The iconic Lulworth Cove features in many geography text books, as an example of the battle between the sea and the land. It was formed when the sea broke through the hard Portland limestone at its mouth and eroded the softer clays behind, before meeting the harder chalk cliffs. The shore is mostly flint shingle with chalk rock at the tideline and is a very popular beach for swimming and watersports - swimming being generally safe within the bay. Immediately east of the bay are the MoD's Lulworth ranges - access to these is restricted (usually to weekends and school holidays). The coastal path runs around the back of the beach - which is not very wide and space can be at a premium during peak times.
A large P&D car park is located about 300 yards away, and access to the shore is a walk down the lane which ends in a slipway. Facilities include toilets, cafes, take-aways, beach shops, a visitor centre and a pub. Dogs are alowed at all times.
