Lulworth Cove, is on the South coast of the County of Dorset in South West England,the cove shape is similar to a scallop shell, its waters are clear and a mixture of gritty sand, rock and pebble.

As you can see from the picture below areas of the cove water are much clearer this is where the sea bed is sandy or pebbles. To the right of the picture you can see rocks above the water level in front of the fishing boat, this is the old oyster beds. This picture was taken near stair hole and gives you an idea of how steep the climb is too it, if using the steps and pathway next to the beach,  alternative routes are easier on the legs near the village green area or from by the carpark!

Area Basic Information:
Beach Type: Mixture Pebble Shingle and Sand
Information: Lulworth Cove is a scallop shell shaped cove surrounded by high cliffs and with a lovely beach that is busy at weekends.
Lifeguard: No
Emergency Facilities: Coastguard is based behind the fossil centre
Pier: No
Safe for Kids: Yes precaution required with young children, the water can drop off deeper in places. River flows into the sea here ideal for paddling toddlers!
Facilities: Heritage Centre with toilets, gift shops, icecream shops, local fish and crab, clothing  and cafes. The village of West Lulworth has small range of tourist gift shops and pubs serving meals. Next to the beach you can buy from a tiny local cafe! You cant park next to the beach here at all, you will need to walk to the beach about 5-10 minutes and it is accessible for wheelchair users. There is also a duck pond on route to the beach and dont leave your buckets and spades behind otherwise they will join all the others in the bucket tree! Look out for it and the chickens by it!
Activities: Swimming is considered generally safe and there are rock pools to explore when the tide goes out. Day boat trips from the beach shore.
Getting Here: From the east. head for Wareham then Wool on the A352. Lulworth is five miles south of Wool off the B3070/3071.
Parking: Pay-and-display large car park in the village grassed areas nearby which are ideal for picnics. Plenty of disabled bays.
Public Transport: The nearest train station is at Wool. There is a bus service from Wool. Weaverbus operates a service between Wool/Wareham station. Lulworth Castle. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door during the summer months.
Walking: There are many interesting coastal walks on this stunning stretch of coastline, the mopst popular is the coastal walk to durdle door from the carpark up over the hill! Another option is to walk onto the beach and turn left following the beach right round to the far end climb the steps, follow the path to the fossil forrest!
The heritage centre sells walking guides, maps, fossils semi precious polished stones, childrens keepsakes, teatowels, drinks and snacks etc.
Pubs: The Castle Inn West Lulworth BH20 5RN, traditional thatched pub with outdoor seating, a landscaped garden serving meals, guest rooms available in Lulworth village on the road route B3070 Tel: 01929 400 311

Views of Lulworth and the entrance to the bay, taken in 2009

The village has a range of small village shops, which are ideal for visitors to the area, there are plenty of green areas for picnics and the opportunity to buy local fresh seafood, handmade fudge and purbeck icecreams. There is a village church about 20 minutes walk from the beach, back along the main road into the main part of the village.

The Dolls House shown below is a tiny cottage selling homemade fudge and icecreams it is on the main route to the beach.

The village green shown below is just one of the routes that can be used to access the viewing points of Stair Hole
The building to the far left of the picture houses the coastguard,  and it is next to the visitor centre.
The long chalk pathway to the left of the picture is the coastal path leading to Durdle Door, below it is the carpark.
Toilets are at the bottom of this green area and too the right, on the main route to the beach.

If you dont have your own transport, you may want to book a dorset taxi, find a dorset bus service or travel by train you can view the nearest train stations on this site. For other useful information view the County Information Section of the site.

How to get to Lulworth Castle, Tyneham Historic Village, Kimmeridge and Clavell Folly Tower from Lulworth Cove!

Lulworth Castle is nearby and to get to there turn left out of the carpark, continue up through the village dont turn off! Go past Lulworth Camp (army base) which you will see on your right and take the next right turn just past the camp towards East Lulworth the castle is on this road at the bottom of the hill just around the bend. For Tyneham and Wobarrow bay take the same route but just before the castle turn right and go through the area of the lulworth firing ranges You can only go through when its open! Continue along the road up over the hill until you find the signpost for Tyneham ( a couple of miles) its a hidden hairpin bend turning right to head down to the historic ghost like village, with toilets museum shops and the ruins of the entire village. There are various walks there and the beach. No shops! If you would rather head for Kimmeridge take the same route as to Tyneham but instead of turning off for Tyneham village continue along the same road on top of the hilly firing range area until you read the signs for Kimmeridge, Kimmeridge village is smaller than Lulworth though very pretty,  it has a very unsual beach which can be reached by driving through the village and by paying a toll to use the private road leading too it. There is a detached house near the beach that was used in the filming of East Enders and Clavell Folly Tower is on the hill overlooking the bay.

Other local attractions:
Stair Hole
Fossil Forest

Other attractions nearby:
Durdle Door
Lulworth Castle
Tyneham
Kimmeridge Bay
Clavell Folly Tower
Corfe Castle