The picture-postcard villages of East and West Lulworth are just as worthy of a visit as the famous Lulworth Cove.
Both villages have pretty streets to walk around, with thatched cottages and window boxes galore.
The village of East Lulworth is considerably smaller than West Lulworth, but is also home to Lulworth Castle and Park, which makes for a fantastic family day out. It also has a pub, tea room and gift shop.
West Lulworth has a distinct holiday buzz about it as it tends to be brimming with beach-related activity all year around.
There are plenty of ice cream shops and places to grab lunch or dinner, as well as the chance to try out various water sports at Lulworth Outdoors.
Make your visit memorable
As with many places in Purbeck one day just isn’t enough, but you can fit in lots of Lulworth’s best bits in one go if you plan ahead a little.
If you’re driving, stop off in East Lulworth for a quick mooch around the village with its charming thatched cottages and colourful window boxes.
Down a little road named Cockles is a small gift shop and tea room set in the old village school which sells local artisan crafts.
You’ll pass the entrance to Lulworth Castle as you continue on to West Lulworth (you’ll need the best part of a day to explore the castle and its grounds). More chocolate-box houses await along this village’s gently winding streets and a stroll around reveals various gems such as the book swap in the old bus shelter and off-the-beaten-track waymarked walks.
Head to the visitor centre to fully experience what Lulworth Cove and its surrounding area has to offer, and whether you’re feeling energetic and fancy the walk up to Durdle Door, or feel like a smaller stroll to catch a glimpse of the blowholes of Stair Hole there are memories in the making all around Lulworth.
You can wile away an afternoon just pottering about the back streets of the villages, picking about the white pebbles of the cove or sitting in the sun in one of the pubs. But one thing is certain – you won’t want to miss a quick trip to the Doll’s House – a traditional sweet and fudge shop.
Feeling active?
- Lulworth Equestrian Centre – with lessons for children and adults and extensive hacking across the Lulworth Estate, horseback is a unique way to explore some of this more remote landscape of Purbeck
- Lulworth Outdoors – hire a mountain bike or kayak, or book onto a coasteering course or snorkelling session
Parking
Parking is either £5 for four hours, or £10 for the day.
The car park at Lulworth (SatNav: BH20 5RQ) is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Top tip:
The natural beauty of this area draws many thousands of visitors a year, especially in the summer months, so arriving to park early or visiting at an off-peak time might help you avoid the crowds.
