Castles and coves in deepest Dorset
Step back in time and stroll to fossil-filled Lulworth Cove for rock-climbing and crabbing. The Jurassic Coast is bursting with coves and caves; castles and country pursuits. Don’t forget your cream teas.
Beaches and Castles
You can happily spend an entire holiday at Lulworth Cove – part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Head to the beach, which is shingle, not sandy, but still fun to play on.
Paddle, swim, or just enjoy the amazing view. Go crabbing in the rock pools. Walk or climb up to the cliff top and marvel at the amazing geology of the Stair Hole. Hunt for fossils. Clamber over the rocks and find a sea cave. Walk around the cove and onto Durdle Door. Enjoy a Dorset cream tea
For miles of sandy beach head over to Studland Bay – or for a wonderful, rocky, seaside nature reserve visit Kimmeridge Bay – both a short drive from the house.
Lulworth Castle is a short drive from the house. Or visit Corfe Castle, a romantic ruin dating from the time of William the Conqueror. Let your children’s imaginations run wild while they explore the ruins. At the foot of the castle The Tea Rooms is a good spot for a break, with a summer garden and winter log fires.
Kids ahoy
Lulworth Cove is a paradise for children. When you can tear them away from the beach, rock pools and ice cream stalls, Knoll Beach at Studland bay is a fantastic National Trust run sandy beach with a huge selection of watersports from pedaloes to dinghies and paddle boards. Highly recommended for a great day out.
Monkey World is an internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre set in 65 acres of beautiful Dorset woodland and home to over 230 primates – including the largest group of chimps outside Africa. The park is imaginatively laid out and has a huge climbing area for children.
Swanage Railway runs steam and diesel trains from Norden and Corfe Castle into Swanage and back. Norden park and ride offers the simplest parking option.
Bovington Tank Museum houses the world’s broadest and best collection of tanks. Follow the Tank Story, take a look at almost 150 tanks in the Discovery Centre, and check out Tank Displays. Farmer Palmers Farm Park is a short drive away – great fun for the under 8s.
For a great trip out explore Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. Take the ferry from Studland into Poole. From there you can catch a boat trip around the harbour, or take a boat to Brownsea Island, where there are woodland walks and children’s adventure trails.
For the Grown-ups
At Lulworth Cove there’s real adventure right on the doorstep. You’re based in the heart of the Jurassic Coast in an idyllic fishing village. Head to the sea for rib rides or kayak tours. Turn right for an incredible walk to world-famous heritage site Durdle Door, or take a left for Corfe Castle, Thynham Village, Old Harry Rocks or to swim at peaceful Dancing Ledge.
There’s plenty of grown-up fun hunting clay pigeons at the Purbeck Shooting School, or playing golf at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, Dorset Golf and Country Club or Wareham Golf Club. If you would like to indulge in some beauty and health pampering our expert beauty therapists offer a full range of treatments. Get all the luxury of a visit to a five star spa in the comfort of your own seaside escape.
For equine activities, the Studland Stables and Bovington Riding School are just a canter away. Or maybe forage for food with Fore Adventure around Studland – then cook it for tea. Shop at Bournemouth and Dorchester, and enjoy festivals and carnivals at Lulworth, Weymouth and Swanage.
