Studland Bay
Knoll Beach, Dorset · United Kingdom
England's best-known clothing-optional beach, on a National Trust bay with dunes, and a gay end that has been an open secret for fifty years.
Updated
- Status
- Official clothing-optional beach
- Crowd
- Gay-popular
- Country
- United Kingdom
- City
- Bournemouth
- Water
- Sea
- Best time
- June to September
- Confidence
- Medium
Find it
50.6580° N, 1.9500° WGood to know
National Trust rangers patrol. Keep to the marked naturist stretch.
The gay end
The naturist stretch north of Knoll Beach toward Shell Bay; the gay section is at its northern end.
Crowd A clothing-optional beach for everyone with a gay end everyone knows about. Walk in the direction the guide says and you will find the boys.
Getting there
Ferry from Sandbanks (Bournemouth side) and a walk, or park at Knoll Beach. National Trust land, marked signs.
The rules
Official clothing-optional beach. Designated by law or by the council. Swimwear is optional on the marked stretch, and nobody will ask you to cover up.
No photos of anyone, sunscreen everywhere, cover up the moment you leave the clothing-optional stretch, and head home with the light. Sunbathe, swim and keep the beach respectful for everyone.
Questions people ask
Beach questions
Where exactly is Studland Bay?
Knoll Beach, Dorset, United Kingdom. The map pin is 50.6580° N, 1.9500° W.
What is Studland Bay like?
England's best-known clothing-optional beach, on a National Trust bay with dunes, and a gay end that has been an open secret for fifty years.
Which section of Studland Bay is on the atlas?
The naturist stretch north of Knoll Beach toward Shell Bay; the gay section is at its northern end.
How do I get to Studland Bay?
Ferry from Sandbanks (Bournemouth side) and a walk, or park at Knoll Beach. National Trust land, marked signs.
What access or enforcement note applies to Studland Bay?
National Trust rangers patrol. Keep to the marked naturist stretch.
More in the United Kingdom
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Method
Status says what the law and the locals allow; crowd says who is on the sand. Both come from gay-travel guides, the national naturist federations and members who were just there, scored on sources, recency, crowd, legal footing and safety. How we rank. Pins mark the beach; the gay end is described above. Last reviewed September 2026.