Durdle Door Beach

The walk down to Durdle Door takes about fifteen minutes from the car park near West Lulworth, and it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs on the way back up. But when that natural arch comes into view - this massive golden limestone formation rising straight out of the water - you'll understand why people have been photographing it to death on Instagram.

It's a proper geological showpiece. The arch itself is roughly 150 million years old, carved out by the sea over millennia, and on a calm day the water here is clear enough to see the pebbles underwater. You can swim if you're brave - the water's cold, even in summer - or just wade and mess about with a snorkel. The beach itself is shale and pebbles, not sand, so bring proper shoes and expect to be shifting rocks if you want to sit down.

History buffs will appreciate the Jurassic Coast designation; this stretch of Dorset coastline tells the geological story of 185 million years in the rocks themselves. Families with younger kids might find the hike down disappointing if they're expecting an easy seaside day - it's a committed outing, not a casual pop to the beach.

Allow two to three hours minimum, more if you're swimming or exploring the rock pools. Go early to avoid the tour groups. If you're staying at Durdle Door Holiday Park just half a mile away, you've got yourself sorted for a proper beach day without the stress of finding parking elsewhere.