Man O' War Cove

Getting down to this rocky cove takes commitment - a proper coastal walk from Lulworth Cove that'll test your ankles on the steep chalk cliffs. But once you're there, you'll have earned one of Dorset's most dramatic strips of shingle. The limestone arches frame the water like something from a Gothic cathedral, and the waves crash with real force when the tide's up. Unlike its famous neighbour Lulworth Cove, Man O' War rarely gets packed with coach parties. You'll share the space with serious walkers and geology students who come to gawp at the textbook rock formations. The swimming's decent enough if you don't mind pebbles underfoot, though the currents can be nippy. Families with small children might find the walk a bit much - it's well over a mile each way from West Lulworth village, and the path gets properly steep in places. Rock pool enthusiasts will love the limestone ledges at low tide. Photography types should come in the late afternoon when the light hits the arches just right. Allow at least three hours for the round trip if you want time to actually enjoy the spot rather than just tick it off. Several holiday parks around Warmwell and Crossways make decent bases for exploring this stretch of the Jurassic Coast.