Lulworth Cove

About this place

Lulworth Cove is a small cove near the village of West Lulworth on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, southern England, about 29 km west of Bournemouth in a straight line. It is one of the world's finest examples of its kind and part of a World Heritage Site. The cove formed from bands of rock of differing hardness running parallel to the coast. On the shore lies a narrow band of hard limestone, then a softer limestone, then hundreds of metres of weak clays and sands, and finally a broad band of chalk. The waves broke a narrow gap through the limestone and then scoured out the soft clay behind it, creating this almost enclosed round basin. Around half a million people visit each year. The cove looks like an almost complete ring of calm blue water, framed by green hills and white chalk cliffs, with small boats bobbing in it. Dark rocks stand at its entrance, and fine shingle lines the beach. Visitors walk from the village to the beach to stroll the shingle and enjoy the sheltered water. The famous rock arch of Durdle Door is close by, and the two make an easy pair. It is busiest in July and August, so mornings or off-season visits are best.