Beautiful Beaches near West Lulworth

West Lulworth is a charming village located along Dorset's famous Jurassic Coast.  It offers some stunning beaches and nearby coastal spots. Here are the main beaches in and around West Lulworth for you to explore during your visit to Honeysuckle Cottage.

These beaches provide a mix of sandy shores, pebbly stretches, and scenic natural beauty, making them perfect for various seaside activities while exploring the Dorset coastline near West Lulworth.

Beaches in West Lulworth

The following beaches are within walking distance of Honeysuckle Cottage.

Lulworth Cove

This is the most famous and easily accessible beach near West Lulworth. It features a beautiful, horseshoe-shaped bay with clear waters, perfect for swimming and enjoying the stunning scenery. The cove is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and is a great spot for picnics and relaxing by the sea.

Top Tip: If you're lucky enough to be staying at Full Moon, do head down to the beach after sunset!

Durdle Door

Just a short walk from Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door is one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK. The beach beneath the famous limestone arch offers spectacular views, though it’s a bit more rugged and requires a steep walk down from the cliffs. The beach is pebbly, and the waters are ideal for kayaking and swimming.

Top Tip:  You can hire kayaks from Lulworth Activities and set off from Lulworth Cove.

Man O' War Beach

Located near Durdle Door, this is a quieter, more secluded beach that can be accessed by a short walk from Durdle Door. The beach is named after the large, jagged rock formation that resembles a ship’s hull. It's less crowded, providing a peaceful place to enjoy the coastal beauty.

Mupe Bay

Our favourite spot!  Mupe Bay is a pretty 45 minute walk from Honeysuckle Cottage, but worth the journey.  It's a horseshoe shaped bay, but accessible only via foot or by water, so much less crowded than the tourist Lulworth Cove.

Top Tip:  You'll need to access the ranges, so make sure you check Lulworth Range Walk Access Times before you set off.

St Oswald's Bay

Accessible via a steep walk from the private road behind the Visitor Centre, it's a short but fairly challenging walk.  You'll often be the only people there, so do take a picnic and enjoy the tranquility of this shingle beach.  

Beaches close to West Lulworth

Unless you fancy a long hike (in which case, check out this list of Great Walks in West Lulworth), these beaches are best visited by car!  

Kimmeridge Bay

A little further along the coast, Kimmeridge Bay offers a more unique experience, with a mix of pebble and rocky shorelines. It’s well-known for its fossil-hunting opportunities and shallow waters, making it a family-friendly beach, particularly for those interested in geology and natural history.

Honeysuckle Cottage, West Lulworth to Kimmeridge Bay:  Approx 14 miles / 30 minute drive

Ringstead Bay

About 3 miles from West Lulworth, Ringstead Bay is a beautiful, pebbly beach that’s much quieter than Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door. The beach is surrounded by lush countryside, providing a tranquil spot for swimming and picnicking. It’s also ideal for hiking along the South West Coast Path

Honeysuckle Cottage, West Lulworth to Ringstead Bay: Approx 11 miles / 25 minute drive

Worbarrow Bay

Worbarrow Bay is a shingle beach,  a short walk (1 mile or 20 minutes) from Tyneham village or via accessed the South West Coast Path from Lulworth Cove or Kimmeridge. The Bay and surrounding coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast, which has been designated by UNESCO as England's only natural World Heritage Site.

Top Tip:  For operational and safety reasons, access to the area is restricted to specific times, however the area is open most weekends and during school holidays.  You can check the opening times via our Lulworth Range Walk Access Times post.

Honeysuckle Cottage, West Lulworth to Wobarrow Bay: Approx 3 miles / 7 minute drive

Swanage Beach 

A little further east, Swanage is a popular beach town known for its sandy shoreline and clear waters. It offers a traditional seaside atmosphere with cafes, amusements, and great opportunities for water sports.

Honeysuckle Cottage, West Lulworth to Swanage Beach: Approx 17 miles / 35 minute drive

Studland Bay 

Located a short drive from Lulworth, this expansive beach offers sandy shores and shallow waters. Top Tip:  The eastern end of Studland Bay is a naturalist area.  It is clearly sign posted and controlled.

Honeysuckle Cottage, West Lulworth to Studland Bay: Approx 19 miles / 35 minute drive

West Bay 

Known for its stunning cliffs and pebble beach, this beach is perfect for walking and enjoying scenic views.

Honeysuckle Cottage, West Lulworth to West Bay: Approx 30 miles / 50 minute drive

Chesil Beach 

A vast, pebbly beach stretching for miles, it’s a great place for exploring and observing the diverse wildlife.

Honeysuckle Cottage, West Lulworth to Chesil Beach: Approx 20 miles / 40 minute drive

Weymouth Beach

A popular tourist destination with a traditional seaside vibe.  You'll find a range of shops and restaurants, deck chairs, donkey rides,  sand sculptures, amusement arcades and plenty of fish & chips and ice creams for a fun day out at this sandy beach.

Honeysuckle Cottage, West Lulworth to Weymouth Beach: Approx 15 miles / 30 minute drive

Self Catering Cottage, West Lulworth

After a busy day exploring our local beaches, there are some lovely places to get food & drink in West Lulworth, although these can get very busy. Do call ahead and book if you have a preference of where to dine, especially if staying at Honeysuckle Cottage during the summer months!

If you've yet to book your accommodation in West Lulworth, our beautiful, 300 year old thatched cottage is just a short stroll from Lulworth Cove, and is the perfect base for exploring the Dorset coast.  It was renovated in 2024 and is a luxury home from home.  Get in touch today to book your stay.