Lulworth Castle & Park
A country house once ravaged by fire and now a grand space in a parkland setting.
Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Facilities
-
Accessible loos
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Charged parking
-
Facilities for children
-
Mostly wheelchair accessible
-
Parkland / open spaces
-
Picnic area
-
Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Access statement available
Read their full accessibility statement here.
Built in the 17th century, this magnificent building is steeped in history.
Originally built as a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty, it was for centuries the family seat of the Weld family, the current owners of the Lulworth Estate. Ravaged by fire in 1929, it has been partly restored in a pioneering partnership with English Heritage.
Climb the tower for spectacular panoramic views of the Purbeck countryside and towards the Jurassic Coast. Visit the 18th-century Roman Catholic Chapel and the 15th-century Church of St Andrew.
With extensive parkland, woodland walks, a children’s playground, the spacious grounds are yours to enjoy, walk the dog (please keep dogs on leads) or enjoy a picnic. The recently opened Castle Tearoom is a great spot to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, cream teas and to buy a souvenir of your visit.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times and Visitor Information for Lulworth Estate Attractions
The Lulworth Estate offers a variety of attractions and events for visitors. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and conditions for each attraction:
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is open every day of the year. Visitors can enjoy activities such as rock-pooling, watersports, walking, coasteering, or simply relaxing. Accessible facilities, including parking, toilets, and a mobility scooter, are available on-site.
St Mary’s Chapel
St Mary’s Chapel is open from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, but it is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Mass is held at 6:00 pm on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of each month. Visitors are advised to check before traveling.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is open to the public all year round. However, access to the beaches is not permitted after 9:00 pm or dusk. Visitors can enjoy the natural cliff paths, beaches, and stunning views.
Lulworth Castle & Park
The castle is closed for the winter from December 19, 2025, and will reopen on March 1, 2026. The park and playground are open from Sunday to Friday, 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, but are closed on Christmas Day. During special events, admission tickets are required to access the grounds and playground.
Visitor Centre
The Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (4:00 pm in winter). It is closed on Christmas Day. The centre provides information about the area, including tide times and geological maps.
Special Events
- Spring Family Fun 2026: March 29 to April 9, Sunday to Thursday, featuring Alice in Wonderland-themed activities.
- Dorset Blind Motor Show: May 17, 2026.
- Go Wild! May Half Term Fun 2026: Animal and critter-themed activities.
- Camp Bestival 2026: July 30 to August 2, 2026.
- Autumn Fun 2026: Details to follow.
- Christmas Fun 2026: Details to follow.
For further details, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit in advance and consider the accessibility and facilities available at each location.
Historic Houses members visit for free. Members must show cards on arrival to gain free entry.
Adults: £9
Senior/Student: £8
Children (4-15 years): £6
Under 4’s: Free
- Accessible toilets
- Access statement available
Read their full accessibility statement here.
Getting here
Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Follow the brown signs to Lulworth Castle, which is just off the A352 between Wool and Wareham on the B 3070.
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
