Dorset

Studland Bay

Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland

Studland, near Swanage, Dorset

Opening times
See on map

View between dunes to turquoise sea and white cliffs beyond

Bookshop
Beach hut bookshop at Knoll Beach and Grooms Cottage, Middle beach
Café
Situated at Knoll Beach, open all year round.
Car park
Pay & display charges apply (free for NT Members; please scan membership card at pay & display machine). Coach Parking at Knoll Beach car park. Overnight parking and camping is not permitted.
Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome on Studland's beaches all year round but some restrictions apply. 1 October to 30 April: Dogs can be walked on the beach off the lead. From 1 May-30 September please keep your dog on a lead of less than 2m anywhere on the beach. 1 March to 31 July: Dogs on leads in the heathland and dunes to protect ground-nesting birds.
Shop
Situated at Knoll Beach, open all year round.
Toilet
Toilets located at Knoll beach, Middle beach and Shell bay car park.
Mixed and uneven terrain throughout. Designated accessible parking. Accessible toilets at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and Shell Bay.
Studland Bay access statement
Knoll Beach visual story
Click here to access the full Accessibility Guide for Studland Bay - AccessAble.co.uk
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and Shell Bay.
Changing Places
Changing Places toilet at Knoll Beach. Facility includes an adult-sized changing bench, hoist, a peninsular toilet and a height adjustable basin. It is also heated. There is level access from our disabled parking to the changing room, café and shop.
Designated parking
Drop-off point
Disabled drop-off point at end of drive at Knoll Beach
Level access to food outlet
Level access to shop
Powered mobility vehicle available
Tramper vehicle available at South beach car park. All-terrain electric wheelchair offering beach access available at Knoll Beach. Bookings 01929 450500
Steps/uneven terrain
Mixed and uneven terrain throughout.
Wheelchairs available
Beach wheelchairs and an all-terrain electric wheelchair offering beach access available for free hire at Knoll beach visitor reception. Bookings 01929 450500
Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
B3351 from Corfe Castle and Swanage or via chain ferry from Sandbanks, Poole
Parking: Pay and display (free to members) at South Beach, Middle Beach, Knoll Beach and Shell bay
On foot
Studland Bay is on the South West Coast Path and is accessible on foot from Bournemouth and Poole via the Sandbanks chain ferry.
By train
The closest mainline railway stations are Parkstone and Branksome in Poole and Wareham. The closest stop on the Swanage Railway is Swanage itself. Options for onward travel to Studland Bay include buses, walking and cycling.
By bus
Purbeck Breezer no.50 from Bournemouth and Poole or Swanage. £3 per person until end December.
Cycling
Studland Bay is on the National Cycle Network Route Two which runs east to Bournemouth and Poole and west to Corfe Castle and Wareham. Bike racks are available at Knoll Beach.
Cycling - more information
By ferry
A chain ferry links Sandbanks in Poole with Studland Bay, carrying vehicles, bikes and foot passengers. Ferry service runs every 20 minutes. Find out more about arriving by ferry or phone 01929 450203.
Horse
Permits are available from Knoll beach visitor reception for horse riding along a designated route on the beach. Please email studlandbay@nationaltrust.org.uk. Date and time restrictions apply. Horses are not permitted on the beach from June-October.
Studland, near Swanage, Dorset
01929450500
studlandbay@nationaltrust.org.uk

Opening times for 15 July 2025
Asset	Opening time
Beach	Open all day
Car Park	08:30 - 20:00
Café	09:30 - 17:30
Shop	09:30 - 17:30

PDF

Studland Bay map

Take a look at the map of Studland Bay to help plan your visit.

A small dog on the lead standing at the beach

Article

Enjoy Studland with your dog

Studland Bay is a two pawprint rated place. Well-behaved dogs are very welcome. We have certain restrictions to ensure everyone enjoys the beach, whether on two or four feet.

Two visitors explore the cycle trails on bikes at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Article

Leave the car at home

You can avoid traffic queues and stress, and do your bit for the environment, by leaving your car behind when you travel to Studland Bay.

The sun rising over Knoll Beach with grasses in the foreground at Studland Bay, Dorset

Article

Naturism at Studland Bay

A designated section of Studland Beach is probably the best known naturist beach in Britain. The 900m area of Knoll Beach is marked with signs and posts.

An Agglestone Rock on the beach at sunset at Studland Bay, Dorset

Article

Barbecues and fires at Studland Bay

Please be aware that barbecues, cooking and fires are not permitted at Studland Bay, due to the fire risk. There are no designated barbecue areas at Studland. In the case of fire dial 999. Please contact 01929 450500 to report BBQs to our staff at Studland Bay.

A footpath alongside a wire fence through a moody landscape with hills in the distance

Article

Metal detecting and drone use at Studland Bay

Metal detecting is permitted via a permit system only. Please email us to apply for a permit. Drones are not permitted on any National Trust land.

A long concrete building with a narrow horizontal slit for a window

Finding World War Two ammunition

Live World War Two ammunition may occasionally be found. Studland was used as a live fire area in preparation for D-Day. If you see anything, do not touch or remove it but note the location using what three words and report it immediately to a member of staff, call 01929 450500 or the police on 999.

A large group of visitors walking on the beach at Studland Bay

Article

Group and educational visits to Studland Bay

Groups are welcome at Studland Bay, whether you’re planning a group trip or a self-guided education visit. Find out about the kinds of activities on offer for education groups, and how to arrange your visit.

Two visitors walking in the garden, both laughing whilst holding an ice cream at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire

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Finding World War Two ammunition

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