A Guide To Purbeck Beaches
- Quick Links
- Durdle Door
- Kimmeridge Bay
- Lulworth Cove
- Studland - Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach & South Beach
- Swanage
- Worbarrow Bay
Durdle Door
Resting approximately 1km West of Lulworth Cove is Durdle Door, one of Dorset's most famous geological attractions. It is also home to a charming shingle beach. While the beach shelves rather dramatically in places it is possible to swim, with care, in the little bay and is popular amongst snorkellers. Access to the beach is via a steep footpath and steps from either Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door caravan park. Parking is available at the caravan park (Pay and Display), which also has toilets, including disabled toilets, and a shop. There are additional toilets at West Lulworth, approximately 1km along the cliff top path. Dogs are allowed on the beach.It is strongly recommended that people neither climb or shelter under the cliffs as occasional rockfalls do occur.
Kimmeridge Bay
The top part of the Kimmeridge beach is mainly made up of loose shale. Further down, and the shale becomes smooth solid ledges which are ideal for sitting and sunbathing on when the tide is out, although when wet they can be extremely slippery due to the build up of algae and seaweed. There is plenty to explore here with lots of opportunity for rockpooling and exhibitions of local marine wildlife at the Marine Centre (part of the Purbeck Marine Nature Reserve). Furthermore, the sheltered bay lends itself to watersports such as scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and surfing.Access to the bay is via a toll road and there is parking for approximately 1000 vehicles on the private estate that the Bay backs on to. Some limited disabled parking is available next to the Marine Centre. The nearest shop is in the Kimmeride village which is approximatley 20 minutes walk from the Bay.
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove offers a shingle beach. Although it shelves steeply in some places it is reasonably safe for swimming as long as common sense is applied. When the tide goes out there are some rock pools to explore, but nothing like the quanity or quality of those offered at Kimmeridge.Dogs are allowed on the beach throughout the year, but they must be kept on a lead. There is plenty of parking (Pay and Display) nearby in the village of West Lulworth where there are also plenty of places to eat, a selection of shops and a Heritage Centre. Toilets can be found at the Heritage Centre along with baby changing facilities.
Studland Beaches - Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach & South Beach
Studland Beaches is the collective name for the long stretch of beaches made up of Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach, which are managed by the National Trust. Easiest access is on foot or by car via the ferry from Ferry Road in Sandbanks. Once on the other side foot passengers can walk along the beach to their chosen spot, or if travelling by car drive a little further down ferry road to one of the beach car parks (fee applies), which between them have space for over 2,500 cars. Alternatively from Swanage, follow the signs for the ferry.As with all of the Studland beaches the sand is very fine which makes it excellent for children. The Shell Bay end tends to get the busiest due to it's proximity to the ferry. There are toilets available in or near to all the main car parks, and there are disabled facilities at Knoll Beach and Middle Beach. Along the beaches there are a number of refreshment outlets including the Middle Beach Cafe, and at Knoll Beach there is a National Trust shop selling refreshments, souvenirs and beach goods.
First time visitors to the Studland Beaches should be aware that there is nudist zone on Knoll Beach. Knoll Beach south of the visitor centre is for non-nudists (referrred to by the nudists as "textiles"). North of the visitor centre the beach becomes topless and then nudist. This is one of the most popular nudist spots in the South of England due to the quality of the beach and the nudist community in the South, so if you don't approve....don't go there. If you want to join in however, be aware that it's popularity as a nudist beach does tend to attract "gawkers".
Furthermore, while not reserved as such the 1.5km stretch of Knoll Beach, from The Point to just inside the nudist zone, is widely recogniosed and supported as being for gay visitors. The local gay community there has a repuation for being friendly, sociable and welcoming.
Like the sand, the water quality is excellent and the beaches are ideal for swimming, watersports, sailing and diving. If you are using a boat in the area, please watch out for swimmers. Dogs are not allowed on Knoll Beach and Middle Beach during the Summer months. They are however, allowed throughout the year at Shell Bay and South Beach as long as they are kept on a lead.
For school and group parties there is a study centre at Knoll Beach car park available for pre booked events. There are also plenty of sand dunes to explore and a beach/woodland nature trail.
Swanage
The Swanage beach is a lovely sand covered affair and has been the recipient of the prestigious Blue Flag award for beach cleanliness. It's a popular location for watersports in general, and the pier is widely recognised as one of the best diving locations in the country. There are also marker buoys cordoning off an area for swimmers in Swanage Bay to keep them safe from other water sport enthusiasts.As the beach borders the coastal edge of Purbeck's largest town and settlement there are plenty of services and facilities on hand. The toilets are readily available opposite the beach on Shore Road. There are plenty of restaurants, kiosks and cafes to choose from for refreshments, all within easy walking distance, and there are a number of Pay & Display car parks. Should the weather turn wet there is an amusement arcade near the beach, a nearby cinema and regualr boat tours of the area.
Dog owners take note that dogs are not allowed between May 1st and September 30th, and outside of these times dogs should be kept on a lead.
Warbarrow Way
Warbarrow Way is a pebble beach owned by the Ministry of Defence. As such it is only open at weekends, Bank Holidays and during the summer. Be aware that the MOD do reserve the right to close it at any time should they wish to carry out some training in the area. With this in mind it is a good idea to check that it is open in advance if you are planning a visit by ringing the dedicated number (+44 (0) 1929 462721 extension 4819).The beach does shelve very steeply in places so be careful choosing your location to swim. The safest part for swimming is the end next to Worbarrow Tout. There is no cafe or refreshment kiosk so if you are planning a long visit take a picnic. Dogs are allowed throughout the year. The nearest parking and toilets are available approximately 1 mile away in Tyneham Village.
