Stair Hole
Just a short walk west of Lulworth Cove, Stair Hole is one of the Jurassic Coast’s most fascinating natural landmarks. Although much smaller and less famous than its neighbour, this extraordinary little cove reveals some of Dorset’s most dramatic geological formations, with layers of limestone and clay twisted, folded and buckled into remarkable shapes.
Known as the Lulworth Crumple, these distinctive rock formations were created by immense geological forces that folded the once-horizontal rock layers. Over millions of years, erosion has carved caves, arches and openings into the limestone, offering a fascinating glimpse into how Lulworth Cove itself developed.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Stair Hole is best appreciated from the designated viewpoints above the cliffs. It’s not a traditional beach for swimming or sunbathing, but a place to stop, take in the extraordinary geology and enjoy beautiful views across the coastline.
Why We Love It Here
One of the things we love about Lulworth is how much there is to discover in such a small area, and Stair Hole is a perfect example. Most visitors naturally head straight for Lulworth Cove or walk towards Durdle Door, but this remarkable little landmark is well worth taking the time to explore.
It’s only a short walk from the Cove, yet the scenery is strikingly different. From above, you can see the tightly folded rock formations that make this stretch of the Jurassic Coast so extraordinary. The shapes and colours are fascinating, especially when sunlight catches the different layers of limestone and clay.
For us, Stair Hole is one of those places that makes you appreciate how remarkable Dorset’s coastline is. You don’t need to be interested in geology to enjoy it, although it’s difficult not to become curious when you see the rocks folded into such extraordinary shapes.
It’s also a lovely addition to a day spent exploring Lulworth. We’d suggest starting at Lulworth Cove, taking the short walk up to Stair Hole, then returning to the village for a coffee or lunch. There are some lovely places to eat around the Cove, and it’s worth allowing time to enjoy the views rather than heading straight off to explore nearby attractions.
If you’re feeling energetic, you could continue your day with the famous coastal walk towards Durdle Door, where the scenery becomes even more spectacular.
Stair Hole is also a wonderful place to introduce children to the Jurassic Coast’s geological history. The viewpoint offers a chance to see how the sea has shaped the coastline over millions of years, though children should always be closely supervised near the cliff edges.
It’s one of the places we’d encourage guests staying in our holiday cottages near Lulworth Cove to visit. For those staying in our Silverlake Estate Curated Collection, it’s easy to include Stair Hole as part of a day exploring Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no dedicated car park at Stair Hole, but you can park at the main Lulworth Cove visitor car park and walk from there. The viewpoint is a short uphill walk from the Cove along the signed route to Stair Hole. Parking charges apply at Lulworth Cove.
Yes. Dogs can accompany you on the public footpaths around Stair Hole, but they should be kept under close control and well away from cliff edges. You can combine your visit with a walk around Lulworth Cove or along suitable sections of the South West Coast Path. If you’re planning a Dorset break with your four-legged companion, explore our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset.
Stair Hole is fascinating for families, particularly for children interested in rocks, fossils and the natural world. However, it isn’t a suitable swimming beach. The shoreline is difficult and potentially dangerous to access, with unstable cliffs and steep drops. We recommend enjoying Stair Hole from the designated viewpoints and keeping children well away from the cliff edges. If you’re planning a Dorset holiday with the children, explore our collection of family-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset, with plenty of wonderful places to discover along the Jurassic Coast.
There are no facilities directly at Stair Hole, but Lulworth Cove is only a short walk away. Here you’ll find public toilets, cafés, restaurants, shops and the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre, where you can learn more about the Jurassic Coast’s extraordinary geological history. For inspiration, we’ve created a guide to places to eat and drink in Lulworth.
Stair Hole lies immediately west of Lulworth Cove, about a five- to ten-minute walk from the Cove, depending on your starting point and pace. The route includes a short uphill section, but it’s well worth the effort for the views across the folded rock formations.
The Lulworth Crumple is the term for the extraordinary folded rock layers visible around Stair Hole. Originally laid down as relatively flat layers, the rocks were compressed and deformed by immense geological forces. The result is a series of dramatic folds, making this one of the best places on the Jurassic Coast to see how the Earth’s crust has changed over millions of years.
Lulworth Cove is just a short walk away, while Durdle Door and Man O’ War Beach are among the other famous landmarks along this stretch of the Jurassic Coast. You can also visit the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre, explore West Lulworth’s pubs and cafés, or discover more of the surrounding Purbeck countryside. If you’re planning a longer stay, explore our handpicked Dorset holiday cottages and use our local guides to discover more of the Jurassic Coast.