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Family-friendly things to do at Studland Bay

An adult and child walk barefoot beside the sea on South Beach at Studland Bay, Dorset
Paddling at Studland Bay | © National Trust Images / Jon Bish

There’s plenty to see and do with your family at Studland Bay this Spring. Wrap up warm for bright coastal walks with clear views of Old Harry Rocks and fresh, fresh air. Get involved in our wellness activities and family trails. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy a hot chocolate in our beachside café.

Family friendly events at Studland Bay

Nature tots

Explore the outdoors with your little ones at our weekly Nature Tots group – for children up to five years old and their parents or carers. Nature Tots discover Studland Bay and the landscape around them through activities and stories. The beautiful coastal setting with dunes and woodland makes the perfect location to discover the outdoors through the seasons.

May half-term

May half-term nature detectives

Do you fancy yourself an amateur detective? Do you love nature? Come and borrow one of our Nature Detective bags free of charge in May half-term. The bags contain binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug pots and activity sheets to help you on your nature detecting journey. We also have a number of sensory bags to help those with additional needs. Bags can be collected from Knoll Beach Office.

Family friendly things to do at Studland Bay

Head outdoors and get your little ones closer to nature. Wrap up warm to enjoy crisp days and fresh, fresh air.

Children can still play games and run on our miles of coastline, build sandcastles, make beach art and enjoy being outside in nature. Warm up with hot chocolates and refuel with hot and cold food from the Knoll Beach Café.

Older children will enjoy the picuresque walk up to the top of Old Harry Rocks and learn about Studlands role in WW2 at Fort Henry near Middle Beach.

Please remember to follow the countryside code when visiting, to help look after this special place.

Old Harry Rocks walking sign
Old Harry Rocks walking sign | © National Trust Images/ Jon Bish

50 Things to do before you’re 11¾

Are you ready to try out 50 of the wildest most fun-packed things to do in the great outdoors? Whatever the time of year, there’s something here for every explorer. Do your favourite activities over and over again, or try all 50: the choice is yours. Download the activity sheet and find out more.

Planning your family visit

  • There are toilets with baby changing facilities at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and Shell Bay, as well as a council run toilet at South Beach.
  • Beach prams and wheelchairs are available to hire for free from Knoll Beach Office, these can be booked in advance by calling the Knoll Beach Office 01929 450500.
  • There is hard level access from the accessible car park to Knoll Beach Office, Shop, Cafe, and toilets. Elsewhere at Studland there is varying terrain from soft sandy beaches and dunes to rugged paths in the woodland.
Two visitors walk along the South West Coast Path to Old Harry with misty views behind them, at Studland Bay, Dorset
Walking up to Old Harry at Studland Bay | © National Trust Images / Jon Bish
Picnic blankets, reusable cups and colourful backpacks
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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.

Visitors kayaking on the sea past the Old Harry Rocks, Purbeck Countryside, Dorset
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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.

Visitors exploring the beaches at Studland Bay
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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.