For a quick reference guide to beach facilities in Purbeck, download the  Purbeck Beach Guide (pdf, 96kb) (opens in a new window)  .

Studland

Studland's sandy beaches (Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach) are owned and managed by the National Trust (opens in a new window) .

Shell Bay is the start of the 630 mile South West Coast Path national trail. Old Harry Rocks near South Beach mark the end of the Jurassic Coast (opens in a new window) .

There is a naturist area on Knoll Beach and swimming only zones are found in the summer at Knoll and South beaches.

At Knoll Beach, watersport hire is available and there is a designated area for kite surfing (permit required). At Middle Beach a slipway is available for use (charge payable). There is a Kayak Trail at Middle Beach, order the guide online (opens in a new window) .

Dogs are not allowed on Middle and Knoll beaches (from Red-end point to training bank) between early July and early September. Dogs are allowed on Shell Bay and South Beach all year as long as they are on a lead and that owners clean up after them.

Toilet facilities are found in or near to all main car parks with facilities for disabled visitors at Knoll and Middle Beach. Refreshments are available from various outlets and there is a shop run by the National Trust at the Knoll Beach Car Park selling various items and beach goods.

The shortest route to get to the beaches from Poole and Bournemouth is via the Sandbanks Ferry (opens in a new window) . Bus No 50 stops at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach and Studland village (a short walk to Middle Beach and South Beach), download the timetable from the Wilts and Dorset website (opens in a new window) . The Rempstone Cycle Ride is the best way to reach Studland by bike - avoiding the busy roads.

Swanage

A sandy beach with all the facilities of a seaside town - owned and managed by Swanage Town Council (opens in a new window) . Various boat trips and boat hire available. Watersports also available. Dogs are not allowed between 1 May and 30 September. Wilts and Dorset Bus Company run bus numbers 50, 40 and 44 from Worth Matravers, Wareham, Poole and Bournemouth. There is a Steam Railway which runs between Norden Park & Ride, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross, Herston and Swanage with lots of room for bikes, pushchairs, buckets and spades - for details visit Swanage Railway (opens in a new window) .

Kimmeridge

Kimmeridge Bay is part of the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and is made up of shale which runs out to sea in smooth ledges (Kimmeridge Ledges). These ledges are a great spot to sit when the tide is out, although rock pools and wet areas can be very slippery. The Kimmeridge cliffs are very unstable and should not be climbed. The top part of the beach is loose shale.

Swimming is possible but the beach is most popular for its shoreline and the wildlife to be found in the rock pools. The Fine Foundation Marine Centre found next to the beach contains information about the Marine Reserve and is run by Dorset Wildlife Trust (opens in a new window) . Weather permitting, under water camera viewing of sea-life is available at the Centre. There is a snorkelling trail during summer and glass-bottomed kayaks tours are also available - find details on the  Dorset Wildlife Trust website (opens in a new window) .

There is a large cliff top car park which a charge is paid at the top of the road. Toilet facilities are available in the car park. Dogs are allowed. There is a slipway available for small boats to the side of the beach (charge payable on top of the car park fee).

Beach cleans are organised several times a year by the Dorset Wildlife Trust (opens in a new window) .

Worbarrow Bay

A pebble beach owned and managed by The Ministry of Defence. The beach is only open at weekends, during Bank Holidays and in the summer, although the MOD reserve the right to close it at any time. The beach slopes steeply into the sea and the safest part for swimming is the end next to Worbarrow Tout. Dogs are allowed on the beach. There are no refreshments available. Parking (charge payable) and toilets are available in Tyneham Village approximately 1 mile inland from the beach.

Beach cleans are organised several times a year by the Dorset Wildlife Trust (opens in a new window) .

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is part of the Weld Estate (opens in a new window) . Found in West Lulworth, there is a shingle beach which slopes steeply into the sea, although some parts are reasonably safe for swimming. Dogs are allowed on the beach. The Cove offers a variety of places to eat and there is a large car park (charge payable). There are toilets with facilities for baby changing and disabled visitors. Boat trips and guided kayak tours are available at certain times of the year.

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is part of the Weld Estate (opens in a new window) . A shingle beach which can only be reached on foot via a steep path and steps over the hill from Lulworth Cove or down from Durdle Door Caravan Park where parking is available (charge payable). The beach slopes steeply into the sea in places but swimming is possible in some parts. Dogs are allowed on the beach. A shop and toilets (including facilities for disabled visitors) can be found in the caravan car park.