Studland Bay has around four miles of sandy beaches stretching from Shell Bay near the Sandbanks Ferry to South Beach and the chalk headland leading towards Old Harry Rocks.
The coastline is owned and managed by the National Trust and is divided into five main beach areas: Shell Bay, Studland Naturist Beach, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach. Although they form one almost continuous stretch of coastline, each has a slightly different character.
Knoll Beach has the best range of facilities and is particularly popular with families, while Middle Beach and South Beach are smaller and quieter. Shell Bay occupies the northern end of Studland Bay close to the Sandbanks Ferry, while between Shell Bay and Knoll Beach is the designated Studland Naturist Beach.
All five beaches have gently shelving water and views across Studland Bay, making this one of Dorset’s most attractive stretches of coastline.
Shell Bay
Shell Bay is the northernmost of Studland’s beaches and is situated immediately south of the Sandbanks Ferry.
The long sandy beach is backed by dunes and heathland and generally has a quieter, more natural feel than Knoll Beach. Its location also makes it particularly convenient for visitors arriving from Poole and Bournemouth via the Sandbanks Ferry.
A National Trust car park is located close to the beach. From Shell Bay you can walk south along the shoreline towards Studland Naturist Beach and Knoll Beach.
Best for: A quieter beach, walking and easy access from the Sandbanks Ferry.
Google map Shell Bay
Google map Shell Bay Car Park (National Trust)
Studland Naturist Beach
Between Shell Bay and Knoll Beach is Studland Naturist Beach, one of Britain’s best-known official naturist beaches.
The National Trust has designated approximately 1km of beach where clothing is optional. The boundaries are clearly marked and the beach remains open to everyone, including walkers passing along the shoreline.
There is no dedicated car park immediately beside the naturist section. It can be reached by walking from either Knoll Beach or Shell Bay, with the walk from Knoll Beach taking around 20 minutes.
Best for: Naturism and visitors looking for a quieter, undeveloped section of Studland Bay.
Knoll Beach
Knoll Beach is the main family beach at Studland and has the widest range of facilities.
The large sandy beach has shallow, gently shelving water and a designated swimming-only zone during the summer. Facilities include the Knoll Beach Café, National Trust shop, toilets, outdoor shower and watersports hire.
There is a large National Trust car park immediately behind the beach, making Knoll Beach one of the easiest Studland beaches to visit with children and beach equipment.
Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedalos and other watersports equipment are available to hire during the main season.
Best for: Families, swimming, facilities and watersports.
Google map Knoll Beach and Car Park (National Trust)
Middle Beach
Middle Beach is a smaller and generally quieter beach situated close to Studland village.
The sandy beach has sheltered water and views north across Studland Bay. Above the beach is a National Trust car park where you will also find the Sandy Salt Pig café and Fore Adventure, which offers kayak and paddleboard hire and guided watersports activities.
Middle Beach is also a good starting point for exploring the southern end of Studland. Fort Henry, the Second World War observation bunker used during preparations for D-Day, is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the car park, while Old Harry Rocks can be reached on foot.
Best for: A quieter beach, kayaking, paddleboarding and walking.
Google map Middle Beach & Car Park (National Trust)
South Beach
At the southern end of Studland Bay, South Beach is a small sandy beach close to Studland village and the chalk headland leading towards Old Harry Rocks.
Backed by woodland and low cliffs, it has a more enclosed and secluded atmosphere than the long open beaches further north. Traditional beach huts add to its character and there are excellent views across Studland Bay.
South Beach is particularly convenient if you want to combine some time on the beach with a walk to Old Harry Rocks or a visit to Studland village.
A National Trust car park is located a short walk from the beach.
Best for: Scenery, a quieter beach and walking to Old Harry Rocks.
Google map South Beach
Google map South Beach Car Park (National Trust)
Which Studland Beach is Best?
For most families, Knoll Beach is the easiest choice because of its large car park, shallow water and excellent facilities.
For something smaller and quieter, consider Middle Beach or South Beach. Middle Beach is particularly good for watersports, while South Beach is ideally positioned for walking towards Old Harry Rocks.
Shell Bay is a good choice if you are arriving via the Sandbanks Ferry or want to explore the quieter northern end of Studland Bay.
The designated Studland Naturist Beach lies between Shell Bay and Knoll Beach and is the obvious choice for naturists.
It is also possible to walk between all five beaches, making the Studland coastline an excellent place for a longer beach walk.
Parking at Studland Beaches
National Trust car parks are available at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach.
National Trust members can park free but must scan or register their membership on every visit. Non-members pay the applicable parking charge.
Knoll Beach has the largest car park and uses ANPR number plate recognition. The other Studland car parks use payment machines and JustPark.
Parking charges and arrangements can change, so check the National Trust website for the latest information before travelling.