Lulworth Cove

A cove with a narrow door

Lulworth Cove is a near-circular bay on the Dorset Jurassic Coast, and the shape is the point. A thin band of Portland limestone forms the shoreline, with a narrow gap that the sea cut through it. Waves bend through that gap and spread into an arc, which is why the beach curves like a horseshoe. Behind the limestone sit softer clays and greensands, then chalk at the back of the bay.

The beach itself is white pebbles.

Rock pools, swimming and care on the coast

At low tide the rock pools fill with sea creatures, and rock-pooling is the main draw for families (Lulworth Estate). The estate also lists watersports here.

Treat swimming with caution. The estate’s Durdle Door page warns that cliff falls are common along this coast and that visitors should not go into caves, so stay out from under the cliffs at the edges of the bay.

Dogs

Dogs are permitted on the left hand side of the slipway at Lulworth Cove. Dog rules on Dorset beaches are set by council order, so check Dorset Council’s dog page before travelling.

Parking and facilities

The car park is pay and display, with tariffs by length of stay. The Lulworth Estate appoints NSGL Parking to manage and enforce parking across the estate. Cars towing caravans and large oversized camping vehicles cannot park there. Details are on the estate’s parking page. Accessible parking and accessible toilets are on site, and the car park surface is chalky gravel.

The Boat Shed Cafe sits at the water’s edge. The visitor centre can be reached on 01929 400587.

The estate works with Countryside Mobility on off-road scooters to Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole, booked through the visitor centre.

Stair Hole and Durdle Door

A short way west is Stair Hole, a younger cove that shows what Lulworth Cove looked like in its early stages. From the viewpoint you can see caves, blow-holes and arches, and the folded rock known as the Lulworth Crumple.

Durdle Door is a different place with its own beach, reached by a steep walk down from its cliff-top car park. A well-used path crosses the hill between the two. See Durdle Door beach for that side of the walk.