Places to eat
Dorset & Lulworth are lucky to have so much choice on places to eat and drink. Here is a selection of establishments that we recommend out and about and also what we have in close by within a few minutes walking distance.
Places to eat within walking distance
Castle Inn
WEST LULWORTH
Newly revamped friendly village Dorset pub close to Lulworth Cove, with a history dating back to the 16th century.
Butcombe Beers and good standard pub food. Large garden and only 5-10 minutes walk from Lulworth House.
GOOD FALL BACK PLACE TO EAT! – 01929 400311
The Cove Inn
West Lulworth
Recently refurbished in a seaside theme this Hall and Woodhouse chain inn has a good selection of beers and wines.
Good large menu but not always everything available. Dogs are allowed in the bar and restaurant. Large beer garden.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL AT BUSY TIMES! – 01929 400333
Limestone
WEST LULWORTH
Limestone at Lulworth is a uniquely designed, characteristic hotel. The combination of traditional furnishings tastefully enhanced with a modern influence, creates an authentic English, country house feel.
A bit eclectic and a climb up the path but worth it for probably the best food especially fresh fish in the area. Only 5-10 minutes walk from Lulworth House.
BEST TO BOOK WELL AHEAD – 01929 400252
Lulworth Lodge
West Lulworth
Built on the site of Lulworth’s original watermill, Lulworth Lodge is a relaxed coastal hotel with an all-day ground floor bistro.
A hundred metres up from the Cove there is a large deck for al-fresco dining in good weather with sea views. Good bistro type food.
Only 5-10 minutes walk from Lulworth House
BOOKING ESSENTIAL – 01929 400404
Bishops Cottage
WEST LULWORTH
Nestled into the cliff directly above Lulworth Cove. Originally two cottages dating back to the 1650’s, the building is one of the oldest in the village of West Lulworth. It was once the home of Bishop Wordsworth of Salisbury (son of the poet, William Wordsworth).
Restaurant and bar with large TV for sports fans. Outside terrace under an old olive tree for al-fresco dining.
BOOK AHEAD – 01929 400552
The Boat Shed Café
West Lulworth
The Boat Shed Café, once a lock-up for those who took a living from the sea, takes its inspiration from the surrounding seascape. Nautically themed, it is the perfect location to soak up views of Lulworth Cove.
Breakfasts, light lunches, daily specials, homemade cakes, cream tea and delicious coffee. Specials – mezze platters, whitebait and calamari.
WALK IN ONLY – 01929 400810
Finleys Café & Chip Shop
WEST LULWORTH
Café, photo gallery and fish and chips located beside the Visitor Centre in the main car park. Good food and plenty of inside and outside seating.
Best place to get a picnic lunch made to order to take away to the beaches or when walking.
ORDERS – 01929 400711
Jakes Café
WEST LULWORTH
Café, shop and Ice Creams across the road from the Cove Inn and next to the famous Doll’s House.
Gets very busy but if you want to people watch this is a good location to watch from while drinking your latté or licking an ice cream! – 07935 247208
Some more places further afield that we would recommend that are worth a visit in the larger area of Purbeck and Dorset areas.
Hive Beach Café
Burton Bradstock
The Hive Beach Café is a marquee located right on the beach on the Jurassic Coast. With far reaching views across Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach. It’s the perfect location to enjoy fresh, local seafood, homemade cakes or just a simple cup of tea.
This is our favourite day out with the best ever fish and chips but much more! 40 minutes drive from Lulworth House.
GETS BUSY, NO BOOKINGS – 01308 89707
The Square & Compass
Worth Matravers
Like pubs used to be! Our favourite. No bar just a serving hatch and two snug rooms. Their own ciders and Hattie Browns beers from Swanage. Large garden with sculptures and benches and open sea views. Popular pub especially with locals and walkers. Food limited to home made pasties on paper plates but good with the excellent beer. Live music at times. About 25 minutes drive from Lulworth House
GETS BUSY, NO BOOKINGS – 01929 439229
Pig On The Beach
STUDLAND
A walled kitchen garden, views of ‘Old Harry’ rock, a path down to the beach, a herd of Dorset Horn sheep, roaring log fires and a fairy-tale gargoyle or two. Everything is driven by our kitchen gardeners, forager and chef – they grow and find the food. With a serious commitment to the place, they celebrate Dorset and everything it has to offer!
Must see the walled garden, flatbreads from an outside woodfire oven in good weather – BOOKING ESSENTIAL – 01929 448066
The Sailors Return
EAST CHALDEN
Nestled in the tranquil village of Chaldon Herring, Dorset. The Sailor’s Return is a traditional thatched country pub full of little characterful nooks and cranny’s for you to relax in.
Good pub menu and Otter Ales. Dogs are allowed in the bar and restaurant. Good for lunches on a long walk from Lulworth House but closed Monday all day & Tuesday lunchtime.
BOOKING ONLY AT BUSY TIMES! – 01305 854441
Rick Steins
SANDBANKS
With views across Poole Harbour, the restaurant in Sandbanks is the perfect spot for a relaxed seafood meal, family get-together or equally, a romantic meal for two. Choose from a menu full of Rick’s classic dishes, including Dover sole a la meunière, fruits de mer and the ever-popular, lobster thermidor.
Enjoy a ferry crossing to the exclusive (& expensive) Sandbanks. 40 minutes from Lulworth House. BOOKING ESSENTIAL – 01202 283000
ShellBay Restaurant
SHELL BAY
Overlook stunning Brownsea Island, the waters of Poole Harbour and Sandbanks. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Isle of Purbeck and Corfe Castle to the edge of the Studland beach following signs to the Studland ferry.
Good for seafood with amazing views over Poole Harbour. BOOKING ESSENTIAL for restaurant but walk-in OK for the bistro. 35 minutes from Lulworth House -01929 450363
Crab House Café
WEYMOUTH
Dine in an idyllic ambience overlooking the Portland coast in relaxed, unpretentious surroundings, savour the finest flavours… Discover the hidden pearl of the South West. They write our menu up to twice a day depending on the fresh catch brought in each day by local fishermen from local boats, weather permitting.
IF YOU LIKE OYSTERS, THIS IS THE PLACE- 30 minutes from Lulworth House – 01305 235593
The Priory
WAREHAM
This country hotel set in exquisite, well cared for gardens. Chef Stephan’s passion for food is as evident as ever. He thrives on obtaining quality produce, with a guaranteed provenance, using fine, locally sourced, ‘seasonal’ produce, whenever possible. Inspired by both European and International cuisine, along with traditional French and English dishes.
DINE IN STYLE. 20 minutes from Lulworth House. BOOKING ESSENTIAL – 01929 551666
The Roth Bar & Grill
BRUTON
At the heart of Hauser & Wirth Somerset is onsite restaurant Roth Bar & Grill. Combining gastronomy with contemporary art, the restaurant is a vibrant, informal and convivial eating-place serving honest, simple and seasonal food.
Great food and art, 75 minutes drive from Lulworth House but well worth it!
NEW YORK IN A SOMERSET FARM – 01749 814 700
Clavels
KIMMERIDGE
Nestled in the charming picture box village of Kimmeridge on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset one mile inland from the World Jurassic Heritage Coast. Being Part of a family that have farmed in the Purbecks since the 1950’s they are passionate about offering delicious locally sourced food.
I remember when this was the village shop and post office run by Mrs Honeybun in the fifties. It had 3 glass jars of sweets!
GOOD FOR LUNCH (and evening meals in the summer) 20 Minutes from Lulworth House
– 01929 480701