Things To Do in the Area
Walking/Hiking on the South West Coastal Path
The Fossil Forest, Man O’War Beach and Durdle Door are accessible via the various coastal paths. Walks from the Rafters over to Durdle Door are approximately 30 minutes, with plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the stunning landscape along the way.
Local Beaches
The Rafters is located on Lulworth Cove but nearby there are plenty of other beautiful beaches to see as well. Studland Bay and Weymouth are the closest and then there is Sandbanks, Poole, Swanage and Ringstead Bay (National Trust).
Water Entertainment
There are plenty of water sports, sailing and fishing opportunities. Wareham Boat Hire and Jurassic Coast Activities are just a couple of excellent local sporting companies. Leisure or adventure sailing can easily be organized and the Dorset Water Park is fun for the kids as well.
Sightseeing
Lulworth Castle and Corfe castle are a short drive away and a must see. There is the Swanage Railway where you can actually ride in a steam train! Or take the family to Monkey World, an ape rescue center set in 65 acres of woodland. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the Bovington Tank Museum, the Fantasy Island Fun Park and the Kimmerage Fossil Museum. Other interesting sites are Clouds Hill – Lawrence of Arabia’s Rustic Cottage (National Trust), Thomas Hardy’s birth place (National Trust) and Max Gate – Thomas Hardy’s former home (National Trust). For the nature lovers; there is Durlston National Nature Reserve, Studland & Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve, Putlake Farm and Farmer Palmers Farm Park.
Land Activities
Golf is available at nearby clubs including Dorset Golf & Country Club, Wareham Golf Club, Came Down Golf Club and Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. There is Clay Pigeon and Game Shooting, Lulworth Equestrian Center, Cycling tours and even a Dorset Gliding Club for those wanting to see a the area from a different vantage point.
Where we are
The postcode is BH20 5RS. The Rafters is situated in the village of West Lulworth, Dorset. Nearby: Poole is 18 miles away, Weymouth is 15 miles away and Wareham is 9 miles away.
The nearest train stations are Wareham (9 miles) or Wool (5 miles). There nearest large airport is Southampton 1 hr 20 mins (50 miles) Heathrow Airport is 2 hrs 30 mins (115 miles). Nearest small airports are Exeter (65 miles) and Bristol (75miles).
London is just 2 hrs 45 mins by car or just over 2 hrs by train (London Waterloo to Wareham).