Lulworth Cove is an almost perfectly circular bay with pebble shores flanked by high cliffs.

Where is it? Five miles south of Wool off the B3070/3071.

Best features: Interesting Heritage Centre which has a classroom for school parties, local information and a shop selling souvenirs, maps, walk guides, etc.

Local facilities & shops: The village of West Lulworth has shops and a pub.

Great for the kids? Swimming is safe and there are rock pools to explore when the tide goes out.

How far are the loos? In the Heritage Centre just up from the beach.

Parking: Pay-and-display car park in village.

Public transport: The nearest train station is at Wool. There is a bus service from Wool and you can hire taxis from there, too.The Flexible Door to Dorset bus operates between Wool/Wareham station, Lulworth Castle, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door during the summer months.

How about pets? Pets are allowed on the beach, but must be kept on a lead.

Other points of interest: The area between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door has some of the most fascinating geology in Europe.

Wet weather options:

Clouds Hill near Bovington Home of Lawrence of Arabia. National Trust-owned, open April 3-Oct 31, Thurs-Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays, noon-5pm. 01929 405616.

Lulworth Castle An early 17th century former hunting lodge in East Lulworth which was gutted by fire in 1929, but has been partially restored and is open to the public Sunday to Friday (not Saturday) 0845 450 1054.