Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is a victim of its own reputation. It is a remarkable, almost enclosed circular cove, surrounded by high cliffs and entered through a narrow gap, its well known attraction as a spectacular anchorage means that when conditions permit there are usually many others visitors anxious to try it too. Its reputation as a beauty spot ensures plenty of visitors by car during the summer, and the overcrowding both afloat and ashore can often be detrimental to its enjoyment.
Lulworth Cove is only 450m across at its widest point, and as the local moorings have encroached along the western side of the cove the space for visitors to anchor has significantly diminished. If you can visit midweek you will probably find an acceptable anchorage but on fine weekends you still struggle to anchor safely. However, you can of course lay your RIB on a trop off the shore.
The other problem with Lulworth is actually finding it, as it can be an elusive place, except when it is packed full with boats when you can normally see some masts inside as you pass the narrow entrance. The steep, grass covered chalk cliffs behind the cove and the two headlands which lie on either side of the 150m wide entrance blend together well, and there is little impression from seaward of the depth of the cove.
Once you have identified the entrance, keep slightly to the east of the centre as there are rocky ledges extending from both sides but mainly on the west. Once inside, do not turn to starboard as the southeast corner is very shallow and rocky, but steer toward the northeast corner of the cove, well clear of the local moorings, where the normal anchorage will be found in about 2.5m to 3m LAT about 100m from the beach. If you want to venture closer inshore, then do so with care as the bottom rises steeply.
The shelter is good but in fresh northerly winds you will experience considerable downdraughts at times; if there is any strength of wind forecast from the south do not linger, this can become a real trap and once a swell sets in getting out can be very frightening.
There are limited facilities ashore, mostly related to the tourist trade, with a hotel, bar, cafes, Post Office and shop with basic provisions, although more shops and a pub will be found if you walk the half mile up the road to the village of West Lulworth.