Studland Bay

Studland Bay adds to Dorset’s collection of remarkable beaches, and it offers something quite unique.

A 4 mile stretch of golden sands are accompanied by white, chalk cliffs that overlook the beach. Between the cliffs and beach lie dunes consisting of sand and Greenland. These are home to an array of rare wildlife, including endangered sand lizards and rare butterflies.

Looking out to sea, on the right you will find Old Harry Rocks, a unique chalk structure that marks the East side of the Jurassic Coast. Old Harry Rocks and Studland Bay have a lot in common, where the chalk cliffs at Studland Bay, a similar chalk structure to Old Harry Rocks, have both eroded over time to form their current shape.

Studland’s 4 mile bay is home to 4 different beaches; Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach. The bay and beaches within have been managed by the National Trust since 1982.

Newer additions include a seaweed spa, two beachside saunas and multiple water sports equipment to hire. 

Knoll Beach is also well suited to visitors with accessibility needs. Blue Badge holders can park free of charge, and there is flat access from the car park to the café, toilets and shop. A Changing Places toilet is available on site. For those wanting to reach the beach itself, beach wheelchairs are available to hire free of charge, including an all-terrain motorised wheelchair. A Tramper mobility scooter can also be hired, providing access to the path towards Old Harry Rocks. Booking in advance is recommended for both. Coming soon is an amphibious wheelchair, operated by the National Trust and Studland Watersports, which will allow visitors with mobility needs to access the sea directly from Knoll Beach. For more details and to pre-book any of the mobility equipment, please contact the Studland Bay National Trust team.

Studland Bay really is a magnificent place to visit. Take the normal beach gear, have a dip in the sea, relax on the golden sands and enjoy the view of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. It’s a place like no other!

Things to do nearby

Farmer Palmer'sPoole

Swanage RailwaySwanage

Purbeck BreezerPoole