Lulworth Cove Beach is a picturesque stretch of pebbles in the shape of a large mushroom, carved into the south coast of England. The green, mossy cliffs of the shingle beach curve inwards at its mouth, creating a natural harbour. Climb the rolling hills to enjoy the magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.
The area is one of England’s most iconic landforms, and the beach has featured in television programmes such as Seven Natural Wonders. The cove was formed by the erosion of softer clays and sands, while the harder chalk cliffs remained.
Learn about the reasons behind the beach’s semicircular shape and its geological history at the Heritage Centre beside it. There are regular exhibitions here that tell the story of the Jurassic Coast.
The beach is extremely photogenic so it’s worth bringing your camera along to capture photos of the cliffs and the small gap in the cove that leads out to sea. It’s also a good spot to enjoy a picnic in the scenic environs and to cool off with a dip in the sea. Be careful though, as the ground leading into the water is fairly steep. It’s also a popular beachcombing spot, with many precious treasures, such as fossils and unusual shells, hidden among the tiny pebbles.
Ascend the cliffs and walk along the scenic coast to Durdle Door. Make you way to Stair Hole nearby to see how Lulworth Cove Beach would have appeared hundreds of thousands of years ago.
There are plenty of hotels and cafés behind the beach, where you can eat while enjoying panoramic views of the English Channel. A scenic trail leads west from the cliffs above the beach to the Durdle Door natural arch. The Stair Hole shows what a cove looks like in the early stages of its formation.
Lulworth Cove Beach is between Weymouth and Poole in a rural part of southern England, and is just a 1.8-mile (3-kilometre) drive east from the picturesque geological formation of Durdle Door. Take a bus from one of the nearby villages to the Lulworth Cove stop. Parking is available for a fee near the beach.
