
Pretty UK beach compared to Portugal and California named one of the best in the world
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THE most iconic beaches in the world have been revealed, and one is in the UK.
Durdle Door in Dorset has been named by National Geographic in the list of must-see beaches which includes other coastlines in Australia and the Seychelles.
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Durdle Door has been named as being one of the most iconic beaches in the world
Credit: Alamy
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The beach gets its name from the unique rock formation
Credit: Alamy
National Geographic has declared Durdle Door as a beach "worth travelling for" because of its "showstopper" shore and rock formations.
The beach on the Jurassic Coast is known for its unique natural limestone arch.
The world-famous Durdle Door arch formed over millions of years by erosion caused by the crashing sea.
The beach is a popular spot with approximately 500,000 visitors going to see the impressive coastline every year.
While it may be the only UK beach on the list, Durdle Door has been likened to beaches overseas, especially in the summer.
In recent years, beach-goers have taken to Tripadvisor to rave about the Durdle Door that they've likened to beaches in Portugal or California.
One person wrote: "Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door: Reminded me of the Algarve in Portugal!"
Another added: "You don't feel like you are in the UK. It seems more like Portugal or California."
Durdle Door is such a famous beach that it's even been used in TV series.
In recent years, TV shows like Doctor Who and Far From the Madding Crowd have also been filmed on the beach.
Beachgoers flock to Durdle Door as UK bakes in summer heatwave
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Durdle Door has been used as the backdrop for filming locations
Credit: Alamy
The second season of The Sandman starring Jenna Coleman was also filmed at the holiday hotspot.
The beach has also welcomed the likes of Hollywood when it was used as the backdrop for Pirates of the Caribbean.
The village nearest to Durdle Door is West Lulworth, a beautiful village known for its thatched cottages and window boxes.
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski visited Durdle Door, and revealed that it's actually like.
Sophie said: "Despite the Jurassic Coast being one of the most well-known spots for rambling in the UK, it has managed to remain gloriously peaceful.
"I barely passed another soul during a Sunday hike along the rugged coastal path above Durdle Door a few years back – only a herd of cows munching on the unkempt grass at the top of the cliff.
"Admittedly, things grew a little busier as I approached Lulworth Cove.
"But that's no surprise with a horseshoe-shaped pebble bay and turquoise waters that could rival those in the Caribbean."
These are the six cleanest beaches in the UK where you can safely swim in the sea this summer.
Plus the world's best beaches with one in the UK making the list – alongside Thailand and Bahamas.
14 Iconic Beaches By National Geographic
Hoshizuna-No-Hama Beach, Japan
Reynisfjara, Iceland
Elafonisi Beach, Greece
Butiama Beach, Tanzania
Durdle Door, England
Pantai Merah, Indonesia
Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
Baía do Sancho, Brazil
Bowman's Beach, United States
Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles
Praia da Marinha, Portugal
Papakōlea Beach, United States
Chesterman Beach, Canada
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
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