Lulworth Cove is a beautiful secluded pocket of the Jurassic Coast whose existence is owed to the collision of continents and the birth of the Alps. On offer here is tremendous walking and a fabulous visitor centre.
For those venturing to this area who don't fancy the steep climb up the hill to neighbouring Durdle Door, a day spent at the Cove offers a relaxing, gentle and accessible experience of this section of the Jurassic Coast.
Lulworth Cove is part of the 12,000 acre Lulworth Estate, which has been owned and managed by the Weld family since 1641. The Lulworth Rangers operate out of the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre and are responsible for conservation and visitor management here at the Cove across the estate. The village of West Lulworth sits immediately alongside the Cove.
How to Get There
Lulworth Cove can be easily accessed by car, by taking the turn-off at the village of Winfrith Newburgh if coming from the west, or the turn-off at Holmebridge (just past Wareham) if coming from the east.
The X54 bus connects Lulworth Cove to Weymouth, Bovington Tank Museum and Wool train station. You can also take a taxi from Wool and Wareham stations direct to the Cove.
Car Parking and Facilities
Car parking is available at Lulworth Cove by the Visitor Centre. Please be aware that the car park can get full early in the day during peak season. From the car park it is a five minute walk to the Cove itself.
For the latest parking information and charges, visit Lulworth Estate’s website.
There are toilets available by the car park including accessible toilets. For the disabled toilet please enquire at the Visitor Centre gift shop. (Radar key required.)
Access to the beach is via a gentle and wide pathway, making Lulworth Cove an ideal destination for those with mobility issues. For wheelchair users, please be aware that there is no matting on the beach here.
Beach Information and Dogs
Lulworth Cove is a sheltered cove with white stones on the beach. Because of its sheltered position, bathing is usually safe here.
Dogs are allowed here all year round. If bringing them down to the beach from the car park, please keep them on a lead on the left hand side of the walkway.
Things to See and Do
Pay a visit to the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the Cove and Durdle Door, two of the most iconic geological features on the Jurassic Coast. From the Centre you can book a number of coastal activities, including coasteering, with Lulworth Outdoors.
Walking the South West Coast Path at Lulworth Cove is a brilliant experience, offering stunning views across the Jurassic Coast. Heading east from the Cove brings you to the fascinating Lulworth Fossil Forest, the incredible geological formations of Worbarrow Bay and the abandoned village of Tyneham. Access to this section of the coast is managed by the MOD, so please check their latest Firing Times before planning a walk here. Weekends and designated holiday periods are generally the best time for access.
To the west of the Cove (up a steep hill) is the iconic Durdle Door, and further afield are the lovely coastal hamlets of Osmington Mills and Ringstead.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
The displays, animations and films in the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre tell the story of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, two of the most iconic geological features on the Jurassic Coast.
As the Jurassic Period drew to a close, sea levels were falling. Shallow tropical seas gave way to coastal plains and for a brief period - around 145 million years ago - a forest grew in the area now known as Purbeck. The evidence for the existence of this long lost landscape is exposed to the east of Lulworth Cove on a rocky ledge known as the Lulworth Fossil Forest.
Stay updated and follow us
