Lulworth Cove is an ideal place to visit throughout the year. It’s a popular location choice for locals and tourists alike. The cove was formed around 10,000 years ago by the sea, and provides a lovely spot for a walk along the coastline or across the Jurassic Coast hills.
Lulworth is famous for its unique geology including Stair Hole and the Lulworth crumple. As geology has changed over time the flat sedimentary beds have changed into twisted shapes and patterns.
Whether you visit on a grey day without any sunshine, or a bright day filled with sunshine, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views.
Lulworth Cove has a pebble beach which can be quite difficult to navigate sometimes. It’s not a pushchair friendly beach, and not very suitable for non abled walkers. During low tide, the beach is a great place to find rock pools.
Parking At Lulworth Cove
When you arrive at Lulworth Cove, you’ll be greeted by the large car park with plenty of space even on a busy day very close to the amenities including toilets and refreshments (BH20 5RQ).
Parking is chargeable by the hour or the day, with the day rate being better value for money if you are staying for a while.
There is also limited free parking on the road side by Holy Trinity Church, Church Road, West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5RY. I would recommend arriving early if you want to get a spot however as it gets very busy, especially in peak season.
Things To Do At Lulworth Cove
Why not start at the beach and enjoy a picnic. Lulworth is very dog friendly, so if you’re taking your dog, they can have a swim in the sea. It does get quite deep quickly so be careful not to throw a ball out too far. On a chilly day you may be more exposed to the elements, however find a sheltered spot around the cove near the cliffs and you’ll stay warm.
You can spend hours wandering around the coastline taking in the scenery and wearing out the dog. If you’re looking to take some fresh fish home then you’ll be spoilt for choice in the tiny shops near the cove as you walk back towards the car park. Or try Finley’s fish and chips takeaway as a treat at the end of a busy day. If you fancy a pub meal or a drink, the Lulworth Cove Inn is conveniently located at the entrance to the cove.
Just at the top of the cove there is a large grassy area and would also make a great place for a picnic if you didn’t want to venture down onto the beach. A lot of the cliffs at the top are roped off as they have been eroding over the years so you can’t venture too far. There were some very daft people taking a lot of risks however.
A visit to the Heritage Centre is a great place to visit to learn more about the history of Lulworth and the surrounding area of the Jurassic Coast. Whilst you’re here, you can take visit the quaint shops including the Dolls House. A pretty cottage serving traditional cream teas in the garden, and selling sweets and fudge to tempt you. Dogs are also welcome.
Walks From Lulworth Cove
Durdle Door
The famous Durdle Door is around a 30 minute walk away from Lulworth Cove. The walk is averagely challenging, but mainly suitable for all.
Your walk begins from Lulworth Cove car park and across the coastal path at the back of the car park. There is an incline the beginning of your walk, but levels out at the top for a short distance before the descent down to Durdle Door.
Mupe Bay
If you fancy a challenge, then Mupe Cove is just 2 miles away, but requires a big hill climb that’s only accessible when the Army ranges are open. Your walk begins along the shingle cove to the far side where you’ll find steps to climb out of the cove. Through the fossil forest and out at the top of the lookout point across Lulworth Cove.
The army ranges are just behind you, and are generally opt on weekend, but it’s always best to check in advance. Across a lovely flat walk for a while enjoying the views, you’ll discover a large hill in the distance. Mupe Bay is just down from this hill and is accessed via steps down to the beach. The Mupe Bay walk isn’t wheelchair or pushchair friendly though.
It’s easy to see why staying the UK for holiday’s is so popular! Those views! It could easily be in the South of France or something. It’s a shame it’s sooo far away for us up here in Northumberland, but we have pretty awesome places too.
xo
we love this part of dorset, and loved our brief visit to Lulworth, really must make the time to go back as it was a little wet the day we went. I bet its beautiful in the sunshine, and out of the wind.
We wanted to visit Lulworth Cove on our recent family holiday but thought it might have been a bit tricky with our disabled relative. Looks beautiful, however, so I think a return trip will be in order at some point! 🙂