The Jurassic coast: Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door

Tuesday October 5
The forecast for the morning was overcast with maybe an odd shower, but clearing later in the day. So after a good breakfast at the hotel, rather than driving straight to the coast, we drove northeast to the National Trust property of Kingston Lacy (see extra). Kingston Lacy was for many years the family seat of the Bankes family who lived nearby at Corfe Castle until its destruction in the English Civil War after its incumbent owners, Sir John Bankes and Dame Mary, had remained loyal to Charles I. Kingston Lacy has a dynamic history. Over centuries the Bankes family built, altered, embellished and rebuilt their house. Their wealth came from extensive estates and profitable marriages, including inherited wealth from Caribbean plantations supported by the Atlantic slave trade.
William John Bankes created the house we see today. Forced into exile due to his homosexuality, he lived in Venice and remotely remodelled the house, as well as creating lavishly decorated interiors such as the spectacular Spanish Room. Displaying remarkable paintings by renowned artists like Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, the house is a miniature ‘national gallery’ for the South West. We looked around the house first, enjoying the lavish decoration and wonderful art work, and listening to the informative volunteers in almost every room. Having completed the tour of the house, we went for a walk in the grounds.
We then drove down to the coast at Lulworth Cove, famous for its unique geology and landforms, such as the Lulworth crumple and Stair hole. We walked the coastal path from Lulworth Cove to the natural arch of Durdle Door. My collage starts in the top left, climbing up out of Lulworth, and continuing clockwise. Having walked down to the beach at Durdle Door, we were surprised to find a seal sunning himself on the beach, seemingly unperturbed by people taking pictures of him. It was late afternoon by this point, and the light was beautiful.
Rather than return to Dorchester for dinner, we stayed and enjoyed an early dinner in Lulworth Cove before returning to our accommodation.
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