Lulworth Castle and Park, Dorset

Lulworth Castle was built in 1610 as a hunting lodge by Thomas Howard, 3rd Lord Bindon, who was the son of the 2nd Duke of Norfolk. The Howards owned the castle until 1641 when it was purchased by Humphrey Weld, the direct ancestor of the current owner. A chapel was added in 1786. Following the French Revolution, the surviving members of the French Royal Family were allowed to use Lulworth as one of their residences-in-exile.

The castle was gutted by fire in 1929 and was left as a roofless ruin, the family building a new residence for themselves nearby.

Restoration work began in the 1970's and was completed in 1998. the restoration included a new roof and restored surviving walls in the interior, but no new internal walls or replacements for the destroyed upper floors have been constructed.

The treasures in the house come from several sources. Regrettably, the chattels in the Castle were lost to the family and most of those to be seen have been repurchased by the last three owners. Many of the pieces have come from Ince Blundell, collected in the late 18th Century or have been purchased specifically for the house.

The castle is now a tourist attraction, holding medieval-themed events and hosts the annual music and arts festival Camp Bestival, a 10-15,000 capacity event aimed at a family audience.

Refreshments are available just outside the Castle gates at the Weld Arms and Past & Presents Internet Café but not in the Park.

Opening Times

The Park is open from 10:00am until 5:00pm.
The Castle is open from 10:30am until 5:00pm.
Closed Saturdays.

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Ticket Prices

Pay & Display parking allowing access to Park & Woodland Walks, Adventure Playground and picnic areas. £3 per vehicle

Castle, Castle lawn & Chapel
Adult £5.00
Child (4 - 15 years) £2.00
Under 4's Free

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01929 400352

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