Lulworth Cove is one of the most popular destinations on the Dorset coast. It is famed for its horse shoe shape, crystal-clear waters and incredible coastal views. The picturesque cove is part of the Jurassic Coast and is of great geological significance. It represents one of the finest examples of coastal erosion in the world.

Family fun at the beach

On a warm day Lulworth is a hive of activity with plenty of families venturing to the cove to enjoy a day at the beach. It’s a great place for a picnic and the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by. The cove is sheltered due to its unique shape, which means that the sea remains relatively calm even on a windy day. It’s a fantastic place for snorkelling, swimming and kayaking and the rocky outcrops provide hours of rock pooling fun. There is no lifeguard presence so care should be taken in the water.

Geology

Once you’ve admired the beach and dipped your toes in the beautiful blue sea, make sure you take some time to explore the other points of interest nearby. Just a short walk along the coast you will find Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole, which gives an insight into what the cove would have looked like in times gone by. From the viewing platform you can see the early stages of coastal erosion, which includes a small arch, caves and shows the different layers of rocks, which form the cliff.

This slightly elevated position provides unrivalled views of Lulworth cove allowing you to truly appreciate its unique shape.

Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre is free of charge and helps explain how Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove were formed through a number of interesting displays, animations and films.

Eat and drink

There are plenty of options on offer if you fancy a bite to eat during your visit to Lulworth Cove. In addition to an ice cream parlour, fish and chip shop and family friendly pub, you’ll find a tasty café situated just a stone’s throw from the beach. Once a storage hut for local fisherman, the Boat Shed Café is an idyllic place to enjoy a light lunch or snack, whilst taking a moment to admire the beautiful scenery.

Outdoor adventure

If relaxing on the beach is not for you, there are a number of outdoor activities on offer. Throughout the summer, there are daily kayaking trips to Durdle Door as well as coasteering and guided mountain bike rides.

Getting to Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is incredibly popular, especially in the summer months. There is a pay and display car park, which can get extremely busy, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds. The car park is just a short walk from the beach down a tarmacked pathway. There are dedicated disabled parking spaces and spots for motorhomes.

Nearby Durdle Door can be accessed via the coastal path that begins in the car park. The walk takes around 20-30 minutes and can be quite strenuous.

There are public toilets and baby change facilities on offer.

Dogs are allowed on the beach at Lulworth Cove throughout the year.