Studland Bay

Knoll Beach and Studland Bay in Dorset

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...Read More

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.

Read Less

Book Now

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
FreeFree

Parking charges apply to non National Trust members.

Opening Times

2025 Opening 1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
Ferry Road
STUDLAND
Dorset
BH19 3AQ
View Phone Number
Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 01929 450500

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.6 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      988
    • Very Good
      300
    • Average
      44
    • Poor
      20
    • Terrible
      31

    Recent Reviews:

      Map & Directions

      Road Directions

      From the east: Follow the A35 and signs to Sandbanks ferry then take the car ferry over to Studland. From the west: Follow the A351 to Corfe Castle then the B3351 to Studland.

      Public Transport Directions

      From the west: the nearest mainline railway station is Wareham (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line). Catch the number 40 bus from Wareham Railway Station to Swanage Bus/Railway Station. Then transfer to the number 50 bus to Studland.

      From the east: Catch the train to Bournemouth Railway Station then transfer to the number 50 bus to Studland.

      To plan your journey by public transport, visit the Traveline website: www.travelinesw.com.

      Facilities

      Accessibility

      • Accessible to Wheelchair Users - wooden boardwalk provides access from cafe and toilets onto the beach.
      • Assistance Dogs
      • Changing Places Toilet - at Knoll Beach
      • Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities - At all Studland beach car parks.
      • Easy access from main roads/good public transport links - More bus number 50 - stops at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach or Studland Stores/Post Office for Middle Beach and South Beach.
      • Facilities for Disabled Visitors
      • Guide Dogs Permitted
      • Ramp/Level Access
      • Toilets for Disabled Visitors - with RADAR lock at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach and Middle Beach.
      • Wheelchair hire - including all-terrain motorised wheelchair for beach access.

      Attraction Facilities

      • Beach wheelchair available for daily hire - at Knoll Beach.
      • National Nature Reserve
      • Shop
      • Toilets
      • Watersports Equipment Hire

      Catering

      • Beach side refreshment kiosk
      • Picnic Site

      Children & Infants

      • Accept children all ages
      • Baby Changing Facilities

      Establishment Features

      • Dog Friendly - restrictions apply at certain times of year.
      • On-site Restaurant/Cafe - National Trust beach cafe at Knoll Beach. Concessionary cafe at Middle Beach.
      • Open All Year
      • Tea / Coffee Shop

      Event Facilities

      • Free Entry

      Key Features

      • Families
      • In countryside
      • Outdoor Attraction

      Parking & Transport

      • On Bus Route
      • Parking (charge) - charges apply to non National Trust members.
      • Parking (free) - for Natiional Trust members.
      • Parking On Site

      Specialist Features

      • Family Fun
      • Marketed towards families

      Tours and Demonstrations

      • Educational Visits Accepted
      • Guided Tours Available for Groups

      Travel & Trade

      • Wi-fi available - at Knoll Beach visitor centre

      Venue Facilities

      • Groups Accepted

      Hide Facilities

      What's Nearby

      1. Aerial photograph of the stunning Brownsea island castle

        Brownsea Island - National Trust

        Take a short boat trip from Poole Quay to discover an island rich in history, wildlife &…

        2.73 miles away
      2. Train past Corfe Castle

        Swanage Railway

        What’s better than a leisurely trip behind an historic steam engine through an area of…

        2.82 miles away
      3. Wide shot of the beautiful bloom and lake at Compton Acres Japanese Garden

        Compton Acres

        Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the…

        3.96 miles away
      Previous Next
      SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
      303112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293012345678910