Lulworth Cove is a well known beauty spot on the Dorset Coast, which together with Durdle Door just a mile to the west, provides some of the most dramatic scenery to be found anywhere on the British coastline. The cove was formed when the sea broke through a narrow gap in the hard Portland stone and carved out a large circular bay in the softer chalk rocks behind. The area is also noteworthy for the vertical rock formations of the Lulworth crumple and Stair Hole, which are close to the western promontory of the cove. The Dorset coast also has a fairly dark sky, making it a good location for astro-photography.
One mile to the west of Lulworth Cove is Durdle Door, one of the most famous sea arches in the world. This is served by its own car park, or can be reached by a short and popular walk from Lulworth Cove.
East of Lulworth Cove lie the Lulworth ranges, used for military practice during the week. At weekends however the ranges are open for walkers on marked paths, and the images below are taken from a walk from Lulworth Cove over Bindon Hill and returning along the coast. On the return leg, this route passes the geologic feature known as the fossil forest, where the outline of the base of ancient trees has been preserved in the rocks.
Lulworth Cove is a popular beach resort, so the small village is very well served with cafes, restaurants and places to stay, but this also means it becomes very busy at weekends during the summer.
Location and Parking
Postcode: BH20 5RQ
There is a car park in the village of Lulworth Cove at the above postcode. Durdle Door can be reached by walking west from the car park over Hambury Tout (1 mile and 220ft climb). Alternatively there is a car park for Durdle Door at postcode BH20 5PU.
