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O.S. Map Ref: SZ 039850
General
Studland beach is located on the north-eastern tip of the part of Dorset
known as the ' Isle of Purbeck', separated from Bournemouth by the
entrance to Poole harbour. The estate which owns the beach and surrounding
heathland nature reserve was privately owned but has now passed into the
hands of the National Trust . Studland is, for most of its length, a
traditional family beach. However naturists have traditionally used the
northernmost part, together with the nearby dunes. Since the change of
ownership there have been complaints from local beachgoers that the NT has
placed restrictions on the area used by naturists. On the positive side,
nude use of the part of the beach now seems to be officially recognised by
the Trust.
Access & Parking
There are two main ways of getting to Studland by car:
From the Purbeck (west) direction take the A351 from Wareham, turning
left on to the B351 for Studland before reaching Corfe Castle. In Studland
drive through the village and follow signs to the Studland Beach car park
- (NT-owned Knoll CP costs £4 in June and £6.50 in July. The fee
allows you to use any NT CP in Studland area.) Now walk north along the
beach or tracks in the dunes until you reach the nude section which is
marked by signposts on the beach and in the dunes.
From the Bournemouth (east) direction, a ferry runs from Sandbanks across
the entrance to Poole harbour to the northern tip of Studland Heath. The
distance is short, but at peak times there can be a long queue for the
ferry (fare £2.20) . Shortly beyond the ferry there is an NT paying
car park From here you walk east and then south along the beach past Shell
Bay. Many visitors appear to park along the verge of Ferry Road.
Alternatively walk along the road to "Fire Point 6" and then
through the nature reserve to the beach.
[Icarus comments:]
"The first time I went to Studland I had heard that it could be
difficult to park, and that it's quite a distance from the car park to the
naturist beach, so I took a bike in the back of the car, parked in the
village and cycled down through the car park and along the wet sand at the
water's edge to the naturist section. It would probably be just as easy to
cycle along the road towards the ferry to fire point 6 and down the path
that comes out in the middle of the naturist section. Other times I've
parked on the verge near fire point 6 and walked, but I hear that's being
discouraged because of the number of cars being broken into there."
By Public Transport:
For those without a car, take the train to Poole or Bournemouth, then get
the bus service to Swanage - Wilts and Dorset service number 150 from
Bournemouth to Swanage (also passes Branksome station) and get off AFTER
the ferry. Stay on the bus past the stop at the Swanage/Studland side of
the ferry, then get off at the next one. You ask for "Fire Point Six "
or "FRP6". The walk along the path through the scrub brings you
out onto the beach right in the middle of the naturist section. It's the
shortest of all possible walks (Shell Bay is next, then Studland "Knoll"
carpark last) unless you have a boat! However, it does mean crossing the
dunes, whereas the other routes (except at very high tide) do allow the
whole walk to be on firm sand to minimise the amount of sand which
collects inside your footwear. The bus goes all the way to Swanage, so on
reverse journeys the opposite applies:- stay on the bus past Studland
village AND past the main beach carpark access for well over a mile of the
toll road to FRP6. The driver should know where you mean - if not, just
tell her/him to look out for a large collection of cars parked at the side
of the road about half a mile from Shell Bay.
Description
This is a popular beach, probably the most popular naturist beach along
the South Coast and one of the best known in Britain. On a busy day, this
would not be the best choice for those seeking solitude. The beach, which
faces south-east, consists of sand, with dunes and heath to the rear.
National Trust-employed wardens patrol regularly and will move naked
people who stray outside the nude area (marked by posts). The beach is
regularly cleaned. Behind the nude section the dunes are increasingly used
by gays the further you get from the sea towards the wooded area fronting
the nature reserve.
Because of the ferry and the propensity of bored adults in families to go
for a long walk, the nudist section gets a lot of passers by. However they
stick to the area immediately in front of the waves and don't interfere.
Although there is more seclusion in the dunes, these are perhaps best
avoided - for the reasons set out below.
[Kevan comments:]
"If you want a particularly pleasant piece of beach at Studland, go
where I go. Knoll end of the naturist section - about 50 yards along from
the posts. There you'll find nothing but folk enjoying the atmosphere,
relaxing, sunbathing, and having a swim."
"Just to lay people's fears to rest regarding the voyeurs:
Over the years, I've introduced quite a few people to naturism at
Studland and if you know the score it's as pleasant an experience as any
other beach, maybe more so as the beach is (in my opinion) the finest in
Britain.
Studland has a lot of voyeurs but for the most part they stay in the dunes
where there are people happy to provide something for them to watch.
If you want to avoid them, choose a spot on the beach itself or in the
first ridge of the dunes. The regulars generally chase off any
undesirables that stray into this area. Walking down the path from the
road, the area to the left is mainly frequented by gays and is therefore
much more peaceful. The pests don't wander over there and the guys aren't
interested in looking at anyone.
I hope the adverse reports don't put off any new visitors, as Studland is
a beatiful beach. The bay has a man-made spit across it so the water is
like a lagoon, consequently it is often very warm. When the tide is right,
I've known mediteranean like temperatures there."
"The naturist section has the cleanest sand and water but the sea was a little too cold for comfort.. . No problems with.... passing textile strollers who seemed disinterested in the bronzed bodies taking in yet more sun."
Facilities
There are toilets and an NT-run cafe at Studland village and toilets at
the car park near to the ferry.
Water Quality
OK. A few too many boats off shore at times, some seaweed, a non-shelving
beach and no surf.. The seawater meets the lower EEC Bathing Waters
Directive standard. No routine sewage discharge.
Water meets Environment Agency "guideline quality" standard.
Trip report: Jube 2005
"We and our famillies love this beach, but we are not allowed on in the height of summer as we have a dog. We are allowed on the textile side with our dog not, so why not the naturist side? We were also surprised with the meerkat activity - seems to be getting worse, even the man selling ice creams said so. He says the wardens have no effect due the lookouts, who shout warnings to the perpetrators in their beach shelters. Why cannot these people go elsewhere and leave these wonderful beaches for real naturists and their famillies to enjoy."
Trip report: September 2004
"I visited Studland beach over the weekend and was pleasantly surprised by the mixture of people, both families and couples as well as individuals enjoying the sun and surf. The atmosphere was very relaxed and welcoming, so much so I ended up plucking up the courage to remove my top and bottom and enjoy the radiant sun on my body.
Well worth the visit, were going back later this week, taking my husband with me this time, to sum up studland, I would best describe it as a safe and comfortable environment for everyone."
Trip report: August 2004
"I was at Studland beach on Saturday 14th August, a lovely sunny day and beach was quite full. In mid afternoon, a Police helicopter began to fly up and down the beach and then began to descend over the dunes, hovering quite low. I assume they had spotted some undesirable behaviour and were trying to scare the persons concerned. The rest of the beach occupants watched and ignored the helicopter - so much for quiet policing and a waste of tax payers money. The infamous red topped posts that mark the 'new' naturist area are now luminous green. It's still a great beach."
Trip report: August 2004
"Having experienced nude sunbathing on holiday abroad I joined CCBN and have been plucking up the courage to go nude in the UK. Last week (August 2004) I was of work with stress and was staying in Dorset for a few days rest. I plucked up the courage to visit Studland on my own, and what a revelation!
I was able to relax completely in a friendly and safe enviroment. The beach and weather were fantastic and even the sea was not too cold. I arrived early found a spot 50 yards in from the markers and, not wanting to intrude, away from the few couples who had already arrived. However within an hour or so I was surounded by a number of friendly couples. I chatted with two couples who made be feel at ease and welcome.
I was able to sunbathe, swim and find peace on Studland. The naturist area is quieter and populated by nice, polite and friendly people. If you have any doubts about naturism visit Studland."
Trip report: July 2004
"My wife and I were taken to this beach almost by accident by our friends who reside at Wool. They were quite embarrassed at the fact that we had landed in the middle of a Nudist Beach. I would say that it certainly saved the day. That was last September (2003). It was my first experience with nude sunbathing, I'm sure that I wouldn't be the first to wonder their reaction at the site of a beautiful women as nature intended. But was very pleased to find no reaction, it was certainly not a sexual thing but a very liberating experience. We positioned ourselves in the dunes, and found it mildly amusing at the amount of guys wandering past, some displaying their wares in quite a prominent way. Surely it would be better if everyone was to blend, then no one would cause offence. I have no problem at all with gay men, and struck up a few conversations, but my friend would have run a mile if one had struck up a conversation with him.
I was the only one that stripped off, and felt that I had to lay outside of the group so as not to offend. However we have had our 2nd spell at Studland July 2004, Our friends had come round to the idea that my stripping off should not be considered abnormal, it was much easier for them as when they approaced me they could at least see where they were going, Water was cold but we had a good showing of the sun, very envious of the totally brown bodies around, and thanks to the kind gent that gave us some proper tent hooks for our shelter.
My recommendation is visit Studland - if you've never tried nude
swimming and sunning you have missed out on a very liberating experience.
[We] will certainly go back next year...
Trip report: August 14th 2003
"I had my first naturist experience on Studland on Aug 14th. I
decided to check it out after reading your information on the NUFF beaches
guide. I arrived in the Knoll car park and 7.20 with my wife who wanted to
stay in the car. By 7.45 I was walking completly naked in the sea. It was
really great and I can't wait to repeat the experience next time I go. The
only two down points were: 1. the endless parade of men in the sand dunes
looking at everyone and 2. running back to the car before the gate shut at
8pm!"
Trip Report: August 2003 - by Iain and Janet
"We did it at Studland! Became naturists that is. On our recent holiday to Dorset, my partner Janet and I were walking down Studland beach and came across the naturist area. Without any hesitation we picked our spot and, for the first time ever, we both stripped off. Both Janet and I enjoyed the experience so much we actually changed our holiday plans and came back the next day and even managed to squeeze in a few hours on the beach before driving home on Bank Holiday Monday! The feeling of being naked amongst so many other like minded people was such a wonderful sensation - absolutely incredible, we have not stopped talking about it since. We are now hooked..."
Trip Report: August 2003 - by Helen & David
"We had an excellent few days on this beach during the recent hot weather. The following may be useful to others: The Knoll car park is now £6. It was full most days by about 10.30/11.00am (this was on weekdays). There is an overflow car park, but it adds another half a mile to what is already a fairly long trek, particularly with small children.
The beach was packed, and almost everyone was nude, the main exception being a couple of hundred yards either side of the refreshment wagon, where the majority were clothed (despite this being right in the centre of the beach). Worth bearing in mind if, like us almost newbies, you summon up the courage to walk nude to buy the ice creams, only to find when you get there that you're the only naked people amongst textiles.
We were warned by some locals that thefts of personal belongings from people swimming/going for a walk are commonplace, particularly on the beach immediately in front of the dunes, to where the perpetrators make a quick getaway. We took the precaution of moving a row or two nearer the water on subsequent days, and asking friendly looking neighbours to look after our stuff. Overall though, a fantastic time, and memories to treasure."
Trip Report: June 2002 - by Mike
" It's 15 years or more since I've been anywhere naturist - my wife and I used to go to Yugoslavia - so the whim that took me to Studland Bay was accompanied by some trepidation.
In contrast to niggardly, stony Norman's Bay and Birling Gap, Studland Bay is a generous sweep of luxuriously soft sand.
I parked in the Knoll Car Park - £4 and soon to be more - and set off along the busy textile beach. Usual beachgoers and several school parties. It's a good half mile till one sees the wonderful "naturists may be seen beyond this point" sign, though before you notice the sign you notice the naturists just beyond it. One step past the sign and I shed the shorts without any of the inhibitions I was to feel two days later at Norman's Bay and Birling Gap.
The Studland beach is wide. Hard sand near the water, lots of soft squeaky sand then the dunes. I jogged liberatedly naked along the waterline. As I went further along the beach the couples became rarer, the single and double males more numerous. Along the edge of the dunes men, presumably gay, stood heads erect (I didn't look any closer) on the look out. (Meerkats is a wonderfully observant description). When all I could see were males I turned back and settled for a while in the more mixed area. The beach affords plenty of space for private territory. The sun was strong and not wishing to singe delicate parts I decided to go for lunch, reluctantly re-textiling at the sign.
Later I drove to the end of the road, to where the Poole ferry lands. Rather than pay another £4 in the car park there I parked, along with at least 40 other cars, on the wide road verge and walked back to the car park and through it to the busy, expansive northern end of beach.
From here it is is a pleasant mile or so to the sign marking the north end of the naturist section, though it is quaintly preceded by another sign warning that one may see naturists 900 yards (or was it metres?) ahead. At the start of the naturist section was a gaggle of 50s and 60s couples flying their national flags (I was too shy to ask). Further along a 40s couple were paddling. He picked her up, threatening to throw her into the water. They waded out, I think contemplating some waist deep naughtiness, but perhaps decided they were a little close to one of the many boats moored just off shore - at least one with naturists on deck. (They wouldn't have minded!).
I didn't go far enough along to meet myself coming from the other direction - I was again getting into the male-dominated middle section. I'd guess the naturist section is a mile or more long in total.
All in all, if you aren't put off by the gays (stick to the north or south ends of the naturist section and don't venture into the sand dunes) Studland is a marvellous, spacious beach where couples, families, singles - everyone - can feel completely relaxed. Even if you've never been to a naturist beach before you wouldn't feel shy turning cartwheels in the sand here. Excellent."
Trip Report: 2002
"This is a wonderful beach on which to take an early morning nude
walk or bathe in the sunner. There is something liberating about
nakedness. I would say that for a staight man it is unnerving to be
approached by gays so I would recommend that any hetrosexual taking a walk
should take the beach instead of the dunes at the western end; I have
found that the textiles take less notice of naturists than the gays, some
might even have a giggle!"
Trip Report: June 2001
"After more than 20 years of beach naturism, a walking holiday along
the Coast Path provided my first opportunity to visit Studland on a sunny
mid-week day in early June. Having walked in from Burnbake campsite - see
below - I chose to continue past 'FRP Six' along Ferry Road to the
Sandbanks end and then back along the water's edge past Shell Bay to get
to the naturist section. I was quite suprised to find how wide the beach
is and how small the sand dunes are!
At first impression Studland seems like eveyone's dream of the ideal beach - soft golded sands, clean and relatively warm water - and naturism too. But - and it's a big "BUT" - the atmosphere was spoiled by the endless parade of men, some clothed, some naked, walking along the path which runs along the top of the seaward line of sand dunes. Clearly they find the higher elevation (about six feet) ideal for looking down upon the naturists just a few feet away on the beach below. I had read about the "meerkats" in the dunes but this was something I hadn't expected. By comparison, the shoreline walkers and even the National Trust and Police quad-bike patrols were inoffensive. The procession of men continued all day, seeming to outnumber the twenty or thirty couples who were the object of their attention. Having watched them carefully, I'm certain that most of them were there solely for the purpose of "getting a good look" and some of them would sit where a gap in the dune grasses provided a suitable view. Bearing in mind that this was a midweek day in early summer, I shudder to think of the number of voyeurs who probably congregate on busy days.
Studland must, once upon a time, have been a beautiful spot for naturism. Unfortunately, it seems to me that its high profile as Britain's best-known naturist beach combined with easy access have forever tainted this little bit of heaven in Dorset. This may seem a harsh judgement, based as it is on just one visit, but I prefer my beaches free from the "gawkers" Studland appears to attract. Sadly, I couldn't honestly recommend Studland to those trying naturism for the first time, especially women - they might well find the atmosphere distinctly offputting."
Trip Report: August 2001
"This is as close to a completely nude beach as one would hope. On
busy weekends, most beach-goers are male (about 95%), most tend to be of
retirement age or older. When people say it's clean, I think they mean the
sand is clean. The sand is fabulous and thanks to the National Trust stays
free of rubbish. The water however, only meets the lowest EU standards and
many years ago I got a skin rash after I had gone for a swim, which has
not happened to me in any place anywhere - not even in swimming pools. The
water also tastes of petrol, which is also something I have not
experienced elsewhere. I also got a nasty infection of the respiratory
tract when I swam at Studland one day this summer. I've been with fever
and chest pain for weeks. Finally, occasionally I read that the sea is
very clear in Studland. When I have gone for a swim in Studland, the sea
was anything but clear. Even on a sunny day, visibility was almost zero.
The motorboats moving about among the swimmers can also be a potential
hazard... I'd hope it will not hurt anyone if they are forwarned about the
potential downside of swimming here."
Trip Report: August 2001
"After enjoying for the last few years the feeling of the sun and
breeze on parts that do not normally share the privelege, I was pleased
when this year my wife agreed to join me for a trip to the naturist beach.
How sad that her experience was marred by the "pricks" in the
dunes - the men intend on parading their anatomy and keeping an eye on
everyone else. Why don't these people be honest and go to the beach in
dirty macs, carrying binoculars? Or better still - go home and leave the
beach for more normal people to enjoy."
Camping Facilities and Other Activities
Many who visit Studland choose to camp locally. Available sites include:
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