Studland Bay
DorsetVast area of sandy beaches and heathland
Studland, near Swanage, Dorset
Important notice
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 19 February 2026
Asset Opening time Beach Open all day Car Park 09:00 - 16:30 Café 09:30 - 16:00 Shop 09:30 - 16:00 - 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.
- 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
- By road
- B3351 from Corfe Castle and Swanage or via chain ferry from Sandbanks, PooleParking: Number plate recognition parking at Knoll Beach (free to members), pay and display (free to members) at South Beach, Middle 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.
- 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.
Planning your visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
Beaches
Four miles of unspoiled sandy beaches with sheltered, gently shelving bathing waters backed by dunes and low cliffs.
Old Harry Rocks
Towering sea stacks and cliffs topped by chalk downland, with views over Poole Bay to the Isle of Wight.
Studland and Godlingston heaths
Protected lowland heath, home to all six native British reptiles, rare birds, plants and invertebrates.
Knoll Beach Café
Beachside café with indoor and outdoor seating. Hot and cold drinks and snacks. Dogs welcome outdoors.
Knoll Beach Shop
Beach equipment, watersports gear, swimwear and towels, sun protection, toys, books, clothing and gifts.
Groom's Cottage
Second-hand bookshop with a wide range of paperbacks and hardbacks for adults and children.
Little Sea
Freshwater lake, once an inlet of the sea. Home to a rare and distinctive ecosystem.
Fort Henry
Second World War observation bunker where Churchill, Eisenhower and King George VI watched rehearsals for D-Day.
Things to see and do
Events at Studland Bay
There are events for everyone to get involved in at Studland Bay. From regular 10k runs to yoga sessions, WW2 walks, and fungi hunting. Find out more here.
Things to do at Studland Bay
Four miles of beautiful beaches line the sheltered waters of Studland Bay. The area is ideal for family beach trips and coastal walks.
Family-friendly things to do at Studland Bay
With miles of sand dunes, beaches and sea, Studland Bay is the perfect place for a family adventure at any time of year. Find out more and plan your visit.
Eating and shopping at Studland Bay
Need some refreshments during your visit? Find out more about Knoll Beach Café, along with its sister shop, which sells a wide range of seasonal beach equipment, accessories and gift ideas.
Outdoor activities at Studland Bay
There are endless opportunities for adventure at Studland Bay, Dorset, where you can explore the water in kayaks, the beach on horseback and the nearby countryside on bikes.
Beach huts at Studland Bay
There are more than 240 huts dotted along Studland beach with about 30 National Trust huts available for rent.
History of Studland Bay
Studland bay is known to many as a leisure destination with a four mile long beach. Discover how it was used during military operations during WWII and how it came to be donated to the National Trust in 1981.
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.
Top trails
Old Harry Rocks walk
Discover ancient rock formations and one of Dorset's most famous landmarks on this circular trail from South Beach in Studland Bay, with exciting birdlife to enjoy along the way.
Godlingston Heath walk
Impressive views over Poole Harbour and the mysterious Agglestone await you on this scenic 3-mile walk around Godlingston Heath national nature reserve.
Eating and shopping
Eating and shopping at Studland Bay
Need some refreshments during your visit? Find out more about Knoll Beach Café, along with its sister shop, which sells a wide range of seasonal beach equipment, accessories and gift ideas.
Places to stay
Weston Farm Campsite
A simple campsite in a meadow just off the South West Coast Path, with walks inland to the Purbeck hills or to Chapman’s Pool on the Jurassic Coast.
Seaview
With views over Studland Bay, this former tennis pavilion makes a quirky holiday escape.
Greenlands
At the edge of Poole Harbour, with green fields all around, this 1940s cottage has views to Brownsea Island.
1 Currendon Cottages
One of a pair of former farm workers’ cottages with stunning views over Swanage Bay.
2 Currendon Cottages
The other half of a pair of former farm workers’ cottages a short distance from Dorset’s beaches.
Spyway
On a working farm not far from the sea, this cosy and contemporary, dog-friendly cottage has bags of charm and a great garden building.
Westwood Farm House
A rustic farmhouse close to Corfe Castle and the South West Coast Path.
The Cheese House
Discover golden beaches, ruined castles and rolling countryside from this cosy, rural escape at the heart of the Jurassic coast.
Upcoming events
Become a Nature Detective in February Half Term
Do you fancy yourself an amateur detective? Do you love nature? Come and borrow one of our Nature Detective bags free of charge this half term.
Mindfulness Walk
Join us for a mindful journey in nature being aware of our senses, walking through woodlands followed by gentle movements in the sand dunes.
Trust10 Trail Run
Join us for the Trust10 at Studland Bay and challenge yourself on this 10km trail run with breathtaking views.
Home Educators Self-led Sessions (all ages)
Come along to an outdoor meet up with other home educators at Studland.
Neurodivergent Nature Walk
A walk for neurodivergent people to connect and enjoy nature together. Led by ADHD coach Jane Woods and National Trust.
Nature Tots (5 and under)
Explore the outdoors with your little ones at our outdoor Nature Tots group
Family Neurodivergent Nature Walk
A walk for neurodivergent families to connect and enjoy nature together. Led by ADHD coach Jane Woods and National Trust.
About Studland Bay
A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Studland Bay is ideal for water sports and includes the most popular naturist beach in Britain. The heathland behind the beach is a haven for native wildlife and features all six British reptiles.
Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands allow for exploration and spotting of deer, insects and bird life as well as a wealth of wild flowers.
Studland was the inspiration for Toytown in Enid Blyton's Noddy.
Latest news
Historic timbers revealed at Studland Bay following winter storms
A section of historic shipwreck, revealed at Studland Bay following winter storms are believed to be part of the 17th century merchant ship Fame of Hoorn.
Take part in the Trust10 Ultra challenge
Take on the Trust10 Ultra running challenge and fundraise for your favourite place in our care.
Support us
Studland Bay Appeal
The most extensive seagrass meadow in Dorset is under threat. Find out how you can help to protect and restore this vital marine habitat.
Adopt a Plot
Nature is depleting faster in the UK than almost anywhere else in the world. Donating to Adopt a Plot is a small way you can take a big step towards restoring nature across landscapes.
Our work
UK's first 'super' nature reserve at Purbeck Heaths
Find out how the National Trust has joined forces with seven other like-minded conservation organisations to form the UK's first 'super' nature reserve at Purbeck Heaths in Dorset.
Adapting to Coastal Change at Studland Bay
The coast is an everchanging environment, constantly being reshaped by the waves, winds and tides. Climate change is likely to increase the rate of coastal change that we experience at Studland. That is why it is important that we act now to understand how the coastline might change, and how we can best adapt to this change.
Beavers at Little Sea, Studland
Find out more about the beavers that have been released into the wild at Little Sea, Studland, and how they can benefit woodland, wildlife and water quality.
Volunteering opportunities at Studland Bay
Volunteers play a big part in caring for habitats and helping visitors across Purbeck and we are always looking for friendly and passionate people to join our teams.
History
History of Studland Bay
Studland bay is known to many as a leisure destination with a four mile long beach. Discover how it was used during military operations during WWII and how it came to be donated to the National Trust in 1981.
