West Lulworth is a rather good place to stay if you like the coast, as there are some lovely beaches near West Lulworth to explore
Lulworth Cove is around a 10-minute walk from Honeysuckle Cottage, and from there you can follow the Coast Path to Durdle Door and Man O’War Bay. There are also quieter beaches and coves to discover if you’re prepared to walk a little further.
Here are some of our favourites.
Lulworth Cove
You can’t really stay in West Lulworth without spending some time at Lulworth Cove.
The beach is made up of white pebbles rather than sand, with the famous almost-perfect circular cove providing shelter from the sea. At low tide, there are rock pools to explore, and the water is often beautifully clear.
It’s particularly lovely early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when you can enjoy the Cove without the busiest part of the day around you.
From Honeysuckle Cottage, it’s about a 10-minute walk downhill to the Cove, so there’s no need to worry about finding a parking space.
There are cafés and places to get an ice cream around the Cove too, which makes it easy to turn a beach visit into a lazy afternoon.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is probably the most famous stretch of coastline around here, and for good reason.
The beach sits beneath the huge natural limestone arch, with the cliffs and turquoise water making it one of those places that looks almost too good to be real.
You can drive to Durdle Door, but if you’re staying at Honeysuckle Cottage, we’d suggest walking.
From the cottage, walk down to Lulworth Cove and follow the South West Coast Path west towards Durdle Door. It’s a beautiful walk, although there are some steep climbs, so don’t be fooled by the relatively short distance.
Once you reach Durdle Door, you can continue down to the beach or simply enjoy the views from above.
Read more: Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door Walk →
Man O’War Bay
Just around the headland from Durdle Door is Man O’War Bay.
It’s smaller and feels a little more tucked away than Durdle Door, with a mixture of sand and shingle and clear water. The steps down to the beach are steep, but it’s well worth seeing even if you don’t fancy spending the afternoon on the beach.
The bay is also a lovely place to stop after walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door.
If you’re coming back along the Coast Path, you’ll have another chance to enjoy the views from above before heading back towards Lulworth.
Mupe Bay
Mupe Bay is one for the more adventurous.
It’s much quieter than Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door and can feel like a completely different coastline, despite being relatively close by.
The beach is reached on foot and forms part of the Lulworth Ranges. That means access isn’t always available, so it’s important to check the current Lulworth Range access information before setting out. When the ranges are open, there are some wonderful walks through this part of the coast.
There is also an important safety warning at Mupe Bay: the MOD advises visitors to stay clear of the northern half of the beach because of the possibility of rock falls. Always follow the signs and local advice when you’re there.
This isn’t the beach we’d suggest simply turning up at without checking first, but if access is open and you enjoy walking, it’s a beautiful part of the Jurassic Coast.
Worbarrow Bay
Worbarrow Bay is another beautiful, more remote option within the Lulworth area.
It’s a shingle beach in a wonderfully wild setting and is only accessible on foot. There are no cafés or beach facilities, which is part of its appeal.
Like Mupe Bay, Worbarrow sits within the Lulworth Ranges, so access depends on the military firing programme. Check the current access arrangements before you go.
Take everything you need with you and allow plenty of time. This is more of a walk and a day out than a quick trip to the beach. You can also combine the visit with a trip to Tyneham Ghost Village. It’s a fascinating place and you can find all the information on our InLulworth website – our independent Guide to Lulworth.
Kimmeridge Bay
If you’re happy to drive a little further, Kimmeridge Bay is well worth a visit.
It’s another fascinating stretch of the Jurassic Coast, with rocky shores, clear water and some of the best opportunities in the area for exploring the geology of the coastline.
It’s particularly popular for swimming, snorkelling and watersports, and the surrounding rocks are rich in fossils. The important thing to remember is that you can search for fossils, but hammering the rocks is not permitted.
Kimmeridge also makes a good starting point for exploring more of the coastline towards the Lulworth Ranges.
Which beaches near West Lulworth should you choose?
If you only have time for one, we’d choose Lulworth Cove simply because it’s right on the doorstep and you can enjoy it without getting in the car.
For the classic Jurassic Coast experience, walk to Durdle Door and Man O’War Bay.
If you’d like somewhere quieter and don’t mind a proper walk, Mupe Bay or Worbarrow Bay can feel much more remote — but check the range access times before setting out.
And if you’re looking for swimming, snorkelling or a little more space to explore, Kimmeridge Bay is worth the short drive.
The nice thing about staying in West Lulworth is that you don’t have to choose just one.
Staying at Honeysuckle Cottage
Honeysuckle Cottage is a 300-year-old Grade II listed thatched cottage created for two, with private parking and Lulworth Cove around a 10-minute walk away.
It’s a lovely base for exploring this stretch of the Jurassic Coast and the beaches near West Lulworth, whether you’re here for long coastal walks, a morning by the water or simply an ice cream at the Cove.