Visit Lulworth Cove And Durdle Door: The Ultimate Guide 2024

Visiting Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door has always been high on my list of things to do and growing up only a few hours away, I wish I had visited sooner.

The quaint, seaside village can be explored in just a few hours but enjoyed for many more, and the clifftop walks on a sunny day (or even a cloudy day) are bound to brush away any cobwebs left over from a night of overindulgence in one of the pretty English pubs.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are, in my opinion, some of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of England, and should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list for a visit to the UK.

Making up part of Dorset’s Jurassic coast, Durdle Door attracts over 500,000 visitors every year, and it’s easy to see why. Having now visited this beautiful place countless times I’ve put together some must-knows for the first-time visitor.

The view of Durdle Door in England - a big rock arch jutting out into the sea.
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Quick Guide To Lulworth Cove And Durdle Door


The Best Time To Visit Lulworth Cove

The seasons in England are a little blurred. The bad thing about this is that you never really know what weather to prepare for. If you bring your coat it’s bound to be sunny and hot, and if you head out in a t-shirt then guaranteed it will bucket it down!

The great thing about the changing weather in the UK is that there isn’t really a ‘best time’ to visit. The seasons each have their own unique charm and as long as you’re prepared with the right clothing then you’ll have a fantastic time no matter what.

Here are a few guidelines on what to expect from Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door at different times of the year.

durdle door in dorset in the clouds
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are stunning no matter the weather!

As a general rule, you can expect the winter (roughly November to February) to be very cold, rainy, and windy.

If you’re visiting Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door then, you can expect chilly days but perhaps some dramatic skies. You certainly won’t want to be going in the sea, and you will want to bring a warm, waterproof jacket and waterproof boots!


During the Spring and Autumn, you’ll have a whole host of different weather conditions, but you’ll also have the bright Spring flowers or reds and browns of falling leaves in Autumn. Both seasons can have lovely, sunny days but Autumn is more likely to have a nip in the air!


The summer in the UK is when most people choose to visit Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. It’s generally busier at this time of year, but you’re far more likely to have sunshine! It can still rain though so remember your rain jacket!


London To Durdle Door

durdle door beach crowded with people in the summer months
Durdle Door, busy in the summer months

Driving From London To Durdle Door

It takes about 3 hours to drive from London to Durdle Door, so it is possible to come here for a day, although a long weekend would be more enjoyable. If you’re heading here on a summer weekend, or over a national holiday, then be aware that there will almost certainly be traffic.


Lulworth Cove Parking

You should aim for the Lulworth Cove postcode BH20 5RQ as this is where the biggest and nearest car park is.

The postcode for Durdle Door Holiday Park is BH20 5PU and this will take you to the top of Durdle Door. If you are camping nearby then you will definitely want to arrive by car. Public transport is hard to get around here!


Taking The Train

Taking the train from London is another option, but a bit trickier.

The nearest train station to Durdle Door is Wool Station. Then you will need to take the bus to Durdle Door. Bus numbers 15 and 104 connect Wool Railway Station to West Lulworth and Durdle Door.

The 15 bus operates on school days only. The 104 bus operates all year Monday to Saturday excluding public holidays. The best place to book UK train tickets is through The Train Line.


Top Things To Do In Lulworth Cove And Durdle Door

Lulworth Cove is the closest village to Durdle Door, and worthy of a visit in itself. This small village is set around a beautiful natural cove and has retained all of its traditional English seaside charms.

You could spend several days just pottering around this tiny village and soaking in the atmosphere, stopping for an English cream tea or a stick of rock and watching the world go by on the pebbly beach.

But for the more adventurous amongst you, there is a range of options, which we’ve explored for you below.

lulworth cove bay surrounded by cliffs
Lulworth Cove

#1 Take A Sea Kayaking Tour

See this dramatic coastline from a completely different perspective-the water!

Jurassic Coast Activities will take you on a kayaking tour along Dorset’s World Heritage coastline under the supervision of local qualified guides, and you will even learn a thing or two about the geology of the place.

Kayaks are the only things small enough to enter some of the caves and arches along the way, so you’ll get to escape the crowds and see the hidden places that you can’t access from land.

You should only aim to do this activity during the summer months when the weather is a little more predictable and kinder!


#2 I Want To Ride My Bicycle

a man rising a bike on Durdle Door beach
Explore Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove by bike

Hire a bike and pick one of the many cycle routes and trails provided by the hire company. There are a range of different levels to choose from and views around every corner.

You can cycle to some of the local attractions such as the Sealife Centre, Sandworld, and pleasure boat trips. Or you can just stop off at any of the numerous pubs and cafes you’ll pass along the way.

#3 Go Coasteering

For the adventurous at heart why not try coasteering at Lulworth cove and get up, close and personal with the rocks!

Lulworth outdoors will have you hopping over those rocks and jumping from them into the sea. They do coasteering trips for the whole family, with a specially trained expert and all the gear you need.


#4 Explore Lulworth Castle

Lulworth castle
Lulworth Castle

Unfortunately, every time I have visited Lulworth castle has always been closed to the public.

Lulworth Castle is in the neighbouring village of East Lulworth, a short distance inland. It was destroyed by a fire in 1929 and since then has been lovingly restored. The castle now has exhibitions showing life as it would have been at the castle.

The main attraction here has to be the view from the tower, which is apparently incredible and some even claim it is the best view in the whole of Dorset!

There is plenty to do for kids as well, with a playground and countless outdoor trails. There is a cafe on site, or head into the village to the Weld Arms, a thatched pub with a massive beer garden.


#5 Lulworth Cove Crabbing

Crabbing is such an English thing to do at the seaside, and Lulworth Cove is a great spot for it. Head to the rocks that surround the bay at low tide for the best chances of catching anything, but be careful, the rocks are pretty slippery!


#6 Picnic At Mupe Bay

If you’re looking to escape the crowds then head in the opposite direction to Durdle Door, where you’ll discover Mupe Bay.

This secluded bay is a real hidden gem, so much so that I’m a little worried about sharing it here! Just promise not to pass it on!

Even on a sunny summer’s day, when Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are heaving, Mupe Bay is usually pretty quiet, with just a few tourists and some boats anchored out.

Why not paddle here in a sea kayak on a calm day. You can hire them in Lulworth Cove. And don’t forget to bring some reef shoes and your snorkel so you can explore the surrounding rock pools and get your heart racing with a climb to the top of the steep access paths.


Where To Stay In Lulworth Cove

Lulworth cove at night time
The best places to stay in Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove Inn

We loved this seaside inn and had an amazing weekend stay here. It is located in the centre of the village and is a two-minute walk down the cobbled street to the cove itself.

The rooms are tastefully decorated to match the feel of the seaside village and have balconies looking out over the cove. We weren’t too disturbed by the noise, as the pub closes at 11pm, but you should be aware that the rooms do overlook the beer garden.

We have eaten at Lulworth Cove Inn in the evening several times, enjoying the food (a traditional pub menu), atmosphere, and service, and can definitely recommend it. An incredible buffet breakfast was included and they also gave us a pass for the village car park for the duration of our stay.


Lulworth Cove And Durdle Door Campsites

Lulworth cove campsite with a tipi and yurt tent
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door camping

There are numerous campsites surrounding Lulworth Cove, though having a car will make your life much easier as most of them aren’t quite within walking distance.


The Durdle Door Holiday Park

The Durdle Door Holiday Park is the closest campsite, a huge complex opposite Durdle Door itself and within walking distance of Lulworth Cove. Here you can bring your own tent or campervan, or rent a range of different camping and glamping options from them.


Camping at Eweleaze Farm

Eweleaze Farm is situated along the stretch of coastline between Durdle Door and Weymouth. Some say Eweleaze is one of the loveliest places to camp in all of England.

Probably something to do with the fact that from many pitches, you can view the curved coastline. Incredibly, there is also the added luxury of a private beach. Now you can’t tell me you wouldn’t jump at the chance to enjoy that on a summer’s day or evening!


Snelling Farm Campsite Near Lulworth Cove

Snelling Farm Campsite offers back-to-basic camping, with star gazing and around the campfire meet ups encouraged. Guests can pick their own spot from non-allocated pitches and dogs are welcome. It is a well equipped site within easy reach of local stores.

Camping in Lulworth Cove is a fantastic way to experience the surrounding beauty of this area. Although camping isn’t as cheap as it once was, it is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy Lulworth. We recommend you give it a go!


Durdle Door

durdle door sunset walks
Durdle Door sunset walks

Durdle Door is part of the Jurassic coast which stretches ninety-five miles across the south of England. It is famous for its beautiful arch carved out of the limestone rock that makes up the coastline of this dramatic seascape.

The most impressive views of Durdle Door are from high up, and it is well worth coming here at sunset if you can.

You can park in Lulworth Cove (something like £5 for the day) and walk up the rather large staircase from there – you’ll see the crowds ascending and descending.

Once you reach Durdle Door you can either take the staircase down to the pebble beach or continue your walk along the cliffs.


Walk From Lulworth Cove To Durdle Door

Durdle door walking trail with beautiful white cliffs
Walking the Durdle Door trail

How hard is the walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door?

Although on a steepish incline, the walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is actually just over 1 mile, so it is still considered an easy walk. It would take around an hour and a half to walk there and back, but you’ll want to factor in time for stops along the way to take in the beautiful views.

Most of the walk is on maintained pathways, though the steps can be a little uneven in places. We have seen plenty of people attempt the walk with buggies, though we would advise not to. The stairs would make carrying a pushchair a real pain! We have also seen plenty of small children doing this walk.


We would highly recommend walking along the cliffs, as this is much quieter than the beach and equally, if not more, pretty.

It’s good exercise, with the path taking you up and down and up and down through beautiful fields and countryside. If you have time there are numerous walking routes in this area that will take you to Durdle Door and back on a round route so you can soak in more of the views.


Beaches at Durdle Door

the end of durdle door beach where it's empty from the crowds
Walk along a little from Durdle Door for some privacy

If you head down to the pebble beach you have two beaches to check out. Durdle Door beach will be busy in the summer, but most tourists stay near the arch so if you want some privacy then head down the beach a bit.

There are plenty of places to sit but few areas of shade so bring a sun umbrella if you plan on staying.

To the left of the staircase, there is another little cove that is also worth checking out. It has very pretty views out to sea and is a great place for a dip if the weather’s good.

If you enjoy your trip to Durdle Door beach then you’ll want to check out some more of the best United Kingdom beaches.

Surprisingly, the UK has some really incredible beaches that are often overlooked in favour of our beautiful villages and cities. If you get a sunny weekend then the beaches in England are the place to be!


Top Tips:

  • There is no ‘easy’ access to Durdle Door. It is one big staircase, so think before taking buggies or lugging large amounts of seaside ‘toys’ there!
  • Wear decent walking shoes, the steps can be slippery and are uneven, and steep.
  • There are no facilities there. Use the car park toilets before making the climb and take food and drink with you.
  • There is little shade on the beach so take sun cream and sun umbrellas if you plan on staying!

What To Pack

the smaller beach at durdle door in England
The smaller cove at Durdle Door – perfect for a picnic with a view!

Obviously this depends slightly on the time of year you are visiting! Durdle Door is impressive at all times of the year, but we think it’s best in the summer months when it is more likely to be weather you want to stay outdoors in.

If you can find a pleasant day to visit in the winter months then it will be much less crowded, but obviously, you will need to wrap up warm. The wind here can be very strong and chilly! In the summer months, we would recommend taking…

  • Swimsuit – There are several places to swim or paddle and lots of water sports activities for you to enjoy here.
  • Walking Shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sun cream.
  • Food and drink

Conclusion: Visit Lulworth Cove And Durdle Door

Hopefully this post has convinced you to plan a trip to this beautiful part of the English countryside. If you need more ideas about fantastic places to visit in England then check out these guides too.

No trip to England is complete without a visit to its famous capital city, London. Read our 2 day itinerary here.

Here for Christmas? Visit one of Hampshire’s best Christmas markets to get you in the Christmas spirit!

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