Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is one of the most spectacular and best-know features of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
But what is it?
It is a highly picturesque, almost circular bay with bright blue water surrounded by tall cliffs, which has been sculpted by the sea.
Geology
It is the geology that pulls in thousands of tourists each year.
This secluded cove owes its existence to the collision of continents 25 million years ago at the birth of the Alps.
Ripples from that collision spread north through the earth’s crust and gently folded the rocks here at the Dorset Coast AONB.
Lulworth Cove and neighbouring Durdle Door lie in the heart of one of these folds, where the rock layers have been tilted steeply.
You can see these crumbled and twisted sedimentary rocks when you walk along the cove.
It is utterly amazing to see these unique landforms such as the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
How to get there
We went out of season when the tourists and school parties are gone. The cove’s magic returns and the surrounding coastal paths are quieter.
Lulworth Cove can be reached from a giant car park at West Lulworth village. Be aware that you need to pay for parking.
The parking tickets are not interchangeable between the carparks on Lulworth Estate. So, if you visit Lulworth Castle and Durdle Door after visiting Lulworth Cove, you will need to pay again (and again).
Walking
Most people walk west from Lulworth Cove over Hambury Tout to Man o’War Bay and Durdle Door.
Its only 1,5 mile but steep in parts. At the top of those climbs you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the Dorset coastline.
From Durdle Door we continued along the South West Coast Path towards Bat’s Head and returned inland back to Lulworth Cove.
This 6,5-mile circular offers stunning views of the South West Coast Path snaking along the edge of the bright white limestone cliffs as far as the Isle of Portland.
Or you can head eastwards from Lulworth Cove to the Fossil Forest.
The forest is within the Lulworth Firing Range and can only be visited when the range is open.
Please check at the Lulworth Heritage Centre for the precise dates before embarking on this 4-mile circular walk.
You can extend this walk and include Bindon Hill. You will walk high above Lulworth Cove, enjoying spectacular views over land and sea.
South West Coast Path
This section of the South West Coast Path along Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is epic.
If you are up for a challenge, then why not complete the 10-mile Lulworth Endurance Run.
The run heads high over the downs before turning back at the Burning Cliffs and returning along the rollercoaster of the South West Coast Path.
Don’t be discouraged, you can always walk instead of running!
Cool Places to Explore: Durdle Door | Lulworth Castle | Isle of Portland | Isle of Purbeck | Corfe Castle.
Cool Places to Eat: The Boat Shed Café | The Castle Inn.
