Durdle Door, Lands End

Congratulations on making it to Man O War Bay.

For fans of Jurassic coastlines, the open chalk coves of this part of Dorset are a draw for lovers of beautiful British beaches and amateur and professional geologists alike. Durdle Door itself even has some unlikely cousins; when the African and European tectonic plates collided some 25 million years ago, the same event created the Alps as well as this strange limestone structure.

Part of the Lulworth Estate, the arch itself is actually privately owned, but the shingle beach is open to the public via a footpath over the hill from Lulworth Cove. The locals will also refer to the area as Man O War Bay, although you won't find this on the Ordnance Survey Map - the official name is St. Oswald's Bay - the area is particularly popular with snorkelers and swimmers, although it's worth being aware that a speed boat regularly brings in visitors from Lulworth Cove; a bright swimming hat is a must!