Lulworth Castle

Lulworth Castle is a historic castle in the heart of the Lulworth Estate, surrounded by parkland, woodland and some of the most beautiful countryside in Dorset.

Built in the early 17th century as a hunting lodge, the castle became the family seat of the Weld family and has played an important part in the history of the Lulworth Estate. Today, visitors can explore the castle, chapel and surrounding grounds, with woodland walks, picnic areas and a children’s playground making it more than just a castle visit.

Where is Lulworth Castle?

Lulworth Castle is at East Lulworth, just a few miles from West Lulworth and Lulworth Cove.

It makes an easy addition to a day exploring the Lulworth area. You can combine a visit to the castle with Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door or a walk through the surrounding countryside.

Lulworth Castle postcode: BH20 5QS.

A little history

Lulworth Castle was built around 1608 in the style of a traditional castle, although it was actually designed as a hunting lodge and country retreat.

For centuries it was the family home of the Weld family, owners of the Lulworth Estate.

In 1929, a devastating fire badly damaged the castle. Much of the interior was destroyed, but the building was subsequently restored, including through a partnership with English Heritage.

Today, visitors can see the restored castle and learn more about its history as they explore the building.

What can you see at Lulworth Castle?

A visit isn’t just about the castle itself.

The attraction includes:

Lulworth Castle and its historic interiors
St Mary’s Chapel, a distinctive Catholic chapel within the grounds
Castle parkland and woodland
Walking routes
Children’s playground
Picnic areas
Castle Tearoom

The surrounding estate gives you plenty of space to explore, so you can combine looking around the castle with a walk or a relaxed picnic.

St Mary’s Chapel

One of the more unusual features of the estate is St Mary’s Chapel.

The small Catholic chapel was built as a free-standing building in the grounds and is particularly distinctive for its domed exterior.

It’s worth including when you’re visiting the castle rather than simply seeing the castle itself and leaving.

How long do you need at Lulworth Castle?

Allow around two to three hours if you’d like to explore the castle, chapel and grounds without rushing.

You can spend longer if you want to make use of the woodland walks, picnic areas or playground.

If you’re combining the castle with Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door, it’s worth allowing most of the day rather than trying to squeeze everything into a couple of hours.

Lulworth Castle for families

The castle and grounds can make a good family day out, particularly when combined with the surrounding parkland.

There’s a children’s playground as well as space to walk and explore outdoors.

The castle itself is a historic building, so expect steps, uneven floors and narrow doorways in parts of the visitor route. Buggies may not be practical throughout the castle.

Can you take dogs to Lulworth Castle?

Yes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Lulworth Castle, including inside the castle.

Dogs should remain under control around livestock and in the wider parkland.

Accessibility

There is an accessible entrance to the castle via the north door, with lift access to the basement and part of the upper floor.

The main entrance involves steps, so visitors requiring step-free access should use the alternative entrance and ask staff for assistance.

There is also designated disabled parking.

Because the wider grounds include grass, gravel and woodland paths, accessibility varies outside the castle itself.

Getting to Lulworth Castle

Lulworth Castle is best reached by car.

It is signposted from the A352 Wareham–Dorchester road, with the castle around 4.5 miles from the A352 when approaching from the east and around 6.5 miles from the west.

There is pay-and-display parking at the castle.

The nearest railway station is Wool, approximately 5 miles away, with bus connections serving the wider Lulworth area.

Plan Your Visit to Lulworth

Lulworth Castle opening times and tickets

Opening times, admission prices and occasional closure dates can change, particularly around events and seasonal opening.

It’s worth checking the official information before travelling rather than relying on an old timetable.

Check current Lulworth Castle opening times & tickets

The castle’s official visitor information also provides current details about parking, facilities, accessibility and booking.

Can you visit Lulworth Castle and Lulworth Cove in the same day?

Absolutely — and it’s a good way to make the most of your time in the area.

Start at Lulworth Castle, exploring the castle and grounds before heading towards West Lulworth.

Then continue to Lulworth Cove for the afternoon, with time for the beach, village and perhaps the coastal walk towards Durdle Door.

If you want to see Durdle Door as well, allow plenty of time. The coastal paths are steep in places, so it’s not a quick hop between the attractions.

Our Lulworth Cove Guide or Durdle Door Guide can help you plan your day.

Our top tips for visiting Lulworth Castle

Feed the Peacocks

Don’t forget to take a few 20p coins for the peacock food! The peacocks around Lulworth Castle are a favourite with visitors, particularly children, and feeding them is a fun little extra during your visit.

Keep your parking ticket.

If you pay for parking at Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door, you can use the same ticket at the other car park and at Lulworth Castle, so you don’t need to pay three times. The cheaper Lulworth Castle parking ticket doesn’t work in the main Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door car parks. in West Lulworth

Staying in West Lulworth

West Lulworth makes a particularly good base if you’d like to explore Lulworth Castle and the Jurassic Coast.

Staying in the village puts Lulworth Cove within easy walking distance, while Durdle Door, the Lulworth Estate and surrounding countryside are all close by. It’s a 10 minute drive to the Castle.

There are cottages, B&Bs, inns and other accommodation options in and around the village.

Where to Stay in Lulworth

Honeysuckle Cottage with private parking in West Lulworth

Stay in the heart of West Lulworth

If you’re looking for a small cottage, Honeysuckle Cottage is a traditional thatched cottage in the village, with private off-road parking and Lulworth Castle just a short drive away.

Book via Airbnb

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