Guide to Lulworth Cove

Coastal, Days out, Destinations

Posted by Clare Willcocks on 9th December 2024

Boats bob in turquoise water which laps the white beach at Lulworth Cove.

The chances are, even if you haven’t been to Lulworth Cove, you’ve seen a photo (or many) of this iconic section of the UK coastline. At Lulworth Cove, clear, blue water laps a shell-shaped arc of beach, backed by scenic cliffs.

Set on the Jurassic Coast, just along from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove is a popular spot for visitors drawn in by its inspiring scenery. There are things to do aplenty; enjoy all sorts of water sports, discover sea creatures in the rock pools or go rambling along the coast path.

Those interested in geology will love learning about the incredible landforms and rocks that are visible in the area, while nature enthusiasts will delight in the flora and fauna of the expansive Lulworth Estate. Come and discover Lulworth Cove for yourself with a stay in one of our Lulworth cottages.

Holiday cottages in Lulworth


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A person walking along the cliffs. | A walker sitting on the clifftop. | The whole of Lulworth Cove is an almost circle.

Lulworth Cove FAQs

The near-circular shape of Lulworth Cove was formed when weaker rock was eroded behind an outer edge of harder rock, resulting in a narrow entrance opening into a broad cove. Wave diffraction over around 10,000 years has honed its distinctive form.

Lulworth Cove is an incredibly beautiful place, thanks to its secluded and sheltered beach, which also makes it perfect for bathing. Its unique geology and landforms such as the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole are also interesting features.

Yes, it is a lovely, sheltered beach, perfect for swimming, particularly on a warm, summer’s day. The tempting blue water is reminiscent of an exotic travel brochure, so make sure you pack your swimsuit on a visit!

Lulworth Cove is part of the Lulworth Estate, which has been owned and managed by the Weld family since 1641. The estate encompasses over 20 square miles of Dorset countryside, including 5 miles of the coast.


Steep cliffs drop down to the crystal-clear water of Lulworth Cove.

Things to do in Lulworth Cove

There is a wealth of things to do in Lulworth Cove, all revolving around the attractive beach and the coastline. Swimming is a popular pastime here, due to the sheltered water. As the tide recedes, rockpools teaming with life are revealed – if you have the patience and nimbleness to explore.

Take to a paddleboard or kayak to get a different perspective on this stretch of coast – activity providers such as Lulworth Activities hire out equipment and advise on where you can go.

Looking down into stair hole. | The approach to Lulworth Castle, a grand, white building rising into the sky.

If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, take a hike along the coast path to take in some more spectacular scenery. Head west and you’ll first pass the small cove of Stair Hole, with its interesting, folded limestone strata, known as the Lulworth Crumple. Continue a short way and the iconic arch of Durdle Door is sure to take your breath away. From Lulworth Cove, you can walk for a day or an hour in either direction – see our walks section below for ideas.

If the weather’s not right for the beach, pivot inland to discover Lulworth Castle and Park. Outside the winter months, you can explore the inside of the castle, and the extensive and beautiful grounds are lovely for a stroll at any time of year. In fact, it features among our best castles in Dorset.


Sunset at Lulworth Cove, with cliffs in the background and rocks in the foreground.

Lulworth Cove Beach

Lulworth Cove Beach is an almost circular pebble beach, hugged by cliffs. There are no lifeguards, but given its sheltered position, it is relatively safe to swim here (depending on the conditions). Time your visit wisely, as although there is always some beach, at high tide, it becomes a small sliver, compared to the broader swathe when the tide is out.

Visit at low tide and you’ll have the opportunity to hunt around in the rock pools, one of the best things to do in Lulworth Cove with kids.

Good to know

  • Location: West Lulworth, Dorset BH20 5RQ | what3words ///flips.goose.match
  • Type of beach: Pebble
  • Lifeguards: No
  • Dogs: Yes, but restrictions apply – dogs welcome all year to the left-hand-side of the slipway
  • Parking: Pay-and-display car park 300 metres from the beach – more information in the parking section below
  • Facilities: WCs 80 metres (including accessible WC), visitor centre with WCs (including accessible WC) 280 metres, all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter available for hire, beach cafes, pub 200 metres

Lulworth Cove walks

The Jurassic Coast of Dorset offers up mile-upon-mile of splendid walking terrain, not least the beautiful stretch around Lulworth Cove. Whether you want to head inland to discover West Lulworth and Lulworth Castle or enjoy a scenic ramble along the clifftops, one of the following walks is for you.


The strange shapes of the Fossil Forest at Lulworth Cove. | A boat speeding past the Fossil Forest.

Lulworth Cove and the Fossil Forest

Discover the whole of Lulworth Cove on this walk, which also takes in the Fossil Forest – the petrified remains of a Jurassic cypress forest – as well as the fascinating geological features of Stair Hole. Perfect for young children or a short dog walk, it starts with a stroll along the beach and has an avoidable hill if you’ve got particularly unwilling young walkers with you!

Good to know


A lady throws her arms wide as she looks at Durdle Door from the cliftop.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

Take in two of the most striking sights on the Jurassic Coast with this spectacular walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door. You won’t have to retrace your steps, as the route loops back around and returns via an inland path over fields. At the easternmost point of the trail, before turning inland, you might like to tag on a detour up the headland at White Nothe to admire the views.

Good to know


Thatched cottages in West Lulworth. | Clear blue water laps Lulworth Cove Beach.

Lulworth Cove Beach and West Lulworth Village

This walk is perfect to make a day of a visit to Lulworth Cove. Spend some time down on the beach, before making your way inland to the village, where you’ll pass a number of tempting eateries and pubs en route, promising sustenance, whatever tickles your taste buds. The thatched buildings and pretty lanes act as a reminder that you are, in fact, in a quaint English village, not in the Mediterranean climes that the beach would have you believe!

Good to know


White water around the rocks of Mupe Bay, where steep cliffs drop down to the sea.

Lulworth Cove Beach and Mupe Bay

Taking in the beach and the scenery to the east, this Lulworth Cove walk is a pleasant alternative to those mentioned above and also hits some interesting highlights, including the Fossil Forest and the rock formations at Mupe Bay, where you can descend onto the rocky beach. Mupe Bay is within the Lulworth Firing Range and is sometimes closed to the public for safety reasons, please check the government website before setting out.

Good to know


Lulworth Cove restaurants and pubs

For such a small place, Lulworth Cove has lots of choices when it comes to eateries. We’ve picked out a few for your itinerary below. There are enough Lulworth Cove pubs and cafes for you to choose one a day for a week!


The Boat Shed Cafe sits on the beach at Lulworth Cove. | A portion of delicious fish and chips.

The Boat Shed Cafe

Boasting arguably the best view out of all of Lulworth Cove’s eateries, The Boat Shed Cafe, perches right on the beach, catering for your foodie needs at any time of the day, whether you’re looking for breakfast, coffee, a light lunch or afternoon tea. The fully licensed cafe has a pleasant terrace, where you can sip on your choice of tipple while tucking into one of their seasonal dishes from the menu.

Good to know

  • Location: Lulworth Cove, West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5RQ | what3words ///faded.poet.englighten
  • Opening times: 8am–6pm daily
  • Why not try: Fish and chips by the seaside

Two scones with jam and cream in pots, on a blue plate.

The Dolls House

This pretty little green cottage is a Grade-II listed building, once home to local fishermen, it’s now the destination for visitors with a sweet tooth! In keeping with its chocolate-box cottage appearance, The Dolls House sells a range of sweets, luxury fudge, ice cream and cream teas. Few pleasures are more of a delight than sitting in the pretty garden in the sunshine, feasting on a tasty treat after a walk on the beach.

Good to know

  • Location: Main Road, West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5RQ | what3words ///vegans.depravity.forgiven
  • Opening times: 10am–4.30pm (seasonal opening hours may apply)
  • Why not try: A scrumptious cream tea and a bag of sweets

Tasty-looking mussels in a bowl. | Hands hold a succulent burger with bites taken out of it.

The Lulworth Cove Inn

A tasty pub meal at The Lulworth Cove Inn is the perfect reward after a romp along the Jurassic Coast. The dog-friendly, family-friendly pub offers a welcoming environment for a quick lunch or a leisurely evening meal. With traditional dishes ranging from burgers to fish and chips, and some twists on pub favourites such as nduja chicken supreme, there’s something to suit all tastebuds.

Good to know

  • Location: Main Road, West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5RQ | what3words ///plunger.glow.sunblock
  • Opening times: Monday–Thursday 11.30am–10pm, Friday and Saturday 10.30am–10.30pm, Sunday 10.30am–8.30pm
  • Why not try: Chargrilled steak frites

A man is driving, while a lady in the passenger seat next to him is smiling at her phone – they both look happy.

Lulworth Cove car parks

Lulworth Cove is a very popular place and can get busy in summer. At times, the Lulworth Cove Estate pay-and-display car park may be full, so it’s best to arrive early to guarantee a spot. There is some very limited free roadside parking in West Lulworth – Church Road in particular – but again, this gets busy quickly and is a 0.5-mile walk from the beach.

It’s good to note that if you’re planning to visit Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Lulworth Castle on the same day, you can use the same permit you bought at either Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove.

Lulworth Cove car park information

  • Lulworth Cove car park location: West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5RS | what3words ///truffles.prospect.catapult
  • Price: Car all day £20, car 4 hours £10, motorhome/minibus £30, motorcycle £5, coach £45. Please note, charges apply for disabled parking. Tickets bought at Lulworth Cove Car Park also cover Durdle Door Car Park and Lulworth Castle Car Park when used on the same day (tickets bought at Lulworth Castle Car Park are only valid at the castle).
  • Distance from beach: 300 metres
  • Accessibility: Accessible spaces in the car park next to the visitor centre

Map of things to do in Lulworth Cove

Find all of the places to eat and things to do in Lulworth Cove on our handy map.

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Stay with us near Lulworth Cove

If you’ve found this article inspiring, why not book a stay in one of our Lulworth cottages? Conveniently located for accessing Lulworth Cove and the Jurassic Coast, our collection includes properties ranging from quaint cottages for two, to large group houses for memorable get-togethers. Start looking forward to your Lulworth holiday today.

Holiday cottages in Lulworth

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.