YHA Lulworth Cove is a timber-built youth hostel with a small camping area, set on the edge of West Lulworth in the Dorset hills close to the Jurassic Coast. The grounds sit about one mile from Lulworth Cove itself, the horseshoe bay of white pebbles and clear water that gives the area its name, with the South West Coast Path running close by towards Durdle Door. Camping here is modest and honest: a grass area beside the hostel takes up to six small two-person tents, roughly 12 people in total, so it suits backpackers, coast path walkers and couples rather than caravans or motorhomes, neither of which is accepted. Campers get use of the hostel facilities, including the self-catering kitchen, cycle store, drying room and licensed restaurant, which makes wet evenings much easier. Reviewers regularly praise the friendly wardens, the walking straight from the door and the handy on-site meals, while noting the pitches are basic and best for lightweight tents. Families are well catered for, with Monkey World and the Tank Museum a short drive inland. Camping runs on selected nights only and must be booked directly with the hostel, and pitches and beds are quoted through YHA's booking system. YHA Lulworth Cove is a straightforward, well-placed base for exploring this stretch of Dorset.
Yes, the hostel has a small grass camping area to the side of the building that takes up to six two-person tents, around 12 people in total. Camping runs on selected nights only and must be booked directly with the hostel, which you can reach on 01929 400564.
Are caravans or motorhomes allowed?
No, YHA Lulworth Cove only offers pitches for lightweight tents alongside its indoor hostel beds. There is no provision for caravans or motorhomes, so the camping suits backpackers, cyclists and couples walking the South West Coast Path rather than anyone travelling with a touring unit.
How far is the hostel from Lulworth Cove and the beach?
The hostel sits about one mile from Lulworth Cove, roughly a 20 minute walk downhill to the horseshoe bay and its white pebble beach. The South West Coast Path passes close by, giving direct walking access towards Durdle Door and along the Jurassic Coast.
Is YHA Lulworth Cove good for families?
Yes, the hostel markets family breaks and has private rooms, a self-catering kitchen and a licensed restaurant. Inland attractions including Monkey World and the Tank Museum are a short drive away, and the Jurassic Coast makes an easy day out for children and adults alike.
When is the hostel open and how much does camping cost?
The hostel opens across much of the year, though camping is offered on selected nights only. Prices for pitches and beds are quoted through YHA's booking system, and camping must be arranged directly with the hostel on 01929 400564 before you travel.
What is the dog policy for camping?
Dog access for campers is not confirmed on YHA's own information for this hostel, so please check with the hostel directly before booking. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout YHA, and the nearby South West Coast Path and Dorset hills make excellent dog-walking country if you do bring one.
Things to do nearby
Beach nearby
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