Durdle Door Holiday Park

The limestone arch rising from golden cliffs at Durdle Door is one of those sights that stops you mid-stride. This natural rock formation juts into the sea near West Lulworth, and it's genuinely impressive - a proper geological showstopper that's been here for millions of years, slowly carved by waves and weather.

Getting down to the beach involves a steep descent through a small caravan park, then a fairly knackering walk across shale and pebbles. Budget twenty minutes from the car park if you're reasonably fit; it's not dangerous but it's not a stroll either. The arch itself is best appreciated from the beach - you can wade out a bit to get under it, though the water's cold even in summer.

History buffs will appreciate the Jurassic Coast context; this stretch of Dorset coastline is UNESCO-listed and tells 185 million years of geological story. Photographers flock here at dawn and sunset when the light turns the cliff face amber. Families with young children should think carefully - the beach is shingle, not sand, and that walk back up gets tedious for little legs.

If you're based at Durdle Door Holiday Park itself, you're basically on the doorstep. Others staying at Purbeck Glamping or Ringstead Bay Camping are within a thirty-minute drive. It's worth half a morning, longer if you're into geology or taking pictures. Go early or late to dodge the Instagram crowds - midday in summer is rammed.