When you hear ‘Lulworth’, you may think of the classic racing yacht built in 1920, but Lulworth Cove is a stunning scallop-shaped cove on the beautiful Jurassic Coast of Dorset.
The cove is one of the world's finest examples of such a landform. It was formed 10,000 years ago by the movement of water during a collision of continents at the birth of the Alps. Perfect for walking, water sports and much more, it has an amazing visitor centre and attracts 500,000 visitors of all ages, each year.
The landscape around the cove is constantly changing as the soft chalk exposures are eroded. ‘Stair Hole’ is a small cove just west of Lulworth where the folded limestone strata known as the ‘Lulworth crumple’ are visible from the sea, along with several caves.
Lulworth Cove offers a tolerable anchorage, and an overnight stay is possible in settled conditions. Apart from some rough ground which surrounds the entrance points and just within the cove, the northern head is free from danger. However, in any southerly conditions of force 4 or above it is subject to a swell that makes it extremely hazardous, and to sail it you would need a competent crew.
