Durdle Door is probably the most famous stone arch anywhere in the world. It was created when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone around 10,000 years ago. Looking west over the beach, isolated stacks out at sea show where an older coastline once lay. This part of the coast is formed from merged bays and shows how Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole may look in several thousand years time.
By following the natural cliff path down to Durdle Door beach, or the steps to Man O’War beach, the tilted Purbeck Beds are clearly visible. At the base of the chalk cliffs a number of caves can be seen which have been carved out by the sea (wave cut notches).
The caves should not be entered as cliff falls are common. Since our visit in June there has been ground movement in Man O’War Bay so there is currently no access to that beach area.
Such a lovely place!
We don’t have white cliffs in Malaysia.
They always fascinate me.
Especially when you take the Dover-Calais ferry, and you look back.
You can see the entire stretch of the White Cliffs of Dover.
The chalk cliffs are fascinating and beautiful
They are unstable and the landscape changes over time.
Strange how persistent soft water always wins the battle with the hard rocks eventually. There is a lesson for us in there, I think.
Nature is in charge and that is indeed a lesson to be learned
Astrid and I were at the Blue Window in Malta a couple years ago, Cherry, and after we were there, it collapsed. So yes, there is much to be learned about Nature…especially in this day and age!
One part of our coastline gets eroded away whilst another builds up. At one time Britain was connected to mainland Europe.
Nature always wins, whatever we try… It is amazing how this coast looks. My kind of place to visit. Great pictures, Cherry.
Yes nature is in control no matter what some humans believe about mans control over nature. Nature always reclaims industrial wasteland when it is no longer used and fallen into decay.
The coastline is spectacular.
Thank you
Beautiful photos – the geology in Dorset is so interesting and fascinating
Thank you
I agree the geology is fascinating 
DD always looks like something 10,000+ years ago. A giant monster come down to the sea for a drink. Lapping up the salt water? You’ve been all around my favourite haunts.
Did you try Dorchester and it’s fabulous market? Dorset Knobs & Blue Vinny Cheese?
Cheers Bernard.
HaHa I had not seen durdle door in that way until you mentioned it.
We didn’t get to Dorchester. It was on our list but the day we planned to visit it was raining there and sunny elsewhere. We opted for the sunny option.
We hope to go back to Dorset and hopefully Dorchester.
Cherie,
I’m so pleased I managed to offer a new prospective of the famous view of DD.
“I’ve looked at things from both sides now” sang Joni Mitchell. Well, I have actually seen DD from both sides. I went on a Paddle Steamer ride from Weymouth and photographed the historic arch from the sea side. If you go to Weymouth, take a coastal trip. It’s fantastic.
Cheers B xx.
PS I expect you can get Dorset Blue Vinney/Vinny from your local Waitrose? (Assuming you are not of course adverse/allergic to blue cheese.) Dorset Knobs on the other hand only come from Dorset. (Hard little round crunchy spheres like ‘bread-sticks’.)
Mr c purchased some Dorset Knobs for his team at work.
His team didn’t take to them. They must be an acquired taste
Wonderful photographs you’ve shared, thank-you.
Our youngest grandchildren visited Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door last year and really enjoyed the area … I’ve not visited for some years, I really must get back again soon.
Have a lovely weekend, I hope the weather will be good.
All the best Jan
Thank you
This was my first proper visit to the area.
I hope you have a great weekend too. I am hoping the weather bucks itself up for the weekend
Splendid views !
if i am correct i saw these chalk cliffs last night on Rick Steve ’s show
truly stunning sights
These views and cliff tops are stunning