Studland Beach

Studland Beach is a four-mile sweep of pale, soft sand stretching along the eastern shore of the Isle of Purbeck, looking out across Poole Bay towards Bournemouth and the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks. Owned and managed by the National Trust, it is widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in southern England, with shallow, gently shelving water that is popular with families, swimmers and paddlers.

The beach is divided into distinct stretches: Shell Bay at the northern tip, near the Sandbanks chain ferry; the busy Knoll Beach with its visitor centre, cafe and shop; Middle Beach; and the quieter, naturist-friendly Knoll and Studland Bay sections further south. Behind the dunes lies a fragile heathland habitat that is home to all six native British reptiles, including the rare sand lizard and smooth snake, as well as Dartford warblers and nightjars.

Walkers can follow the South West Coast Path north to Old Harry Rocks for dramatic chalk-cliff views, or south towards Old Harry and on to Swanage. There is no railway station at Studland, but the Sandbanks ferry from Poole and the Purbeck Breezer bus from Swanage and Bournemouth both serve the village.