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Group and educational visits to Studland Bay

A large group of visitors walking on the beach at Studland Bay
A group visiting Studland Bay | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

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.

Educational visits to Studland Bay

Self-led educational visits

At Studland Bay we provide you with the resources that enable you to deliver your own field trip at Studland - whether that be equipment, work sheets or data packs for research projects. Please contact us for a list of resources at: studlandbay@nationaltrust.org.uk

For many more educational resources and activity sheets, please check out the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve resource webpage, where you will find identification guides, sound walks, nature stories, scavenger hunts, mindful movement trials – along with many others, all developed and tailored for Studland Bay: Resources - Purbeck Heaths .

(Please note, we do not offer led educational sessions or visits at Studland Bay).

Paid educational visits

If you are looking for a paid session, we recommend Leeson House (https://leesonhouse.com/) and Geofieldwork (https://www.geofieldworkltd.com/). These teachers have received educator training from the National Trust and as such know the most up-to-date and relevant information – they are also fantastic outdoor educators.

Borrow boxes 

We have a selection of equipment for school groups to borrow during your visit. This includes things like ranging poles, clipboards, tape measures and a Big Blue Bag to help with marine conservation. Borrow box equipment is free to use, but do require booking to ensure another school is not using the equipment on the day you wish to visit. For a full list of borrow box equipment, and to book, please email: studlandbay@nationaltrust.org.uk

Educational Group Membership (EGM)

Why not make your school visit more affordable and take advantage of the National Trust Educational Group membership? This covers all the children in your school for one year across all properties in the National Trust. Click here for more information on Educational Group Membership.

Educational Group Members can park for free when you present your card to one of our team on arrival.

Two students siting in a bird hide at Studland Bay, holding binoculars
Students on an educational visit to Studland Bay | © Ben Selway

Coaches and parking

Coach parking is only available at Knoll Beach car park.

We have 3 designated coach parking spaces at Knoll Beach. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of parking due to our volume of visitors. We are unable to reserve spaces. Drop off and pick up is available at Knoll Beach.

Please let us know in advance if you are bringing a coach. Contact the team at studlandbay@nationaltrust.org.uk

Alternative parking at North Beach car park, Swanage BH19 2BB. 

Number plate recognition and JustPark is in operation at all car parks.  Enter your registration number and pay at a machine or through the JustPark app.  If paying through JustPark, we recommend you download the app before you arrive. 

An aerial view of the beach at Studland Bay in Dorset in spring

Discover more at Studland Bay

Find out how to get to Studland Bay, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

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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.

Aerial shot showing the sea, beach and dunes at Studland

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.

Throws and a cushion in autumnal colours on a sofa, with homeware items including a mug, plant pot and small decorative bowls in the background.