England is home to so many enchanting places. And the stretch of coastline between Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door in South Dorset is no exception.
This beautiful section is part of the dramatic Jurassic Coast, England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its limestone cliffs and natural arches, the 2km (1.25 mile) coastal path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is possibly one of the prettiest short walks in the UK.
While it only takes about 30 minutes to walk one way, there are so many beautiful spots along the way where you can get some incredible photos. In this guide, I’m sharing my favourite spots, as well as important information how to get there, where to park, and some recommendations on where to stay.
If you’re looking for more stunning walks in the UK, I also have a guide to visiting the Seven Sisters Cliffs.
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In this guide
A scenic walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
PLANNING A TRIP TO LULWORTH COVE AND DURDLE DOOR
Which direction is better?
You can walk the trail in either direction but the car park at Durdle Door is not open 24 hours like Lulworth Cove. It opens at 8:00am and closes between 3:00pm and 10:00pm depending on the time of year. I would recommend starting at Lulworth Cove so you aren’t restricted by the car park opening times. It also means that you’ll be walking down hill on the way back! There are also more facilities at Lulworth Cove, so if you want to have some food or get an ice cream, you can do that before you start your walk – or treat yourself at the very end!
How to get to Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is located near the village of West Lulworth. It’s a 2 hour and 40 minute drive south west from London. The easiest way to get to Lulworth Cove is by car, especially if you’re going between September and May when public transport is rather infrequent.
Hiring a car for the Jurassic Coast
If like me, you don’t have your own car, hiring one can sometimes be a dreaded task. Unfortunately, for somewhere like the Jurassic Coast it is much more convenient to drive. I personally use Auto Europe as it’s really easy to use.
You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. They also clearly show what is and isn’t included in the price. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good. Click below to check prices in your home currency.
Getting there By Train
The nearest train station is Wool. If you’re coming from London it is on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line. Once you arrive, you can get one of the buses or a taxi to Lulworth Cove. If you plan to take a taxi then I would advise booking one in advance to guarantee availability.
I book all of my train tickets on The Train Line as it’s easy to compare train times, journey lengths and prices for trips like this. You can look into tickets and check if there are any planned engineering works on their website.
Getting there By bus
Buses #30, #X54 and #55 connect Wool Railway Station to West Lulworth for Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The #30 runs from 25th May until 21st September. You can check the bus timetables on Traveline’s website. Although the buses are quite infrequent during winter, there are extra services during the summer months.
Parking at Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove car park is positioned at the start of the path to Durdle Door. It’s a large car park with plenty of spaces and there is also overflow parking in the adjacent green fields. It does still get very busy in the summer months (July and August) due to school holidays. Aim to get there early or opt to use the local buses.
The car park is pay and display. You can either buy a ticket for a set number of hours or you can tap in and out with your contactless card. You can find the up to date prices here.
There is a car park at Durdle Door and tickets purchased at Lulworth Cove can be used at Durdle Door as well. So if you decide to drive from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door rather than walk you won’t need to buy another ticket as long as you have enough time left on it.
Please note: Lulworth Cove car park is open 24 hours but the overflow field is locked at 9pm. Durdle Door car park opens at 9am and closes at 4pm from October to March, and 9pm from April to September.
The best time to visit Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
You can visit Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door all year round. In summer, you can benefit from the warmer weather which makes sitting on the beach and swimming in the sea more enjoyable. However, you’ll be sharing it with the masses. Due to school holidays, July and August are the busiest times and there are often a lot of tour groups which makes the trail crowded and parking near impossible.
If you plan to visit in summer, aim to get to Lulworth Cove car park very early and do this short walk in the morning when the trail is almost empty. Alternatively, try and visit on a week day outside of school holidays. Durdle Door is one of the most popular spots on the Jurassic Coast so it will still be busy but less manic than on a summer weekend!
If possible, I would plan a trip in between October and March. The weather will be cooler but it will be a lot quieter on the trail. Wrap up warm as even on sunny days the wind can make it quite chilly.
This stretch of coastline is very popular with photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset. It normally empties out just after sunrise when they all leave and is usually quiet for an hour or so before tourists arrive for the day to enjoy the beach.
Practical information
Facilities around Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is open every day from 10am to 4pm in winter and 5 pm in summer. If you’re visiting for the first time, I highly recommend popping into the Visitor Centre to find out tide times, and get maps and guides to the local area. They have lots of helpful information and interesting displays which show how Lulworth was formed.
Public toilets
There are public toilets and washrooms available at Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre and Durdle Door car park. There aren’t any toilets next to Durdle Door beach so you’ll have to walk back up the steps and hill to the ones at the car park.
Accessibility
Is Lulworth Cove accessible?
There are accessible parking spaces in the car park near Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre, along with accessible toilets at the centre and close to the cove. The path from Lulworth Cove car park to Lulworth Cove is wide and suitable for wheelchairs; however, the beach is pebbly and there isn’t any matting.
You can hire an all-terrain mobility scooter at Lulworth Cove to access Lulworth Cove and the Stair Hole. To find out more and book one, you can call the visitor centre directly on 01929 400587.
Is Durdle Door accessible?
There are a number of steep steps down to Durdle Door beach so sadly it is not suitable for wheelchairs. However, the clifftop path is accessible by all terrain wheelchairs and offers beautiful views looking over Durdle Door and the cliffs. There is accessible parking at Durdle door car park. Accessible toilets are located at the nearby holiday park which is less than a 5 minute walk from the car park.
Is the path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door accessible?
The South West Coast path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door has steep ascents and descents, as well as a number of sloping steps which make it very difficult for wheelchairs. I would recommend parking at Lulworth Cove and exploring this area, and then driving to Durdle Door to see the views.
Food and drink
There are a number of places to get something to eat and drink in Lulworth Cove.
- The Weld Arms is a charming thatched inn that serves traditional pub food. Opening times: 12pm – 3pm and 5pm – 10pm Wednesday and Thursday, 12pm – 10pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm – 5pm Sunday
- The Boat Shed Café is located right on the beach and has lovely views of the cove. They serve breakfast, light meals, snacks, as well as delicious homemade cakes and cream teas. Opening times: 9:30am – 4pm daily
- The Coffee Bar is a small café inside the Visitor Centre which sells a selection of cakes and snacks. Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily
- The Dolls House is worth a visit if you have a sweet tooth or want to get some presents for friends or family. This cute little cottage has a lovely tea garden where you can sit and enjoy fudge, traditional sweets, cream teas and ice creams. Opening times: 10:30am – 4pm daily
- Man O’War Bar and Restaurant is a new contemporary spot located at Durdle Doro Holiday Park serving coffee and snacks, as well as artisan pizzas and classic meals like fish and chips. There is inside and outside seating. Opening times: 12pm – 9pm daily
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on Lulworth Cove beach and Durdle Door beach all year round.
Camping
If you want to camp, you can book a camping or campervan pitch in advance at Durdle Door Holiday Park. They also have a number of camping pods, glamping cabins and holiday homes.
Please note: Wild camping on the cliffs and beaches is not allowed. You can only camp at the holiday park.
Helpful tips for visiting Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
The walk is short and relatively easy but there are some steep sections that may not be suitable for everyone. Here are a few points to keep in mind before you start your walk:
- The trail ascends 400m to the top of the cliffs and the stretch from the car park to the top of the cliff is quite long and steep. If you aren’t able to walk up this section you can drive to Durdle Door car park and walk 5 minutes from there.
- On most days, you only need a pair of comfortable shoes or trainers. However, the rain does make some parts of the trail quite muddy so check the weather forecast and take your hiking boots if it has been raining.
- As tempting as it can be to go off the marked path to get the perfect photo, you should stay away from the cliff edges. Rock falls are common due to the eroding nature of the coastline and there are plenty of warning signs for a reason. You can read more about safety on the Jurassic Coast’s website.
- The beach at Lulworth Cove is pebbly so if you plan to spend some time on the beach, I would suggest bringing a yoga mat or something with some padding to sit on – it will make it much more comfortable!
- And finally, don’t forget your camera! There are so many beautiful views to capture on the walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door.
Walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Stretching 95 miles from Exmouth to Old Harry’s Rocks in Studland, the Jurassic Coast boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in England. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are two of the most iconic landmarks along the Jurassic Coast.
This walk is only just over a mile but it’s packed with incredible views that will make you stop every few minutes. The walk is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes from the car park at Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door. That being said, the path does ascend almost 400 feet to the top of the cliffs so there is some steep uphill walking that may not be suitable for everyone.
Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
DISTANCE
4.1 km (2.5 miles) round trip
TIME
1 – 2 hours
DIFFICULTY
Easy to moderate
Lulworth Cove Beach
You can do the walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door in either direction. However, I recommend starting in Lulworth Cove as there aren’t any facilities at Durdle Door. The car park is also open 24 hours unlike Durdle Door so you aren’t restricted by opening times.
Lulworth Cove is a pretty grey pebble beach surrounded by white chalk cliffs and turquoise water. You can park in the main car park near the cove and wander down to the beach where you can get some lovely photos.
It may be a small village but there is a tourist information centre and a gift shop opposite the car park. You’ll also find some small shops where you can get an ice cream, fish and chips, and other refreshments.
Lulworth Cove Headland
The view looking out from the beach is lovely but looking down at the cove from the headland is even more spectacular. Before you turn back to take the path up to Durdle Door, make a little detour up to the headland to see the full beauty of Lulworth Cove. You can walk up the headlands on the right or the left hand side of the bay – or both if you like!
Head up the headland on the right and you’ll get a wonderful view over ‘Stair Hole’. This compact cove is a remarkable sight that showcases the geology of the area. Over time, the rocks have folded and crumpled to reveal layers of black and grey rock. This has earned the name ‘Lulworth Crumple’ as a result.
If you want to view the bay from the left headland, walk left along the beach until you come to some steps. Be careful as you climb them as they can get quite muddy and there are some steep parts.
When you reach the top follow the path to the right and continue along the trail. It is a short gentle climb to get to the top but you’ll be rewarded by a fantastic view of the cove and there is a bench where you can sit and relax. Before you walk back down to Lulworth Cove, take a look at ‘Fossil Forest’ at the top of the headland to appreciate the rock formations.
Begin the walk to Durdle Door
Head back to the car park and follow the path which heads up the cliff behind the car park. It is quite a long and steep walk so if you don’t feel it is accessible for you or your group, you may prefer to drive to Durdle Door car park instead. If you decide to walk, take some short rests along the way and admire the view looking back at Lulworth Cove.
Man O’War Cove
Continue on the South West Coast Path and you’ll reach Durdle Door car park. From here it is a 5 minute downhill walk to the iconic landmark.
A lot of people rush to see the limestone arch but make sure you stop to admire the cove on the left of Durdle Door. This pretty cove is Man O’War Cove, part of a larger bay called St Oswald’s Bay. You can get a beautiful shot of the cove on the approach to Durdle Door. Head down the steps to Durdle Door beach and you will find a viewing platform half way down which offers a lovely view of the bay and the Man O’War Rocks.
The cove is sheltered by the large rocky coastline so it’s also a great place for a swim if you’re able to brave the chilly English waters!
Durdle Door Beach
Continue down the steps and you’ll find yourself face to face with the natural limestone arch. You can get some beautiful shots of Durdle Door and the white limestone cliffs from the beach. Walk along the beach to get a lovely view looking back at Durdle Door as the waves crash in.
Location Details
You’ll find all of the places listed in this article on my map below. To save this map, click on the star on the right hand side of the title. This will save the map to “Your Places” in the Google Maps.
More things to do near Durdle Door
A lot of visitors head back to the car park after seeing Durdle Door but there is plenty more to explore. Here are a few other things to add to your Jurassic Coast getaway:
BATS HEAD COASTAL PATH
This steep short section takes you over Swyre Head and offers a spectacular view of Durdle Door and the rugged coastline. Follow the path as it dips downhill into Scratchy Bottom (yes this really is its name!) before climbing back up to Swyre Head. This is quite a steep section and may not be suitable for everyone. You can continue on this path to Bats Head which is a 30 minute one way walk.
LULWORTH COVE TO LULWORTH CASTLE
This is another lovely walk that leads you to the beautiful 17th century castle. It takes just over an hour to walk one way. Lulworth Castle is steeped in history and worth a visit if you have time. Walk around the ancient woodlands and park, learn all about the history of the castle, and enjoy stunning view over the Purbeck countryside from the tower. If you plan to go inside the Castle, I’d recommend booking tickets in advance so you don’t arrive to find they’ve sold out for that day. You can find more information on their website.
OLD HARRY ROCKS
Although Old Harry Rocks isn’t in this area, it would be amiss not to include this walk as it’s one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast. Old Harry actually refers to the single rock which stands furthest away from the coast. This short walk starts at the Bankes Arm pub in Studland and takes about 30 minutes each way. If you prefer, you can extend the walk and complete a loop via Ballard Point which takes 2 hours. You can find more information on the South West Coast Path website.
Corfe Castle
Explore the quaint village of Corfe and wander down the pretty streets lined with independent shops, tearooms and pubs before visiting the romantic ruins of Corfe Castle. Perched on a hill, the castle is a dramatic site and is one of my favourite castles in the UK.
Seven Sisters Cliffs
Although the Seven Sisters Cliffs are a 3-hour drive from Durdle Door, this dramatic stretch of coastline is worth visiting if you’re spending some time in southern England. The iconic chalk cliffs overlook the English Channel making the trail one of the prettiest coastal walks in England. Find out all the details in my Seven Sisters walking guide.
Where to stay near Durdle Door
The walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door makes a wonderful day trip but the area is so beautiful that I recommend staying for the weekend so you can explore more.
There are some lovely options in West Lulworth but I’d personally suggest staying somewhere further afield to make the most of your weekend. Here are my top picks:
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LULWORTH COVE INN
Lulworth Cove Inn is a cute property on the doorstep of Lulworth Cove and offers spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast. It also has a great pub which serves award-winning cask ales and lagers, as well as fresh dishes made from local ingredients.
THE SMUGGLERS INN
Originally built in the 13th century, the Smugglers Inn was used as one of the main landing places for smuggled goods in the 17th century. The Inn is located in Osmington and offers beautiful views over the coast out to the Isle of Portland and has a traditional English pub.
The Redcliff WEYMOUTH
Another option is to stay in Weymouth. Located right on the seafront, Redcliff B&B is just 10 minutes’ walk from the station and the town centre. Not only is it in a great location, it’s also got a very cosy and homely atmosphere. It’s a family run B&B and is also pet friendly.
Where next?
The walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is breath-taking. There are so many stunning view points where you can admire the history and the beauty of the Jurassic Coast. It’s a wonderful part of the UK and it really should be on your travel bucket list. I hope these photos inspire you to plan your own trip.
The south coast of England is a wonderful part of the world to explore. If you’re looking for more inspiration on places to visit, have a look at the following guides:
If you have any questions about this walk please let me know in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Love from Steph
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Great information. I’ll be visiting in January for a couple of weeks and will be hoping to get some nice sunrise/sunset shots.
Thanks Pete! I hope the weather is on your side!