The UK boasts an impressive coastline, and some of our beaches even rival the likes of the Caribbean’s tropical shores, complete with white sand and crystal clear water. Nothing quite beats a trip to the seaside during the warmer months either, and while there are plenty of pretty towns home to some of the UK’s favourite beaches, one beach has been voted one of the best in the world.
Although Cornwall and Devon are home to some of the UK’s prettiest beaches, this beach lies further along the coast in neighbouring Dorset. It was voted one of the best beaches in the world by National Geographic, and one you should visit in your lifetime, Time Out have reported. Famed for its unique shoreline, besides being voted one of the best beaches in the world, Durdle Door in Dorset is also said to be one of the most photographed beaches in the country.
Located along the UK’s 96-mile-long Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door attracts approximately 500,000 visitors a year thanks to the natural rock arch located on the beach that makes it a famous landmark.
The name Durdle comes from the Old English word wordthir, meaning to pierce, bore or drill, and was used to describe the arch. With many saying the rock looks like a dragon drinking seawater, geologists believe the arch was formed as a result of waves crashing into the cliff over millions of years and eventually eroding the limestone.
Estimated to be 140 million years old, the famous rocks on the beach have even appeared in several music videos for famous musicians, including Billy Ocean and Tears for Fears, and the landscape also featured in Nanny McPhee.
Speaking of the beach, National Geographic said: “On Dorset’s magnificent Jurassic Coast — a UNESCO World Heritage site along the southeastern shores of England — this beach and its namesake limestone arch are absolute showstoppers.”
If you’re planning on making a trip, it’s advised that the journey down to the beach can be steep and unstable to navigate at times, and there’s no lifeguard on duty.
One Tripadvisor user said: “The views are amazing, but be prepared for a walk. Wear comfortable shoes and maybe take some water with you.”
A car park is located a 15-minute walk away from the beach, but getting onto the beach requires walking down more than 100 steps from the cliff top. It’s worth noting that access to the beach isn’t permitted after 9pm either.
If getting down to the beach isn’t possible, Time Out recommends simply walking along the coastal path to Lulworth Cove, taking in the view from above.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
