ONE of the UK’s most popular beaches has been forced to close to the public indefinitely.
Access to Durdle Door beach, famous for its unique rock formation and fossil hunting, remains shut until further notice due to storm damage.
The beach on the Jurassic Coast has been closed after storms destroyed part of the steps.
The bottom section was swept away leaving a steep drop.
Lulworth Estate announced that the path to Durdle Door beach has been temporarily closed for “public safety”.
A spokesperson told the BBC: “Weather conditions may continue to affect the coastline and the Lulworth Estate team encourages everyone to exercise caution and respect temporary closures put in place for public safety.”
Visitor access to nearby Man O’ War beach remains open.
Lulworth Estate said storms had resulted in “significant disruption to coastal access” and the safety of visitors remained its “highest priority”.
There’s no timeline for the reopening of the path – but Lulworth Estate said it would provide updates.
The beach is a popular spot with approximately 500,000 visitors going to see the impressive coastline every year.
Last summer, Durdle Door was named by National Geographic in the list of must-see beaches, which includes some in Australia and the Seychelles.
National Geographic declared Durdle Door as a beach “worth travelling for” because of its “showstopper” shore and rock formations.
Some have even compared Durdle Door to beaches overseas.
One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door: Reminded me of the Algarve in Portugal!”
Another added: “You don’t feel like you are in the UK. It seems more like Portugal or California.”
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski reveals what it’s actually like to visit Durdle Door – and why you should visit when it’s back open.
She said: “Despite the Jurassic Coast being one of the most well-known spots for rambling in the UK, it has managed to remain gloriously peaceful.
“I barely passed another soul during a Sunday hike along the rugged coastal path above Durdle Door a few years back – only a herd of cows munching on the unkempt grass at the top of the cliff.
“Admittedly, things grew a little busier as I approached Lulworth Cove. But that’s no surprise with a horseshoe-shaped pebble bay and turquoise waters that could rival those in the Caribbean.
“Make sure to wander over to Fossil Forest while you’re here too, where you can observe ripples of an ancient sea floor within the rocks and fossilised remains of old tree stumps that date back to the dinosaur era.”
For more beaches, here are our 26 must-visit ones for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.
And here are five British beaches that are even better in winter – with warmer waters, most sunshine hours and no tourists.