Stair Hole
Nature · A small flooded cove beside Lulworth Cove where the cliff strata are crumpled into folds and the sea is still cutting arches through the rock.
Lulworth Cove
A near-circular bay of calm water ringed by cliffs, with the folded rocks of Stair Hole a short walk away.
From King's Cross St Pancras: 3 h 55 min by train · 3 h 35 min by car
Travel times by TravelTime
Time there: 30 min – 1 h to see its one place
Get directionsCoastBy the seaBeachesCliffsScenic viewsCastles
Must-see places
Quick facts
The sea broke through a hard limestone ridge and then carved out the softer rock behind it, leaving a near-circular bay of calm, sheltered water ringed by cliffs.
A short walk from the visitor centre, the layered rock at Stair Hole is folded into tight curves, which makes Lulworth one of the best places in the world to see geology up close.
East of the cove along the coast path, a ledge holds a 145-million-year-old fossil forest, open to visitors most weekends and school holidays when the army range is not firing.
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