Shell Bay is a long sandy beach at the northern end of Studland Bay, immediately south of the Sandbanks Ferry. Owned and managed by the National Trust, it is backed by extensive sand dunes and heathland and has a quieter, more natural character than the main visitor area at Knoll Beach.
The beach has gently shelving water and views across the entrance to Poole Harbour, Poole Bay and towards Bournemouth. Its location makes Shell Bay particularly convenient for visitors arriving from Poole and Bournemouth via the Sandbanks Ferry.
A National Trust car park is situated close to the beach, while the shoreline can be followed south towards Studland Naturist Beach and Knoll Beach.
Location: Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset (Google map)
Parking: National Trust car park – charges apply to non-members (see membership prices). Google map of car park
Facilities: Toilets at the car park
Dogs: Allowed all year, with seasonal restrictions
Shell Bay
Shell Bay occupies the northern end of the approximately four-mile stretch of sandy coastline around Studland Bay.
The beach is sandy, spacious and backed by dunes and heathland rather than buildings, giving it a relatively undeveloped feel. It is generally quieter than Knoll Beach, although it can still become busy during fine summer weather.
The gently shelving shoreline makes Shell Bay popular for swimming, paddling and family beach trips. There are no lifeguards, however, and particular care should be taken towards the northern end of the beach close to the entrance to Poole Harbour, where there can be strong tidal currents.
Looking south, the beach continues for several miles around Studland Bay, while to the north is the narrow entrance to Poole Harbour and the Sandbanks Ferry.
Walking from Shell Bay to Knoll Beach
One of the attractions of Shell Bay is the opportunity to walk along the largely undeveloped northern section of Studland Bay.
From Shell Bay you can follow the beach south towards Studland Naturist Beach and eventually Knoll Beach.
Studland Naturist Beach occupies a designated section of the coastline between Shell Bay and Knoll Beach. Clothing is optional within the clearly marked area, but the beach remains open to everyone and walkers can simply continue along the shoreline.
Knoll Beach has the main visitor facilities at Studland Bay, including a café, National Trust shop, toilets and watersports hire.
Shell Bay and the Sandbanks Ferry
Shell Bay is the closest Studland beach to the Sandbanks Ferry, which crosses the entrance to Poole Harbour between Studland and Sandbanks.
The chain ferry carries cars, cyclists and pedestrians and provides a useful shortcut between the Isle of Purbeck and Poole and Bournemouth.
This makes Shell Bay particularly easy to reach from the Poole side of the harbour. Foot passengers and cyclists using the ferry can also reach the beach without needing to travel through Studland village.
The ferry itself provides excellent views across Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island, while the entrance to the harbour is busy with sailing boats, pleasure craft and other vessels.
Studland Dunes and Heathland
Behind Shell Bay is an extensive landscape of sand dunes and lowland heath forming part of the Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve.
The reserve supports a wide range of wildlife and is particularly important for reptiles, birds and rare heathland plants. All six species of reptile native to Britain can be found within the wider Studland reserve.
Visitors should keep to established paths where requested and avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging the dunes.
Dogs at Shell Bay
Dogs are welcome at Shell Bay throughout the year, although National Trust seasonal restrictions apply.
From 1 May to 30 September, dogs must be kept on a lead of no more than 2 metres while on the beach. From 1 October to 30 April, dogs can be exercised off the lead.
Dogs must also be kept on leads across the heathland and dunes from 1 March to 31 July to help protect ground-nesting birds.
Getting to Shell Bay
Shell Bay is situated at the northern end of Ferry Road, immediately south of the Sandbanks Ferry.
From Swanage and Studland, follow the B3351 and Ferry Road north towards the Sandbanks Ferry.
From Poole and Bournemouth, drive to Sandbanks and cross Poole Harbour entrance on the Sandbanks Ferry. Shell Bay is immediately after leaving the ferry on the Studland side.
The Purbeck Breezer 50 bus also passes through the area, connecting Swanage and Studland with Sandbanks, Poole and Bournemouth.
Shell Bay Car Park
Shell Bay has a National Trust car park close to the beach and Sandbanks Ferry.
National Trust members can park free but must scan their membership card on every visit.
Payment for non-members can be made at the parking machines or using JustPark.
Blue Badge holders can park free when a valid Blue Badge is clearly displayed in the vehicle.
Overnight parking and camping are not permitted.
Shell Bay Car Park Charges
| Parking time | Cars |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £6 |
| Up to 4 hours | £12 |
| All day | £16 |
Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant
Just a one-minute walk from the Sandbanks Ferry is Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant & Bistro, overlooking Poole Harbour and specialising in locally caught seafood.
The restaurant is on the opposite side of Ferry Road from Shell Bay, with the National Trust car park conveniently located opposite. There is also a more informal bistro serving drinks and food during the day.
One of the restaurant’s attractions is its unusual west-facing location overlooking Poole Harbour. There are relatively few places along the Dorset coast where you can sit beside the water and watch the sun setting, and on a clear evening Shell Bay is particularly well positioned for sunset views.
Address: Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3BA (Google map)
Parking: National Trust Shell Bay Car Park (Google map)
Website: https://shellbay.net
Opening times and bistro service can vary, so check the restaurant website or contact them before visiting.
South West Coast Path
Shell Bay marks the official start or finish of the South West Coast Path, depending on which direction you are walking. A marker post stands beside the beach close to the Sandbanks Ferry.
From Shell Bay, the coast path heads south along the Studland Peninsula before continuing past Old Harry Rocks and Swanage. From there it follows the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall coastline before eventually reaching Minehead in Somerset.
For walkers finishing the route at Shell Bay, the Sandbanks Ferry provides a memorable final crossing towards Poole, while those starting here can begin by following the beaches and dunes south through Studland Bay.
