Studland Bay & Beaches

Just a short trip across Poole Harbour via the Sandbanks Passenger Ferry leads you to a 4 mile stretch of beautiful coastline, sandy beaches and natural heathland to explore. With a gentle sloping shoreline and stunning views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of White in the distance.

Made up of 4 beaches with easy and accessible parking and facilities, it’s an ideal location for water sports, swimming or just chilling out on the beach all day. The beaches of Studland are called Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach.

It’s an ideal place for water sports of all kinds because of the relatively shallow waters and sea breeze. Beyond the beach there are extensive heathlands which offer a haven for the native wildlife and home to all 6 species of British Reptiles. There are designated nature trails for you to explore through the sand dunes and woodlands. It’s the perfect place to discover all types of flora and forna including wildlife, wild flowers and unmatched heathland.

Did you know?

It takes just 10 minutes from Sandbanks on the Sandbanks Ferry to reach Shell Bay!

Shell Bay

Shell Bay at Studland – a short trip over the bay from Sandbanks

Shell Bay is the first beach you get to after arriving on Sandbanks Ferry. It marks the beginning of the South West Coast Path (the longest National Trail in England).

Did you know?

Knoll Beach Shop sells everything you need for a long day at the beach!

Knoll Beach

Knoll Beach at Studland

A little further on along the coastline from Shell Bay is Knoll Beach – the largest and probably best known of Studlands beaches. There is a large car park which is free to National Trust members and there are plenty of facilities including a toilets, beach shop, licensed cafe and restaurant and plenty of outdoor seating. There’s also a dedicated Water Sports Centre that have a good range of watercraft like stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to hire.

Middle Beach

Interesting Fact!

Middle Beach is steeped in history. Find out more about “The Dragons Teeth” – artefacts from WWII.

Middle Beach at Studland

Situated between Knoll Beach and South Beach, it’s the perfect spot to spend all day on the beach. With all the facilities you need including the “Sandy Salt Pig”, which has recently been refurbished serving hot and cold drinks and snacks for the hungry beach goer. For history buffs, there are also information boards explaining the significance of the WWII landmarks you will find here such as the “Dragons Teeth”. Like Knoll Beach, you can also hire water sports equipment and tuition or a snorkel tour of the bay.

South Beach

South Beach at Studland

The furthest of Studlands glorious beaches, South Beach is a sheltered cove with a 2km stretch of sand that slopes gently in to the ocean. Ideal for younger swimmers, the shallow waters make this a must visit for families. There are a collection of wooden beach huts which look out towards Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills.