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A local’s guide to the top attractions and things to do in Lulworth Cove (and nearby)…
Nestled on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove is a stunning, arc-shaped cove that makes for a brilliant day out. It’s a beautiful area, home to several unique geological formations and breathtaking scenery. Almost circular, with a narrow entrance and calm, flat waters, the cove is a perfect spot for beach days, cliff walks, fossil hunting, and exploring the nearby villages.
Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, hiker, adventure lover, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to unwind, Lulworth Cove has something for everyone. Enjoy…
Things to do in Lulworth Cove
In a hurry? There’s a map and a quick version of this list at the bottom of the page.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Lulworth Cove
1. Enjoy The Beach
Take a walk along the shingle to admire the towering white cliffs. It’s not much of a sunbathing beach, but the sheltered cove can be a good swimming spot in warmer months (although be aware that there are no lifeguards present).
The (usually) calm waters and stunning scenery make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea. You can also explore the rock pools at low tide, which are teeming with marine life.
2. Walk the Coast Path
Explore the breathtaking coastal paths around Lulworth Cove. You can walk to Durdle Door via the 1-mile coast path over the cliffs, or head around the cove to visit the Fossil Forest (more on that below).
For a longer walk, try my 5-mile circular walk to Durdle Door and back via Scratchy Bottom, Hambury Tout, and Bindon Hill. This route offers spectacular views of the coastline and a chance to see some of the area’s unique geological formations. The walk is moderately challenging, with some steep climbs, but the panoramic views are well worth the effort. Click here for my route guide.
3. Don’t Skip the Visitor Centre
Discover the area’s geology and history at the Visitor Centre, which you’ll find next to the main car park. It’s a small but well-presented discovery centre where you can learn about the formation of Lulworth Cove, Stair Hole, and Durdle Door through interactive displays and exhibits.
You can also see some local fossils and pick up guidebooks, maps, and advice for nearby walks. The Visitor Centre is a great starting point for your visit to Lulworth.
4. Admire Stair Hole
Explore Stair Hole, a fascinating geological formation near Lulworth Cove with several small caves, arches, and blowholes. Known for its unique rock formations, particularly the “Lulworth Crumple” (a section of dramatically folded and twisted rock layers ), it’s a great spot to observe the power of natural forces at work.
Getting There: From the car park, head through or around the Visitor Centre and turn right onto Britwell Drive. Just up the road, the coast path veers off uphill, signposted for Stair Hole. You can also follow the path from the other end, where it connects with the beach.
5. Explore the Fossil Forest
Explore the Fossil Forest, the remains of an ancient submerged forest from the Jurassic period – approximately 135 million years ago! This unique site offers a glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past and is a must-see for geology enthusiasts. The fossilized tree stumps were preserved after being encased in sediment, providing a fascinating window into the ancient world.
Getting There: The Fossil Forest can be reached via the South West Coast Path. Follow this walking guide to get there.
6. Try Coasteering with Lulworth Outdoors
For adventure lovers, Lulworth Outdoors offers activities like coasteering, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while enjoying some thrilling activities.
Coasteering involves climbing, jumping, and swimming along the rocky coastline, offering a hands-on and up-close look at the unique geology of the area.
7. Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak
Try paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm waters of Lulworth Cove. It’s a fun and relaxing way to explore the cove and nearby sea caves – and enjoy the stunning scenery – from a different perspective. Paddleboarding is suitable for all skill levels (although beginners should seek some advice from the rental shop before starting out) and is a great way to get close to the cliffs and marine life.
Where to Rent: Lulworth Activities rents paddleboards, kayaks, and other beach equipment. Contact them to reserve, or find them next to the entrance to the beach (on sunny days).
8. Visit the Doll’s House
Visit the Doll’s House, a tiny, traditional-style English sweet shop. This charming little shop offers a variety of homemade sweets, chocolates, and fudge. There’s also a stall outside selling coffees and local Baboo Gelato.
9. Walk to West Lulworth Village
Take a stroll through West Lulworth Village, a very scenic village with pretty cottages and a historic church. It’s just up the road from Lulworth Cove (about a 15-minute walk) and offers a charming glimpse into local life. Don’t miss the Holy Trinity Church, built from local Purbeck stone in 1870 on the site of a much older church.
10. Walk to Durdle Door
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Durdle Door, an iconic rock archway on the Jurassic Coast. There’s a steep but relatively easy 1-mile path over the cliff to reach it from Lulworth. The views are breathtaking, and it’s a fantastic spot for photography. The natural limestone arch is one of the most photographed landmarks in the area, and the beach below is perfect for a picnic or a swim.
Top Tip: If you don’t want to walk, the car park ticket at Lulworth Cove also includes parking at Durdle Door. Alternatively, you can take the bus. Read more in my guide here.
11. Visit Lulworth Castle
Just up the road from Lulworth Cove, you can visit Lulworth Castle, a historic castle dating from the 17th century with an impressive facade and four crenellated towers. It was partly destroyed by a fire in 1929 and has been extensively restored – although not much remains in the way of furniture or decoration inside.
Lulworth Castle is set within beautiful grounds, with landscaped gardens, a tiny chapel, and an extensive network of walks across the parkland and woodlands. The grounds are free to visit (you just have to pay for parking) or you can buy tickets to explore inside the castle.
Top Tip: A ticket for Lulworth Cove Car Park also includes parking at Lulworth Castle, so you can visit both attractions for one parking fee. Discover more Dorset castles here.
Map and quick Version
- The Beach – white shingle, calm water, and high cliffs.
- Coast Path – there are plenty of coastal trails nearby.
- Visitor Centre – local history, geology, and fossils.
- Stair Hole – a unique rock formation on the coast path near Lulworth.
- Fossil Forest – prehistoric tree stumps.
- Lulworth Outdoors – coasteering and other adventures.
- Paddleboard – head to Lulworth Activities to rent equipment.
- Doll’s House – a traditional sweet shop in a tiny cottage.
- West Lulworth Village – scenic village with a historic church.
- Durdle Door – an iconic rock arch, accessible via a 1-mile coast path.
- Lulworth Castle – historic castle with extensive grounds to explore.
Need more info to plan your visit? Our Lulworth Cove Travel Guide covers getting there, parking information, restaurant recommendations, and places to stay.
Whether you’re strolling along the white shingle beach beneath towering chalk cliffs, wandering the charming village of West Lulworth, or exploring the area’s unique geological features, Lulworth Cove is a must-visit destination on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
Got a question about visiting Lulworth Cove? Scroll down to leave a comment and we’ll get back to you!
