One Minute to Sunshine

Stair Hole is a remarkable small cove located just west of the iconic Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, England. This geological wonder features natural arches carved into the steeply dipping Portland and Purbeck limestone cliffs.

The most striking aspect of Stair Hole is the eastern cliff face, which provides a cross-sectional view of the Lulworth Crumple - a series of small, intricate folds within the northern limb of the Purbeck Monocline. This classic site has been captured by artists like J.M.W. Turner and featured in countless textbooks, making it a must-visit destination for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

As waves crash through the arches and erode the softer Purbeck limestone and Wealden strata, they create a dramatic seascape of multicoloured cliffs and rocky inlets. The cove's sandy beaches and surrounding pine forests teem with wildlife, offering opportunities to spot birds like goldeneye ducks, sandpipers, and herons, as well as the elusive otter hunting in nearby streams.