Studland Bay
50°38.9'N 001°56.6'W · Poole Harbour entrance (3nm)
2–6m
Depth
Good
Holding
80m
Alarm radius
Very Busy
Crowd level
Studland Bay is the most popular anchorage in the SW approaches to the Solent — a wide, sandy Dorset bay in the lee of Old Harry Rocks and Handfast Point, sheltered from the prevailing SW winds and providing easy access to Poole Harbour. The National Trust owns the entire bay and beach (Old Harry Rocks are a major tourist attraction). The bay is part of the Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve — nudist beach, SSSI designation, and significant birdlife. In summer the bay holds 200+ yachts at anchor. The chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks and the blue water of the bay create one of Dorset's most photogenic sailing scenes.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Studland Bay — main anchorage
Good2–6m · Alarm: 80m
Anchor in 2–5m (CD) in the wide sandy bay, choosing a position to get maximum shelter from the chalk headland (Handfast Point) to the NE. Clean sand throughout — reliable holding once the anchor is buried. Exposed to E/NE — in any easterly the bay can become uncomfortable or untenable, and the swell from the English Channel can wrap around the Bill of Portland. Tidal range approximately 1.5–2.0m springs (Poole area has minimal tidal range due to the double-HW system). A large and popular anchorage — well-spread out with plenty of room in summer.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
80m radius for the open bay. Studland has the smallest tidal range in this dataset (1.5–2.0m springs) due to the Poole double-HW system, making it one of the most straightforward anchorages to manage on the south coast. The main risk is the E/NE exposure — in any easterly above F3 the bay becomes rolly; exit through the Swash Channel into Poole for shelter.
Recommended radius: 80m
Hazards & Warnings
- !E/NE exposure — English Channel swell wraps around Portland Bill and can make the bay uncomfortable in any easterly; exit to Poole Harbour if easterly is forecast to strengthen
- !Extremely busy July–August — 200+ boats at anchor on summer weekends; arrive before 14:00 for space
- !Seagrass beds in S part of bay — anchor on sand only; seagrass is protected under UK Marine and Coastal Access Act
- !Swimming zones and tourist beach users — speed limit and swimmer awareness essential
- !Poole Harbour bar entry requires timing — entry within 2 hours of HW if drawing more than 1.5m
Skipper's Tips
- ✓In settled SW conditions this is one of England's finest anchorages — swim, paddleboard and walk to Old Harry Rocks in the morning before the day visitors arrive
- ✓Old Harry Rocks (chalk stacks) are accessible by coast path from Studland village — one of the Jurassic Coast's most dramatic features
- ✓Poole Harbour (3nm north) is an excellent shelter in any easterly — enter via the Swash Channel (well buoyed) near HW if drawing more than 1.5m
- ✓The Bankes Arms pub in Studland village has an excellent garden and serves Dorset ales — walk up from the beach
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- National Trust owned foreshore — do not disturb nesting birds on the cliff faces. No anchoring within the designated swimming zones (marked by buoys in summer). Seagrass beds in the southern end of the bay — anchor on sand only; seagrass is a protected habitat.
Sleep Safely at Studland Bay
Set your anchor alarm to 80m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free