One of the best things about staying in West Lulworth is that you can leave the car behind and start walking almost immediately.
Lulworth Cove is around a 10-minute walk from Honeysuckle Cottage, and from there the South West Coast Path opens up a whole stretch of the Jurassic Coast.
There are walks for a couple of hours, longer coastal days and quieter countryside routes. These are some of the ones we think are worth knowing about.
Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Distance: Around 2.5 miles there and back from Lulworth Cove
Time: Allow around 1.5–2 hours, plus stops
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections
This is probably the walk we recommend most often.
From Lulworth Cove, follow the South West Coast Path west towards Durdle Door. The route climbs fairly steeply in places, but the views are spectacular and there are plenty of reasons to stop and catch your breath.
At Durdle Door, you can continue down towards the beach before returning to Lulworth Cove.
You don’t necessarily have to come back the same way either. There are countryside paths near the caravan park at Durdle Door which give you a quieter alternative route back towards West Lulworth.
You lose the dramatic sea views, but it’s a nice change of scenery and can feel a little easier than repeating the coastal route.
Read more: Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door Walk →
Lulworth Cove to White Nothe
If you’d like a longer coastal walk without heading towards Durdle Door, walk east from Lulworth Cove towards White Nothe.
This is a much more demanding walk than the short Cove-to-Durdle Door route, with several steep climbs and descents. The official South West Coast Path route is around 7 miles and is classed as challenging.
The reward is some wonderful, quieter coastline and big views across the Channel.
It’s one to choose when you’re looking for a proper day’s walk rather than a gentle stroll.
Lulworth Cove and the Fossil Forest
Distance: Around 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Fossil Forest lies east of Lulworth Cove within the Lulworth Ranges.
The walk combines coastal scenery with something rather different — the fossilised remains of an ancient forest dating back around 150 million years.
There is an important catch: the Fossil Forest is only accessible when the MOD ranges are open to the public. Always check the current access information before setting out.
It’s a lovely choice if you’ve already walked to Durdle Door and want to explore a different direction.
Lulworth Castle and the surrounding countryside
For something gentler, head towards Lulworth Castle and explore the parkland and countryside around the estate.
This is a completely different experience from walking along the cliffs. Instead of sea views, you’ll have woodland, fields and the castle itself.
Lulworth Estate has several walking routes around the castle and West Lulworth, including routes between Lulworth Cove and the Castle.
And if you visit the castle, don’t forget our favourite little tip: take a few 20p coins for the peacock food.
Read more: Lulworth Castle & Park →
West Lulworth to Mupe Bay
This is one of our favourites, but it comes with a big check the access first.
Mupe Bay is reached on foot through the Lulworth Ranges and feels much more remote than Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door. On a quiet day, it can feel like you’ve discovered a completely different part of the coast.
Because it is within the military ranges, access varies. The MOD publishes current range access and firing information, and you must never enter when the danger area is in use.
There is also a specific warning at Mupe Bay to stay clear of the northern half of the beach because of the possibility of rock falls.
If the ranges are open, pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Read more: Lulworth Range Walks Access Times →
Tyneham and Flower’s Barrow
If you want to explore further into the Lulworth Ranges, the walk around Tyneham and Flower’s Barrow is well worth considering.
Tyneham is the abandoned village taken over by the Army during the Second World War, while Flower’s Barrow is an Iron Age hillfort overlooking Worbarrow Bay.
The range walks and Tyneham are normally accessible at weekends, with additional opening periods throughout the year, but dates can change. Check the current MOD information before travelling.
This is one for a proper day out rather than a quick morning walk.
Kimmeridge and the coast
Kimmeridge is a little further away, but it’s another excellent starting point for a coastal walk.
The landscape changes noticeably as you head along this part of the Jurassic Coast, with rocky shoreline, cliffs and views back across the coast.
It’s also an interesting area for anyone fascinated by fossils and geology.
You’d need to drive to Kimmeridge from West Lulworth, so we’d save this one for a day when you want to explore further afield.
A few things to know before walking here
The Jurassic Coast is beautiful, but it isn’t always an easy walk.
Wear proper footwear. Coastal paths can be steep, uneven and slippery after rain.
Check the weather. Conditions can change quickly on exposed sections of the coast.
Don’t underestimate the hills. A route that looks short on the map can take considerably longer once you factor in climbs, descents and stops.
Keep away from cliff edges. Lulworth Estate specifically warns that some cliffs are crumbling and dangerous.
Check the Lulworth Range access before walking east. If you’re heading towards the Fossil Forest, Mupe Bay, Tyneham or other parts of the ranges, access depends on military activity. Red flags and other warning signals must always be obeyed.
Our favourite walks from Honeysuckle Cottage
If you only have a few days, we’d keep it simple.
For the classic Jurassic Coast walk: Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door.
For a longer challenge: Lulworth Cove towards White Nothe.
For something different: Lulworth Cove and the Fossil Forest, when the ranges are open.
For a quieter day: Mupe Bay, if access allows.
For an easier change of scenery: Lulworth Castle and its surrounding countryside.
The best thing about staying in West Lulworth is that you don’t have to drive somewhere just to start walking. Put your boots on at the cottage, walk down to Lulworth Cove and see where the day takes you.
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.
We keep walking maps and local information at the cottage too, so you can decide what you’d like to do once you arrive.