ONE of the must do excursions for Weymouth visitors continues to be a day trip to Durdle Door.

For many, a holiday in Dorset is not complete without swimming under the rock arch which stretches out into the sea from the shingle beach.

Each year more than 200,000 walkers use the footpath between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door to view one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks along the Jurassic Coast.

The area’s popularity has been bolstered over the years after featuring in films including the 1967 adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ and the 1997 film ‘Wilde’ starring Stephen Fry.

Rocker Cliff Richard filmed his promotional video for ‘Saviour’s Day’ on the beach and cliff top and later pop band Tears for Fears shot their video promoting ‘Shout’ at the iconic arch.

On a clear day you can see along the Jurassic Coast westwards from Durdle Door towards Portland and eastwards towards Man of War Bay and Lulworth Cove.

Below the cliffs lies a sweeping beach which unfortunately has no facilities, although in summer a mobile kiosk on the path leading to Durdle Door provides ice creams and refreshments.

Eventually the arch will collapse to leave a sea stack such as those that can be seen at Ladram Bay in East Devon. The name Durdle derives from an old English word ‘thirl’, meaning bore or drill.

The formation is a result of the softer rocks being eroded away behind the hard limestones over thousands of years.

To get there from Weymouth head toward Dorchester, then take the A352 signposted for Wool and Wareham.

Towards Wool follow the brown signs for Durdle Door.

Access and car parking is via Durdle Door Holiday Park which leads to a pay and display car park at the top of the cliffs. A short walk and steep steps lead to the beach.

more information visit the area’s website at durdledoor.org.uk

What to do and where to go

August 12, 19, 26 and September 2 – Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Caterpillar Kids at Lorton Meadows.

August 6, 20 and September 3: Lorton Meadows Open Days at the Conservation Centre.

August 6: Frampton’s annual cross-river tug of war. 6pm for a 7pm start.

August 6: St Laurence Church, Upwey, fete from 11am to 3pm.

August 7: BHF Weymouth Bay Swim – a one-mile sea swim to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

August 7: Summer Fayre – Greenhill Gardens, 2pm – 4pm.

August 12-21: The Netherland State Circus – Lodmoor Country Park.

August 9: 10am to 11am Jurassic Coast painting workshop Bridport Arts and Crafts, East Street.

August 8, 22, 29: Beach fireworks.

August 9 to 11: Jurassic Coast fun days at the Salt House, West Bay. Jurassiccoast.com.

August 13: Summer Fete – Easton Gardens, Portland, 10.30am-4pm.

August 13 and 14: Vikings Invade – Children’s Farm, Abbotsbury.

August 13 and 14: Victorian Fayre at the Nothe Fort.

August 13: Frampton Village Hall prize bingo.

August 14: Pirates Day at West Bay.

August 15: Weymouth Angling Society Junior Open – Weymouth Stone Pier, 2pm-4pm.

August 15-20: Weymouth Art Group Annual Art Exhibition – Mulberry Gardens, Weymouth Library.

August 15-26: RS Class Championships – Sailing Academy.

August 16-18: RAF Town Show – Pavilion Forecourt.

August 17: Weymouth Carnival and Air Show and Fireworks.

August 20: Midnight Walk – Weymouth Seafront.

August 21-27: Open Bowls Tournament – Weymouth and Portland Bowls Clubs.

August 26-29: World Village Market on Weymouth harbourside.

August 27-29: Comet Nationals, Sailing Academy.

August 27-September 2: Laser Nationals, Sailing Academy.

August 27 and 28: Weymouth Angling Society Shore Festival – Weymouth.

August 28: Dragon Boat Racing – Weymouth Beach.

August 28: Songs of Praise – Greenhill Gardens, 6pm.

August 29: Weymouth Angling Society Crab Day – Weymouth HQ. 2pm-4pm.

Sept 3-5: Weymouth Angling Society Boat Festival.

Sept 11: Weymouth Classic & Sprint Triathlon.

Until October 31: Smuggling Tours of Weymouth – 700 years of smuggling tales from this Dorset Harbour and Coast. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am until 4pm.

Until October 31: Haunted Harbour Tours – Every Wednesday evening starting and finishing at the Weymouth Old Town Hall by the Boot Inn at 7pm.