
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks, and what better way to enjoy its breathtaking scenery than with your four-legged friend by your side? We discuss the top 5 dog-friendly walks. Whether you’re staying at Durdle Door Holiday Park or just visiting the area, there are plenty of scenic trails where you and your pup can explore the beauty of the Jurassic Coast together.
From coastal paths with stunning sea views to woodland trails perfect for a shady stroll, we’ve rounded up the top five dog-friendly walks near Durdle Door Holiday Park. Get ready to discover some of the best routes where you and your pooch can enjoy fresh air, adventure, and plenty of tail-wagging fun! Today we discuss the top 5 dog-friendly walks near Durdle Door holiday park.
Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove
Distance: ~1.5 miles (2.4 km) one way
Time:30-45 minutes (each way)
Difficulty:Moderate – there are some steep sections, but it’s a well-maintained path.
🥾 Why go?This walk offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast, including imposing cliffs, glistening waves, and well-known rock formations like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fossil-rich cliffs, which date back more than 150 million years, are a must-see for geology enthusiasts.Look out for a variety of animals along the route, such as seabirds, butterflies, and maybe even a dolphin.
📍 Highlights:Durdle Door, Man O’ War Bay, Stair Hole, Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove to Fossil Forest & Mupe Bay
Distance:~3 miles (4.8 km) round trip
Difficulty:Moderate – some steep sections and uneven terrain
⏳ Time:2–3 hours
🥾 Why go?This hidden gem offers something for everyone, offering breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast with its turquoise waters, rocky limestone cliffs, and ancient trees that have been preserved in limestone for more than 145 million years. It is unique because of its serene ambience, which makes it the perfect place for anyone who wants to get away from the crowds and take the ideal picture. Wildlife abounds in the region, including butterflies, seagulls, and coastal flowers. Watch out for peregrine falcons that soar over the cliffs; if you’re fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of a seal or dolphin.
📍 Highlights:Due to its military restrictions, Mupe Bay is only accessible when the Lulworth Ranges are open (usually weekends and school holidays).
Durdle Door to White Nothe Cliffs
📏 Distance:~4.5 miles one way
⚡ Difficulty: Challenging– steep ascents and descents, with exposed cliff edges
⏳ Time:3–4 hours
🥾 Why go?This stunning but demanding coastal walk starts from Durdle Door along the Jurassic Coast, passing Bat’s Head, Swyre Head, and Scratchy Bottom before reaching the dramatic White Nothe Cliffs. This walk calls for a decent level of fitness due to high climbs and rough terrain, but it’s absolutely worth it for the stunning panoramic vistas. Make sure you keep your eye peeled for the abundance of wildlife you will see along the seabirds including fulmars, kittiwakes, and peregrine falcons. If you’re fortunate, you may even see seals or dolphins in the lower waters.
📍 Highlights:High cliff views, dramatic coastline, Smugglers Path
Lulworth Range Walks (Tyneham & Worbarrow Bay)
📏 Distance: ~3 miles (4.8 km) round trip(Tyneham to Worbarrow Bay) Extended routes available up to 7+ milesif exploring more of the Lulworth Ranges.
⚡ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
⏳ Time:2–5 hours (varies by route)
🥾 Why go?This walk offers the ideal fusion of stunning coastal views, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes along the Jurassic Coast. Worbarrow Bay, a hidden gem with a serene, pristine beach encircled by striking cliffs and glistening waves, is one of the highlights. Tyneham, Dorset’s “Lost Village,” which was evacuated during World War II and has remained frozen in time since 1943. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, rare birds, and butterflies, making this a truly unique and memorable experience.
📍 Highlights:A deserted village, panoramic sea views, hidden beaches
Ringstead Bay & Osmington Mills
📏 Distance:3.5 miles (5.6 km) one way and miles (11.2 km) round trip
⏳ Time:~1.5 – 2 hours one way / ~3.5 – 4 hours round trip
⚡ Difficulty: Moderate
🥾 Why go?You will see the incredible views of the Jurassic
Coast, Ringstead Bay and Osmington Mills. Ringstead Bay is a fantastic spot for fossil huntingand admiring the fascinating geological formations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Smugglers Inn in Osmington Mills is the ideal halfway point for your walk, where you can savour a well-earned meal or drink while taking in the seaside ambience. This historic pub also has a rich smuggling history, as Osmington Mills was once a well-known hotspot for smugglers.Another highlight along the route is the
Osmington White Horse, a striking chalk figure carved into the hillside, depicting King George IIIon horseback.
📍 Highlights:Unspoiled beaches, Smugglers Inn pub, South West Coast Path
👉 Top Tips for Walkers:
✅ Wear sturdy footwear; paths can be steep and rocky!
✅ Bring water and snacks, especially for longer walks. Don’t forget to bring a water bowl and snacks for your pooch too!
✅ Check tide times if visiting beaches like Mupe Bay.
✅ Be mindful of range closures in the Lulworth Ranges.
We hope you enjoyed our blog on the top 5 dog-friendly walks near Durdle Door Holiday Park. And also discovered some walks around this beautiful sight!
