Three Days in Dorset — Day 2

Dorset borders on the English Channel, and the coast in that area is called the “Jurassic Coast.” The coastal cliffs are said to display 150 million years of history in the layers of rock that are exposed along the coast, hence the name. The beauty of the coast is breathtaking.

First up is Lulworth Cove. Situated on the coast, the cove is a fine example of the effect of erosion on the various kinds of stone along the Jurassic coast. Almost perfectly round and with a sheltered access to the English Channel, the cove is a delightful place to launch a kayak, or a small boat, or just to walk along the shore. There are nearby tea rooms and cafes that can provide refreshment for the traveler.

Lulworth Cove in Dorset on the Jurassic Coast. ©2019 EnglandForAllReasons.com

From the Lulworth Cove, you can walk along the South West Coastal Path to the Durdle Door rock formation about 30 minutes’ (1.3 miles) walk away. (You can drive from one to the other but be aware that the parking nearest Durdle Door is still about 0.5 miles from the formation.) The Durdle Door is a rock formation that is a naturally formed limestone arch that has been photographed thousands of times and has been used as a backdrop in numerous movies. The arch is the result of erosion of softer rock by the sea, leaving the arch behind. Sunset in this area can be spectacular as you can find a good spot to put the sun behind the arch

Durdle Door, a rock formation on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset. ©2019 EnglandForAllReasons.com

Also nearby are other attractions, including Lulworth Castle. Lulworth Castle is owned by the Weld family and has been in their possession since 1641. The foundations were laid in 1588 and the castle was completed by 1609 as a hunting lodge for Thomas Howard, 3^rdViscount Howard of Bindon. After the Weld family bought the property in 1641, it was seized by the Parliamenarians (Roundheads) in the English Civil War but restored to the Welds after the war ended. Following the French Revolution the surviving members of the French Royal family were allowed to use Lulworth as one of their residences-in-exile.

Lulworth Castle main entrance. ©2019 EnglandForAllReasons.com

In 1929 the castle was gutted by fire and left as a ruin. The family built a new residence nearby. In the 1970’s the castle was restored with the assistance of English Heritage  and is now open for tourism. The castle is fascinating to tour, as none of the internal walls or upper floors have been restored, allowing the tourist to see how the castle was constructed and how floors were supported in the stone infrastructure. Part of the Lulworth Estate is used as a firing range by the British Army, so you can occasionally hear artillery fire as you visit the castle!