Location
United Kingdom
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Studland Naturist Beach
Studland Bay on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset has the best-known naturist beach in Britain. The National Trust owns the beaches and the heathland nature reserve behind them and sets aside about 900 m of Knoll Beach, roughly the middle stretch of the three-mile sweep of sand between Studland village and Shell Bay, as a clothing-optional area. Green-topped posts and signs mark both ends, and naturists are expected to dress outside them. The beach faces east across Studland Bay toward Old Harry Rocks and Bournemouth, with soft golden sand, dunes and heather behind, and calm, clear water that shelves gently thanks to an offshore sandbar, which makes it good for swimming. There is no shade. On hot summer days it draws very large numbers, with one 2021 visitor estimating 1,500 to 2,000 naturists, mostly older but with some younger visitors. Naturism here dates back to the 1920s. In 2013 the naturist area was extended about 50 m inland, and the Studland Beach Users Action Group, set up in 2005, brings together the Trust, police, naturist groups and the parish to manage behaviour.
Getting there
Satnav BH19 3BA for the National Trust Knoll Beach car park (free for NT members; day fees of £6 to £9 were reported in 2014), or use the NT car park at Shell Bay by the Sandbanks chain ferry. The naturist area is about a 30-minute walk along the sand from either. Ferry Road has daytime roadside parking under a traffic order. Bus 50 between Bournemouth and Swanage stops along Ferry Road. Toilets are at the Knoll and Shell Bay car parks, and a café is beside the Knoll car park; there are none on the naturist beach.
What visitors say
Visitors often call Studland the best naturist beach in Britain, praising the clean sand, clear water and sheer space. It is busiest on hot weekends, while the Knoll end of the section is quieter. The crowd is mostly middle-aged and older. Some regulars report occasional inappropriate behaviour in the dunes behind the beach, which the Trust patrols. Common tips are to arrive early in summer for parking, bring shade, and expect a half-hour walk.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The National Trust designates and signs the clothing-optional area on Knoll Beach; clothing is required outside it. The Trust and Dorset Police state that indecent behaviour will not be tolerated and offenders will be prosecuted, and recorded allegations fell from 37 in 2003 to 5 in 2012. Fires and barbecues are banned.
Naturism at Studland Naturist Beach sits under United Kingdom's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: United Kingdom public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 50.6657, -1.9467
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Studland an official naturist beach?
Yes. The National Trust sets aside about 900 m of Knoll Beach as a clothing-optional area, marked by green-topped posts and signs.
How do I get to the naturist section?
Park at Knoll Beach or Shell Bay and walk about 30 minutes along the sand to the signs.
Are there facilities?
Toilets and a café are at the Knoll Beach car park, and toilets at Shell Bay; there are none on the naturist beach.
Is it family-friendly?
It is a long-established, managed beach used by couples and families, with gently shelving water. Rangers patrol to deter bad behaviour.
Can I get there by bus?
Yes, the 50 bus between Bournemouth and Swanage runs along Ferry Road.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
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