a bone!

“Fantastic shots of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove and you can go down the steps to the beach. I can imagine that this spot would get very crowded so choose your time to visit carefully.”

‘Poor stay at overcrowded beach’

One disappointed tourist wrote: “Overcrowded and full of people with no common sense.

“Long walk to beach due to parking being full. Drunk youths overtaking the beach creating a non- family friendly environment.”

Durdle Door captured in the glow of the sunset by Echo Camera Club member Sara Regina Cseke

‘We will definitely return’

Describing her stay as ‘fabulous’, one tourist wrote: “We had such a great visit to Lulworth Cove, walking to Durdle Door and back.

“The car park was easy to find and we arrived early-ish to make sure we could get a space as the weather was so nice we knew it would be busy.

“Parking was £5 for four hours and that was plenty of time for us. The walk from Lulworth Cove is very steep, much steeper than I remembered having completed the same walk many years before, but the path is clear and well maintained.

“Once at Durdle Door the walk felt very worth it, and the view was amazing. We will definitely return.”

‘Waste of time’

Writing about his experience in early June, one man was unhappy with his visit to Dorset.

It appears he took particular offence at the car park, especially with its payment method.

He wrote: “Car park charges are horrific, don't take cash!

“As with others today, didn't stay and definitely won't be back.”

One positive review about Durdle Door from a tourist from Watford. Picture: Tripadvisor

‘Stunning!’

One user wrote: “A must when visiting around the area and we stayed in Swanage. Lots of lovely places to eat, which you will need to book, and a lovely stone beach.

“Pay for parking is quite reasonable. Quite busy when we went on half term holiday so prepare for queues.

“You can also either walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door or drive round and use the same parking ticket.”

‘It is just gorgeous’

One user wrote about their recent visit: “Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is just gorgeous, we had a lovely sunny day therefore the views were stunning.

“We took the dogs with us who enjoyed the walks too and of course swimming in the sea.”