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All you need to know
With its dramatic coastal scenery including Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, sleepy villages filled with pretty thatched cottages and welcoming pubs, stunning countryside, fabulous walking and historic castle, Lulworth is the jewel in the crown of the Jurassic Coast.
Stunning Lulworth is known the world over for its amazing natural scenery along with attractions and activities for all ages. Add in some excellent places to eat and you can see why it's one of Dorset's most popular holiday destinations.
At the heart of Lulworth is Lulworth Castle and Estate which is open to the public and sits in 20 square miles of grounds along with 5 miles of World Heritage Jurassic Coast including the iconic Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Built in 1608, the castle was tragically ravaged by fire in 1929 but has been partially restored by English Heritage for visitors to enjoy along with its extensive parkland and grounds including woodland walks, a children’s adventure playground and cafe. The Estate also includes the iconic Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, probably Dorset’s most well-known landmarks. Lulworth Cove is world famous for its perfectly rounded horse shoe bay where you can swim and snorkel in crystal clear blue waters, and just a short drive or cliff top walk away is the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door. Both attract many thousands of visitors each year but there is plenty of parking and space so everyone can enjoy these natural wonders.
Most of our holiday cottages in Lulworth are found in the picture postcard villages of West and East Lulworth. Once a smugglers haunt, West Lulworth is located less than a mile from Lulworth Cove and is one of the prettiest villages in Dorset with 400 year old thatched cottages lining the road to the coast. Here you’ll find the popular thatched Castle Inn, the perfect spot for a bite to eat or a drink after a busy day exploring. At East Lulworth, you'll find pretty stone cottages and the Weld Arms pub named after the owners of the Lulworth Estate along with a gift and coffee shop.
As well as its striking natural beauty there is a huge range of activities and things to do during your holiday in Lulworth . Lulworth Castle hosts a variety of events during the year, the highlight being Radio One’s Camp Bestival. There’s also Tank Fest and Tiger Day at the Tank Museum just a few miles away, or families with young children will love a day our meeting the chimps, monkeys and apes at nearby Monkey World.
With so much to do in an area of staggering natural beauty, a self-catering holiday in Lulworth will be one everyone will remember and enjoy.
In the heart of pretty West Lulworth, Create at the Cove is an art & craft centre where the whole family can choose from a variety of activiites. Choose from fossil digging, model making, decopatch, paint your own pottery, painting and much more ! There is no admission charge with all activities individually priced, and after you have unleashed your creative side you can relax in the coffee shop serving a selection of drinks, sandwiches, cakes and ice creams.
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The world famous Lulworth Cove welcomes many hundreds of visitors each year to enjoy the panoramic views and crystal clear waters of this picture perfect horseshoe shaped bay. The beach itself is a mix of large pebbles and shingle with safe swimming and rockpools exposed at low tide. There is ample parking, a café and interesting visitor centre and several scenic routes along the cliff tops towards Durdle Door. Dogs welcome all year round.
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Wonderful place. The walk to Durdle door is so worth it. It is a steep climb to begin with but the views are spectacular on a sunny day.
May 2023
Nice to visit but best to avoid the weekend when traffic is heavy in both directions. And as there isn't a footpath for the whole distance it is rather off-putting to be dodging cars that are not always slow moving.
September 2023
Lovely cove with a stony beach and some sand, well worth visiting.
October 2023
One of Dorset’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, Durdle Door is a magnificent natural limestone arch which was formed when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone about 10,000 years ago. There is also a pretty shingle beach with clear waters and safe swimming. Well worth a visit but can get very busy during summer months so best to arrive early to guarantee a parking space or use public transport. There is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the car park to the beach including steps and some uneven ground.
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Built in the C17th, this magnificent building is steeped in history. Originally built as a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty, it was for centuries the family seat of the Weld family, the current owners of the Lulworth Estate who have opened it up to the public in partnership with English Heritage. Inside you can wander through the beautifully restored rooms or climb the tower for spectacular panoramic views towards the Jurassic Coast . And outside the extensive parkland, woodland walks and a children’s playground make for a great day out. The recently opened Castle Tearoom is a great spot to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, cream teas and to buy a souvenir of your visit. Dogs on leads allowed in the gardens.
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Well worth a visit, the house is mostly a ruin but you can still go round the lower parts. Very interesting. Nice grounds too.
October 2023
A fascinating museum housing the largest collection of tanks in the world. View exhibitions in seven large halls, watch the tanks in action in the arena or ride in one yourself plus an action packed calendar of special events, including Tankfest, throughout the year. Visit the website for the full event programme and further information.
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Located in beautiful West Lulworth, the rustic and cosy Castle Inn is one if the oldest inns in Dorset with a history dating back to 1660. Under the picture perfect thatched roof your find a friendly bar and relaxed restaurant with a menu focused on pub classics using seasonal local ingredients. Outside there’s a large paved courtyard and an pretty terraced garden with amazing views. A great spot for to stop for the drink or bite to eat after visiting Lulworth Cove.
The Castle Inn, West Lulworth, BH20 5RN
Fantastic pub, very dog friendly. Sunday roast was fantastic, would recommend booking before you go to ensure you don't miss out.
January 2023
Excellent welcome, food and service. Make sure you book! Join their loyalty programme for 25% off on Wednesdays.
April 2023
We Did visit and where disappointed with our meal. Staff didn’t care and then charged us a big surcharge.
May 2023
Nice pub, the food is decent, if not the most exciting.
October 2023
We enjoyed a great lunch , having arrived early at our cottage nearby on our first day , we walked to the pub. Kind and amazingly helpful staff. 5 Star
November 2023
A pretty jade green cottage on the lane leading down to Lulworth Cove that’s home to a traditional Dorset fudge and sweetshop, tea garden and ice cream parlour.
The Dolls House, Main Rd, West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5RQ
With fabulous, un interrupted views over Lulworth Cove, The Boat Shed serves delicious breakfasts, light lunches, daily specials, homemade cakes and coffee along with seasonal specials and fish dishes. The best spot has to be the out on the terrace where you can watch all the comings and goings on the beach and take in the amazing view.
The Boat Shed Café, Lulworth Cove, Wareham BH20 5RQ (T: 01929 400810)
A beautiful traditional thatched pub just a short stroll from Lulworth Castle with a mouthwatering menu packed full of local produce. Dogs, boots and children welcome.
The Weld Arms, East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QQ (T: 01929 400211)
The Dorset Meat Company provide the finest grass-fed, outdoor reared meat produced sustainably and in harmony with nature. They care about traditional British farming and work with 20 hand picked, family-run farms based in Dorset and Wiltshire that produce really wholesome, natural, delicious meat. Either order a set box or make up your own and get it delivered to your holiday cottage. Use discount code toadhallcottages to get 10% off your order.
The Dorset Meat Company (T: 01747 811077)
Enjoy 10% off online orders using discount code toadhallcottages
The world famous Lulworth Cove welcomes many hundreds of visitors each year to enjoy the panoramic views and crystal clear waters of this picture perfect horseshoe shaped bay. The beach itself is a mix of large pebbles and shingle with safe swimming and rockpools exposed at low tide. There is ample parking, a café and interesting visitor centre and several scenic routes along the cliff tops towards Durdle Door. Dogs welcome all year round.
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Found on the east side of Durdle Door Beach and similarly popular and picturesque, Man O’War beach is made up of sand and fine pebbles with excellent swimming, snorkelling and fishing. There is a large car park at Durdle Door Holiday Park with a 15 minute walk down a steep path and steps to the beach.
One of Dorset’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, Durdle Door is a magnificent natural limestone arch which was formed when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone about 10,000 years ago. There is also a pretty shingle beach with clear waters and safe swimming. Well worth a visit but can get very busy during summer months so best to arrive early to guarantee a parking space or use public transport. There is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the car park to the beach including steps and some uneven ground.
Click here for further details
We walked from Lulworth to Durdle Door, quite a climb up but great views. The beach at Durdle Door is sand and stones, with lots of steps down to it but interesting for its geography.
October 2023
One of the Jurassic Coast’s most popular beaches, the long golden sandy arc of Weymouth beach has plenty of room for everyone. This sheltered bay with is gently sloping shoreline and blue flag status waters offers excellent swimming and a safe environment for watersports. And if that’s not enough the beach hosts plenty of attractions to keep all ages occupied from festivals and sporting championships to punch and Judy shows, donkey rides and pedalos. Dog friendly all year and plenty of parking both in town and on the harbourside.
A quiet beach, popular with the locals with lovely swimming from a gently sloping sandy shoreline.