Beaches around Purbeck
The beaches at Swanage and the surrounding area are said to be some of the best in the country, from the fine sandy beach that stretches continuously for 3 miles from South Haven Point to the chalk cliffs of Handfast Point and Old Harry Rocks at Studland.
The beach at Swanage, with its gently shelving sandy shore and clear water, has won the prestigious European Blue Flag award on many occasions. This area has something for everyone.
The following beaches and facilities are available in Swanage and the surrounding Isle of Purbeck:
Sand and Deckchairs
Swanage Beach
Swanage beach is composed of golden sand and stretches for over a mile, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Picturesque cliffs surround the beach, and the clear waters provide excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving. The town of Swanage, located just a short walk from the beach, offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Facilities include toilets, Baby changing, Shops, Cafes and Water sport hire. Dogs are allowed between 30th September and 1st May.
Beaches and Heathland
Studland Beaches
The Beach at Studland is part of the Studland Bay National Nature Reserve. Four miles of unspoiled beaches surrounded by stunning sand dunes and lush vegetation. The area is known for its clear waters and fine, golden sands, making it a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the nearby Purbeck Hills. With ample parking and facilities, Studland beach is perfect for a day out with family and friends.
Parking is available at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach, Shell Bay and South Beach. Pay & display charges apply, and free parking is available for National Trust Members; please scan your membership card at the pay & display machine. Coach Parking is available at Knoll Beach car park. Overnight parking and camping are not permitted.
Facilities include toilets, Baby changing, Shops, Cafes, and Water Sports hire at Knoll Beach.
The Cafe and Shop at Knoll Beach are open year-round.
Toilets are available at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and Shell Bay car park.
Dogs are welcome on Studland's beaches all year round. From 1 May - 30 September, please keep your dog on a lead of less than 2m anywhere on the beach. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the outside seating area at the café.
Sand and Fossils
Kimmeridge Beach and Bay
Kimmeridge Bay and its beach in Dorset, England, are a popular destination for visitors looking for a picturesque and secluded spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The bay, located on the Jurassic Coast, offers a variety of activities for visitors, from swimming and snorkeling to rockpooling and fossil hunting.
The beach at Kimmeridge Bay is a mix of pebbles and sand, with a steep incline leading down to the shoreline. The water is clear and clean, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Visitors can also enjoy the many rockpools that can be found along the shore, which are teeming with sea life such as crabs, anemones, and starfish.
One of the main attractions at Kimmeridge Bay is the opportunity to hunt for fossils. The bay is renowned for its rich fossil beds, which date back to the Jurassic period. Visitors can find a variety of fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, and even dinosaur bones.
Toilets are available. Dogs are allowed all year.
