The beaches of Studland Bay

A view of Studland Beach

Four miles of beautiful beaches line the sheltered waters of Studland Bay – ideal for beach games, sandcastles, watersports or simply relaxing.

From bucket and spade fun to watersports, beach games and blow-away-the-cobwebs walks, Studland is a place for all seasons.

The beaches of the Studland peninsula stretch from the boundary of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site at Old Harry Rocks north to Shell Bay, where a chain ferry provides a link to Poole and Bournemouth.

South Beach is the smallest and popular with locals. Middle Beach is sheltered by low cliffs, while Knoll Beach, backed by a wilderness of dunes, has wide open spaces and includes a 1km designated naturist area.

Studland Beach, Dorset
Children playing at Studland Beach
Studland Beach, Dorset

All are ideal for families with gently shelving bathing waters, convenient parking and other facilities.

No matter which you choose, you’ll be met with sea views stretching from Old Harry to the Isle of Wight.

Dogs are welcome all year round but restrictions apply during the summer months.

 

Things to try on the beaches at Studland

  • Paddling, playing in the waves, building sandcastles and having fun - anywhere

  • Kayaking – Middle Beach or Knoll Beach

  • Snorkelling – Middle Beach

  • Paddleboarding, pedaloes, sailing or power boat trips – Knoll Beach

 

The history of Studland

The aristocratic Bankes family, who once owned Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy near Wimborne, spent summers at their Studland residence, now the Pig on the Beach hotel. 

They knew there’s nothing like fresh sea air for invigorating mind and body, and nowhere better than four miles of golden sand for letting your hair down and enjoying the outdoors.

On his death in 1981, Ralph Bankes bequeathed the Bankes estate, including Studland, Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy, to the National Trust.

Henrietta Bankes and her son Ralph at Studland about 1905. On his death in 1981 Ralph bequeathed the Bankes estate, including Studland, Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy, to the National Trust.
Henrietta and Ralph Bankes on the beach at Studland about 1905
Henrietta Bankes and her son Ralph at Studland about 1905. On his death in 1981 Ralph bequeathed the Bankes estate, including Studland, Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy, to the National Trust.
A group of people in the naturist area at Studland Bay

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.

Woman holding takeaway hot drink

Feeling peckish? 

Our food outlet is open and will initially be serving a limited range of takeaway hot and cold drinks and light snacks. We’ve introduced new safety measures including closure of our seating areas, screens at our till and collection points, and waymarked routes. We’ll also only be accepting card payment. We look forward to welcoming you back and know that you’ll support us to make this a safe experience for everyone. In line with government guidelines you'll be required to wear a face covering in our shops, cafés and food outlets in England. Please bring one with you.

this year's new collection features across home ware to kitchen accessories, gardening, fahsion and food.

Stop off at the shop 

Knoll Beach shop is open 10am-4.30pm, daily. For the safety of staff and visitors we've introduced social distancing measures and changes to payment, which will be via card only. In line with government guidance visitors to our shop will be required to wear a face covering from July 24. Please bring one along with you. It is through your purchases that we are able to continue looking after Studland Bay for everyone, for ever.