Studland Bay

About

Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland.

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.

The beaches at Studland are called Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach. All are owned by the National Trust.

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 allows 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 books.

Beach Type: Sandy beaches.

Parking: Large National Trust car parks at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach, South Beach and Shell Bay.

Toilets: Toilets at Knoll Beach, Shell Bay Beach and at Middle Beach. Baby changing facilities at all toilets.

Accessibility: Accessible parking spaces in all National Trust car parks - parking charges do not apply to blue badge holders. Flat access from Knoll Beach car park to the cafe, toilets and shop. Stone path from Knoll Beach car park to beach. RADAR key accessible toilets at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and Shell Bay. Changing Places toilet at Knoll Beach. 4 Beach wheelchairs available to hire for free at Knoll Beach (book in advance) including an all-terrain motorised wheelchair giving access to the beach. An accessible all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter can be hired from South Beach car park to allow disabled visitors access to the path to Old Harry Rocks. 

Dogs: The Studland beaches are dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome all year. Dogs should be on lead at all access point onto the beaches and the car parks to protect wildlife on the adjacent heathland and nature reserve. Between 1 May and 30 September, dogs on the beaches must be on a lead less than 2 metres in length (at other times of the year dogs can be off lead). You can find out about visiting the beaches with your dog on the National Trust website.

Beach safety: Gently shelving sand suitable for bathing depending on weather conditions. If you are riding/driving a jet ski or boat in Studland Bay, follow this Water Safety advice to keep yourself, passengers and wildlife safe. BBQs are not allowed anywhere on the beach or heathland.

Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards at any of the Studland beaches.