As one of Britain’s finest beaches, Studland Bay is ideally situated on the south coast in Dorset, between Poole Harbour and Weymouth. With fine white sand and shallow waters, backed by dunes and heathland, the beach is perfect for all bathers.
Studland Bay is made up of four beaches, with Shell Bay in the far north, Knoll Beach coming down from the spit and Sandy (Middle) Beach in the south near the main car park and nature reserve. Further around the South West Coast Path there is South Beach. The naturist area is positioned between the two northerly beaches and around about the middle of the whole bay. With an almost 1 kilometre stretch of official naturist beach, Studland is considered the best of the best.
The beach and heathland are owned by the National Trust and the beach is free for all visitors. The main car park is charged although free for National Trust members, and there is a visitor centre and cafe. In the town of Studland you will find the usual array of shops and eateries.
The naturist section of Studland Bay has an official designation and as such there is very little trouble or local opposition. Being in the middle of the two main beaches, textiles are often seen walking along the shore, but rarely present any problems. The naturist area extends approximately 50 metres into the heathland behind the beach which offers a little more seclusion. However, as part of a nature trail this area is used by textiles who may be a little more suprised to find a nude sunbather here as opposed to the beach.
In the past Studland was developing a reputation of nefarious behaviour but this has largely dissipated thanks to clear signposts and regular patrols by wardens. Should anyone stray away from the naturist section they are kindly ushered back. Along the shore and n the main paths there are signs clearly marking the naturist area and warning people to dress again before moving into the textile beaches.
The area is generally made of families and couples holidaying and day-tripping in the summer months. The naturist area is a good mix of singles and couples of all ages and is considered a safe beach to disrobe and enjoy the warm sun. Most sun-seekers stick to the back half of the beach and the dunes behind, but perhaps because it is so well known textiles aren’t really suprised or bothered should they come across a nude sunbather.
The beach is approximately 50m wide on average and the naturist section stretches for almost 1km. The sand is soft under foot and gradually descends into the sea. the beach is backed by dunes and healthland.
The water at Studland Naturist Beach is relatively shallow thanks to a gentle slope down from the beach. A purpose-built sand bar further out makes for a warm and gentle bay which is ideal for bathing.
Studland Bay Location
Directions
Detailed directions can be found here »
