Part of the Lulworth Estate, Lulworth Castle has been in the Weld family for generations and has had love and hard work constantly embedded in its walls. In the early 1900’s, the castle was partially destroyed by fire. A devastating blow, the fire ravaged the building, leaving it as a roofless ruin and forcing the family to move into a new residence nearby. Thankfully, a pioneering partnership with English Heritage saw the castle restored to its full glory, and it is now open to the public.
Open to guests between Sundays and Fridays, the castle offers a world of discovery. Having been at the centre of feuds with the Roundheads during the English Civil War and used as a residence-in-exile by the surviving members of the French royal family following the French Revolution, it is a castle steeped in history.
Pay a visit to the castle and climb its tower, absorbing spectacular views of the surrounding Purbeck countryside and across towards the Jurassic Coast. Walk through its grounds and go and see the 15th Century church and 18th Century Roman Catholic chapel. The castle has rolling parkland, woodland walks and a children’s play area. Take your time exploring and soak in the scenery. It’s great news if you have a dog too, as the castle’s grounds welcome dogs as long as they are kept on a lead.
Once you’ve walked all you can walk, settle down for a picnic packed with local goodies from the area. Or, if you’d like more of an occasion, the Castle Tearoom is a lovely place to warm the tummy with a hot drink and homemade cakes and cream teas.
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Lulworth Caste, East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS | 01929 400352 | www.lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/castle-and-park/
