Beach · Surrounding Area

Studland Beach

Four miles of National Trust sand backed by dunes and rare heath, four minutes across the harbour mouth on the chain ferry.

Studland is across the water from Sandbanks, and the chain ferry gets you there in four minutes.

The beach

Four miles of sand, National Trust managed, backed by dunes and some of the rarest heathland in Europe. Shell Bay, at the northern end, looks straight back at the harbour mouth.

The walk

The coast path south leads to Old Harry Rocks, the chalk stacks where the Jurassic Coast begins.

Practicalities

Beach free, National Trust parking charged. Avoid the harbour entrance channel for swimming. See Studland.

Highlights

  • Four miles of sand
  • National Trust managed
  • Dunes and rare heathland behind
  • Coast path to Old Harry Rocks
  • Four minutes from Sandbanks by chain ferry
  • Shell Bay looks back at the harbour mouth
Common questions

Studland Beach good to know

How do you get to Studland from Poole?

The Sandbanks chain ferry crosses the harbour mouth in about four minutes, taking cars, bikes and foot passengers. The road alternative is a long detour through Wareham.

Is Studland beach free?

The beach is free to walk onto. The National Trust charges for parking at its Studland car parks, with members parking free.

Can you walk to Old Harry Rocks from Studland?

Yes, roughly a mile and a half each way on the coast path from the village, mostly level with a gentle climb onto the headland.

Planning your visit?

Where to stay in Poole

Sandbanks hotels, harbourside flats a street back from the Quay and the quieter beds out at Hamworthy and Broadstone, with the areas each one suits.

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