Swanage, Dorset, England, United Kingdom

Studland Bay

Studland Bay is a beach situated in Purbeck, owned by the National Trust. It is comprised of four distinct areas: Knoll Beach, Shell Bay Beach, Middle Beach, and South Beach. The beach is four miles long and provides stunning views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.

It is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts and home to the most frequented naturist beach in Britain. The heathland behind the beach serves as a sanctuary for local wildlife and hosts all six British reptiles.

Studland Bay served as the inspiration for Toytown in Enid Blyton's Noddy books. Large National Trust car parks and restrooms are available at Knoll Beach, Shell Bay Beach, and Middle Beach.

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at access points and during specific times of the year. It is important to note that barbecues are prohibited on the beach or heathland, and there are no lifeguards on duty at any of the Studland beaches.

Explore accommodation options near Studland Bay and enjoy stunning views of Old Harry Rocks.

The beach is located in Swanage, Dorset, in the United Kingdom.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that the beach is nice with great views and decent facilities. However, visitors complain about the beach being too crowded and narrow, with lots of seaweed around. One review points out that the photos used to advertise the beach are not actually of the beach itself.

Where to Stay near Studland Bay?

Visitors to Studland Bay often stay in the nearby village of Studland, where accommodations like The Pig on the Beach offer a charming stay within walking distance to the beach. Others choose to stay in Swanage, a nearby town, to explore more of the Isle of Purbeck and enjoy its quaint atmosphere.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Studland Bay?

Latitude: 50.6471889 / Longitude: -1.9502519

Studland Bay is located in Swanage. The following map of Studland Bay shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Studland Bay: Weather Today

📅 Monday, September 7, 2026
This is an average day at Studland Bay that is better suited for a brisk walk along the shoreline than a relaxing afternoon on the sand. You can expect fairly constant light drizzle throughout the day under a thick layer of clouds. With air temperatures reaching 22.4 °C, it will feel mild, but the active wind will make it feel noticeably cooler near the water. The sea is quite refreshing at 17.6 °C, though the presence of moderate waves makes it unsuitable for a comfortable swim. Please note that the conditions are generally unsettled, so it is a good idea to bring a waterproof layer if you head out. It is certainly not a day for sunbathing, but the beach remains a pleasant place for some fresh air if you are dressed for the damp weather.
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Air

Low / High16.2°C/22.4°C
Feels Like (High)21.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature17.6 °C
Wave Height0.8 m
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Rain

Rain Chance22%
Rainfall0.4 mm
Rain Duration3 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:30/19:39
Sunshine Hours5.5 hrs
UV Index2.9
Cloud Cover88%
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Wind

Speed20.9 km/h
Gusts41 km/h
DirectionW

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