Lulworth Visitor Centre

The visitor centre sits right on the doorstep of one of Dorset's most dramatic coastlines, and it's the sensible place to start before heading down to Lulworth Cove itself. Inside, you'll find the expected displays about geology and the Jurassic Coast - it's the sort of place that actually makes sense when you're standing on 185-million-year-old rocks. The centre explains how the cove formed, what you're looking at when you peer across those cliffs, and why the whole stretch matters geologically. It's free admission, which is a proper bonus, and you can knock it over in 30 to 45 minutes without rushing.

Families with younger kids will find it useful rather than thrilling - there are interactive bits and it kills time on a grey afternoon. Walkers and geology enthusiasts will get more from it, especially if you're tackling the Jurassic Coast Path. The real draw is popping in before or after exploring the cove and the coastal trails that branch off in both directions.

If you're based at Durdle Door Holiday Park, just under a mile away, the visitor centre is practically on your doorstep. It pairs neatly with the walking routes around West Lulworth and saves you wasting time wondering what you're actually looking at from the clifftops. Go early in the day if you want a quieter experience - by mid-afternoon in summer, the car park fills up with day-trippers heading to the cove itself. Allow an hour if you're combining it with a proper walk along the coast.