Dorset Coast Self-Guided Walking Tour 2022

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1-888-597-3519

905-639-9954

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4, 5 or 8 Days / 3, 4 or 7 Nights
Availability : Year Round
Start: West Lulworth House, Lulworth Cove, Dorset, England
End: West Lulworth House, Lulworth Cove, Dorset, England
Dorset Coast Self-Guided Walking Tour: 3, 4 or 7 nights based at West Lulworth House, Lulworth Cove, Dorset

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Enjoy a break on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast with the walking experts; we have all the ingredients for your perfect self-guided escape. West Lulworth House, overlooking the magnificent Lulworth Cove, is geared to the needs of walkers and outdoor enthusiasts and is in a fantastic location from which to explore the local area. Enjoy hearty local food, plan your walks with our detailed route notes and make the most of the many attractions in this stunning area.

Dorset Coast Walking Grade: 1, 2 & 3

DetailItineraryRecommended WalksLocal AreaDates & PricesHotel
DescriptionMapPhotos
Tour Details

Highlights:

  • Use our Discovery Point, stocked with maps and walks directions, for exploring the local area
  • Enjoy the remarkable coastal path and views of the iconic chalk cliffs, rugged headlands and hidden bays
  • Soak up the sea air and delight in the sweeping panoramas over the rolling Dorset hills
  • Explore Corfe Castle
  • Take a ride on the Swanage Steam Railway
  • Spend the evenings enjoying the spectacular views from the terrace and outdoor swimming pool

Pick Up Location & TIme

West Lulworth House, Lulworth Cove, Dorset BH20 5RJ (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.

Drop off Location & Time

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.

Price Includes

  • High quality en-suite upgraded accommodation at West Lulworth House
  • Excellent food in our country house, full board (B,L,D daily)
  • Use of Discovery Point Library at the country house - stocked with maps, walks and local area information
  • Free time to explore the area

Meals

All meals from dinner on arrival day, to breakfast on departure day
  • Daily breakfast
  • Daily lunch
  • Daily dinner
  • 0 teas

Price Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Transfers
  • Pre / Post hotel nights
  • Travel to/from the Country Hotel (The nearest railway station is Wool)
  • Admissions (please allow approx. £10 per day for entrances)
  • Local expenses such as transportation
  • Travel Insurance
What to Expect

Unpack Once!

Go where you want, when you want. Take a relaxing stroll or try something more challenging. All our country houses have a Discovery Point with maps, guidebooks and local walks directions to help you tailor your stay.

  • Accommodation at a country house hotel
  • Full Board Meals – from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day
Dorset Coast Walking Grade: 1, 2 & 3

Walking Grades Explained:

  • Grades 1 & 2 – Leisurely walking grades
  • Grades 3 & 4 – Moderate walking grades
  • Grades 5 & 6 – Challenging walking grades
What to Bring

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.

Essentials

  • Waterproof walking boots providing ankle support and good grip.
  • A waterproof jacket and over-trousers
  • Gloves and a warm hat (it can be chilly at any time of the year)
  • Rucksack
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
  • A small torch (everywhere in winter, year round in mountains)
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
    Denim jeans and waterproof capes are not suitable on any walks.

Recommended

  • Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed
  • Specialist walking socks to avoid blisters.
  • A first aid kit inc plasters– your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication
  • Sit mat (insulated pad to sit on when you stop for a break)

You might also want

  • Walking poles, particularly useful for descents.
  • Insect repellent
  • Flask for hot drinks
  • Rigid lunch box
  • Gaiters
  • Blister kit (eg Compeed) just in case
  • Waterproof rucksack liner
Itinerary

Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. 

Accommodation: West Lulworth House (D)

Free Days

Check out the Discovery Point Library at the country house – stocked with maps, walks and local area information. 

For stays of 3 nights, you will have 2 days at your choice.

For stays of 4 nights, you will have 3 days at your choice.

For stays of 7 nights, you will have 6 days at your choice.

Accommodation: West Lulworth House (B, L, D)

Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Recommended Walks

Laid Back Walks

Our easiest routes allow plenty of time to savour the magnificent coastal views. All our walk notes suggest the best places to stop, great pubs, and tea rooms.

  • Old Harry Rocks – 1 mile
  • Durdle Door Walk – 2 miles
  • Durdle Door Circuit – 3 miles
  • Durlston Head – 3 miles
  • Corfe Castle Round – 3 miles
  • Corfe Castle & Church Knowle – 4 miles

Leg Stretcher Walks

Some longer walks following some of the easier stretches of the Dorset Coast Path. Experience the wonderful seascapes and fresh sea air.

  • Over the downs to Durdle Door – 5 miles
  • Around St Aldhelm’s Head – 5 miles
  • Old Harry Rocks & the Agglestone – 6 miles
  • Coastline west of Lulworth – 6 miles
  • Lulworth Cove Highlights – 6 miles
  • Durlstone Head & Dancing Ledge – 7 miles

Full on Walks

Some longer walks, primarily following the Dorset Coast Path. Be prepared for some short, but steep ascents and descents as you follow this rugged stretch of coastline.

  • Rollercoaster Cliffs west of Lulworth – 6 miles
  • Corfe Castle to Swanage – 8 miles
  • Coastline to Ringstead Bay – 9 miles
  • Lulworth to Tynham – 10 miles
  • Corfe Castle to Swanage via Studland – 11 miles
  • Corfe Castle to Swanage via the Coast – 13 miles
  • Durlston Head & St Aldhelm’s Head – 13 miles
Local Area

Dorset CoastWest Lulworth House

Lulworth Cove is a justifiably popular destination, with day-trippers and holiday-makers drawn by the stunning local scenery. The cove itself is a near-perfect semi-circle which has been carved by the soft rocks by the waves. A 20-minute walk along the cliff path will take you to Durdle Door, one of the area’s other geological wonders. This impressive natural sea arch was formed from the more resistant limestone. The free Heritage Centre next to the public car park is well worth a visit during your stay.

Facilities in Lulworth Cove are limited to a selection of pubs, cafés and souvenir shops. The nearest towns are Wareham, Dorchester and Weymouth, which all have a good selection of banks, chemists and supermarkets.

Bovington Tank Museum

The Tank Museum at Bovington, 20 minutes’ drive north of Lulworth Cove, houses a particularly impressive collection of tanks from around the world. Trace the history from the tank’s origins in the First World War to the present day.

Lulworth Castle

Situated just a couple of miles inland from the cove, Lulworth Castle is a 17th century mock medieval castle that was once the heart of an extensive estate. Having been gutted by fire in 1929 it was derelict for many years, but has since been completely renovated. 

Corfe Castle

The iconic ruins of Corfe Castle stand guard over a natural gap in the Purbeck Hills, about 30 minutes’ drive from Lulworth. Dating from the 11th century it is now maintained by the National Trust.

The Etches Collection - Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

The Etches Collection houses the finest single collection of Late Jurassic fossils, all found by Dr Steve Etches MBE in and around Kimmeridge Bay. The museum takes visitors on a journey of the marine flora and fauna which lived her over 150 million years ago. The museum is located in Kimmeridge village, some 8 miles from Lulworth Cove. It can be reached in around 21 minutes by road or on foot (if the Lulworth Range Walks are open) – which takes somewhat longer!

Swanage Railway

Ride on this lovingly restored Swanage Railway branch line through the glorious Purbeck countryside. Steam hauled trains run throughout the year. You may want to leave your car in the Park & Ride at Norden, about 30 minutes’ drive from Lulworth, and use the railway to visit the attractive seaside resort of Swanage. 

Monkey World

Located near Wool, 20 minutes’ drive north of Lulworth Cove, Monkey World is a world-renowned ape rescue centre familiar to many from the TV programme ‘Monkey Life’. Monkey World provides a home for apes rescued from mistreatment in the pet trade, circuses and used in medical laboratories. Apes are rescued from all over the world. Residents include four separate groups of chimpanzees, three groups of orang-utans, capuchin monkeys and several species of gibbon.

Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery is the world’s only managed colony of Mute Swans. Some 600 of them live and breed here, nesting unusually close to each other. Visitors can walk through the colony and help feed the birds. Visit from mid-May to the end of June to see hundreds of adorable cygnets. The swannery is near Weymouth, about 20 miles from Lulworth Cove (40 minutes’ drive).

Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is located in the middle of Poole Harbour; boats depart from Poole Quay and Sandbanks, about 40 minutes’ drive from Lulworth Cove. The island is now a nature reserve, managed by the National Trust and one of last remaining places to spot red squirrels in the UK. Brownsea is also famous as the location of the world’s first scout camp in 1907. 

Weymouth

Weymouth is a fine Regency seaside resort with an ever-popular beach and bustling harbour. Visitors can learn about the town’s fascinating history in the Weymouth Museum.

Thomas Hardy's Cottage

The writer Thomas Hardy was one of Dorset’s most celebrated residents who used the local towns and villages around Dorchester as the setting for many of his novels. His birthplace near Dorchester is around 30 minutes’ drive away and now owned by the National Trust.

Cerne Abbas Giant

This 180ft figure carved into a hill just outside the village of Cerne Abbas is one of the UK’s most famous chalk hill figures – and the largest. His exact age and purpose is still debated; you decide if you think he once held a cloak over his arm and a severed head in his hand! The Cerne Abbas Giant is near Dorchester, about a 45-minute drive from Lulworth Cove.

Athelhamton House

Located near Dorchester, about 30 minutes’ drive away, Athelhampton House is a fine Tudor manor house dating from 1485. The surrounding formal gardens are also impressive and were created between 1891 – 1899.

Kingston Lacy

This fine country house and estate is located near Wimborne Minster, about 45 minutes’ drive from Lulworth Cove. Dating from 1665, and now managed by the National Trust, it houses a fine collection of antiques, with many notable examples from the Middle East and Egypt. 

Dates and Prices
3 night package
Departure Dates		 Per person (single or twin) Single in a double room
2022: January 28 $800 $920
2022: February 4, 11, 18, 25 $800 $920
2022: March 11, 18 $800 $920
2022: April 19 $890 $1,010
2022: April 29 $930 $1,050
2022: May 6 $930 $1,050
2022: June 10 $930 $1,050
2022: September 30 $930 $1,050
2022: October 14, 21 $890 $1,010
2022: October 28 $800 $920
2022: November 4, 11, 18 $800 $920
2022: December 2, 9, 16 $800 $920
4 night package
Departure Dates		 Per person (single or twin) Single in a double room
2022: January 31 $1,000 $1,160
2022: February 7, 14, 21, 28 $1,000 $1,160
2022: March 14, 28 $1,000 $1,160
2022: April 4 $1,000 $1,160
2022: April 11, 15 $1,150 $1,270
2022: May 2, 9 $1,240 $1,360
2022: September 12 $1,240 $1,360
2022: October 3 $1,240 $1,360
2022: October 10, 17, 24 $1,150 $1,270
2022: October 31 $1,000 $1,160
2022: November 7, 14, 21, 28 $1,000 $1,160
2022: December 5, 12 $1,000 $1,160
7 night package
Departure Dates		 Per person (single or twin) Single in a double room
2022: January 28 $1,700 $1,980
2022: February 4, 11, 18, 25 $1,700 $1,980
2022: March 4, 11 $1,700 $1,980
2022: April 15, 22 $1,900 $2,180
2022: April 29 $2,100 $2,380
2022: May 6, 20 $2,100 $2,380
2022: June 3, 10, 24 $2,100 $2,380
2022: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 $2,100 $2,380
2022: August 5, 12, 19, 26 $2,100 $2,380
2022: September 2, 9, 23, 30 $2,100 $2,380
2022: October 14, 21 $1,900 $2,180
2022: October 28 $1,700 $1,980
2022: November 4, 11, 18 $1,700 $1,980
2022: December 2, 9 $1,700 $1,980

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.

Supplement applied for single in a double room.

Rates are in $ CAD. Rates include room upgrade (better) and membership fees. 


Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.

Travel Details:
Address is: West Lulworth House, Lulworth Cove, Dorset BH20 5RJ

We recommend getting the train to Wool and then a taxi transfer to West Lulworth House. However if you are planning on driving, please note that you can only park in a public car park. Please check the process below.

By Train:
The nearest railway station is at Wool.

By Taxi:
The 5-mile journey from Wool railway station takes approximately 10 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Durdle Door Cabs. As a guide price, it costs £12 per 4-seat taxi in 2020. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. They will arrange shared taxis wherever possible. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:

Durdle Door Cabs*
Tel: +44 (0) 1929 444546
Email: info@durdledoorcabs.com
The return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the West Lulworth House Manager.
*Durdle Door Cabs is not owned or managed by us.

By Car:
The recommended route is via Bere Regis and Wool – although slightly longer this avoids the traffic through Bournemouth and Poole. From Bere Regis follow signs to Wool. At Wool cross the level crossing and turn left following signs to Lulworth Cove and West Lulworth. Continue for a further 4 miles to Lulworth Cove. As you enter Lulworth Cove Village, there is a slip road on your left to West Lulworth House. Park on the slip road if you would like to take advantage of our bag drop off service, which is available from 10am to 6.30pm, on arrival and departure days. You can then continue to the public car park at the end of the slip road to park your car.

This car park is free for West Lulworth House guests as long as book your car in with House staff within 30 minutes of arriving, failure to do this could result in a fine from the Lulworth Estate.

Hotel Descriptions
4

West Lulworth House

Set just 200 yards from the sea, West Lulworth House has a highly coveted location just above the lake-still expanse of Lulworth Cove on Dorset’s iconic Jurassic Coast. Built in 1881 by the then Mayor of Weymouth, it has been perennially popular with walkers, twitchers and fossil hunters. As well as 22 delightful bedrooms, there’s a south facing garden and elevated terrace with cracking views, an outdoor heated pool and a pair of lovely lounges, perfect for a relaxing walking holiday exploring the Jurassic Coast. Step out the front door and on to the coast path. To the west lies Middle Beach and the picture perfect Durdle Door, with its massive rock arch and gently sloping beach. East lie the beaches of Mupe Bay and Arish Mell. But you’re here for the walking and what adventure you’ll have on the coast path or exploring the interior. Then there’s Lulworth Castle and the famous ruins of Corfe Castle standing guard over the Purbeck Hills to explore.

Address: West Lulworth House, Lulworth Cove, Dorset BH20 5RJ

Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Stay in one of the main building’s bright, beautifully presented rooms or in the adjoining cottage. With 22 bedrooms, West Lulworth House has plenty of space and there’s a range of Good, Better and Best Rooms to choose from: each room has an airy feel and the same cosy style. Opt though for Room 4 on the first floor of the main house for its weathered, pastel-painted wood panels and the lovely view looking over the cove, or squirrel yourself away in Room 23 in the cottage to the side of the main house for a large room with more sumptuous views to soak up.

All ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ and ‘Best’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers.

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, attractive garden, outdoor swimming pool, multi-purpose activity room, lounge, library and board games to borrow

After a day walking on the Dorset Coast or hunting for fossils, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax by sitting in the sunny south facing gardens or take a table on the terrace with matchless views of the cove below. Slip in to the heated outdoor pool then surface in time to retire to the cosy lounge and its squishy sofas and seafaring decorations to read up on the area or the attractive bar with its pretty tiled insets for a sundowner.

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