Outside Halcyon Cottage

Halcyon Cottage’s location is one of the things that makes it so so special. Without even stepping into your car, you can experience the most spectacular views of the Jurassic coast, Lulworth Cove itself and, of course, Durdle Door – all part of the only World Heritage site in England. If you are a keen walker, you can also walk directly onto the southwest coast path from the cottage and enjoy the stunning (if steep!) cliff paths all the way to Weymouth, and beyond. 

 

For those of you who would rather not bring a car at all, there are railways stations in the village of Wool (10 minutes taxi ride from Halcyon Cottage) and at Wareham, a pretty market town on the river (20 minutes away). The Jurassic Coast bus also stops in the village and is a good option for day trips.

 

The beautiful Cove, famous for its turquoise waters, is just a 10 minute walk from the cottage through the picturesque village and past open fields – and you will see a couple of lovely places to eat or simply enjoy a coffee on the way. 

 

In the evenings, you only have to stroll three minutes up the road to find the cosy, thatched village pub, The Castle, which also does excellent food (book in advance). On a clear night, the display of stars is an absolute joy, thanks to the lack of light pollution in the area – but we’d advise you take a torch out with you, for the very same reason!

 

You could easily spend your entire holiday just pottering around this area but, if you do fancy venturing further afield there is plenty to see and do. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts and adventurers will love Studland Bay’s glorious stretches of sand and clear waters. While cultural attractions include Thomas Hardy’s cottage, Lawrence of Arabia’s home at Clouds Hill, and a beautiful sculpture garden, Sculpture By The Lakes. For more history, visit the abandoned village of Tyneham, a little way along the coast or the magical Corfe Castle. And the 17th Century Lulworth Castle is just outside West Lulworth, and worth a visit. The grounds alone, which host Camp Bestival each year, are a perfect spot for a picnic. There is also the fantastic Tank Museum at Bovington, and (a favourite of ours) the ape rescue centre at Monkey World. Oh, and Dr Who fans might recognise the caves in the old quarry at Winspit!
For more inspiration take a look at @ourcottageinlulworth on social media (the Instagram page has a Things to Do highlight button too) – and please feel free to tag us in your photos! We also have a guest book in the cottage where other visitors have left details of their favourite activities. 

 

If you are a keen walker, there are some stunning walks from the front door. There should be a map in the cottage, but the visitor centre by the cove will have one, if someone has walked off with it.

Take the steps up to the right of the thatched cottages opposite us, and you can access Bindon Hill and onto the SW Coast Path above the Cove, for glorious views. If the MOD aren’t using the firing ranges (check online), you can also continue to the stunning Mupe Bay, past the Fossil Forest.

And, when walking down to the Cove, keep an eye out on the right side of the road for the sign post taking you over the fields, past the cattle shed and through a gate then on to above Durdle Door – it’s a ‘secret’ route that allows you to avoid the day trippers! 

Alternatively, turn right out of the cottage door, and you will find some steps up to the right  that take you on a longer but beautiful circle of a walk through farmland and down to Bats Head, beyond Durdle Door. 

 

There is no shortage of places to eat in and around Lulworth.

The Cove Inn, close to the Cove (so within walking disctance) is a good spot for relaxed dining, coffees or a glass of wine in the garden. For a more up-market dining experience, and just a few minutes stroll from the cottage, we are told that the Limestone Hotel is very good.

We also love to pop down to the Boatshed Cafe overlooking the Cove for breakfast or lunch (that’s it, pictured in the phot above.)

A short drive away, The Weld Arms, near Lulworth Castle, is a popular pub with good food, and The Sailor’s Return at East Chaldon (a short drive in the opposite direction), never disappoints.

If you are in Wareham for a spot of shopping, we love the tiny Salt Pig cafe for lunch or coffee and cake. And The Granary by the river is a popular choice for lunches and dinners too.

A bit further afield you have the glorious beaches at Studland, with a National Trust cafe at Knoll Beach. The Salt Pig have a casual cafe there at Middle Beach, and we also love Joe’s Cafe, a little hut takeaway at South Beach. Worth dipping down to after a walk out to Old Harry Rocks.

If you fancy something more swish, there is always The Pig at Studland too – but you will need to book a table in advance.