Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.
A short guide to the nudist beaches on the Dorset coast…
Whether you’re a seasoned naturist or curious about dipping your toes into a more liberating beach experience for the first time, Dorset’s coastline offers some beautifully discreet spots for clothing-optional sunbathing.
There’s one official naturist beach here, and a handful of unofficial but secluded spots where naturism is generally accepted. This guide will help you find them…
Naturist Beaches in Dorset
Top Tip: You may need to walk a fair distance to reach the more secluded sections of these beaches, so good walking shoes or comfy sandals are recommended!
Studland Bay (Official Nudist Beach)
Beach Type: Sandy
Nearest Parking: National Trust Car Parks Shell Bay and Knoll Beach (£12 a day, free for NT members)
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: In both car parks
Dogs Allowed: Yes (but must be kept on a lead from 1 May – 30 September)
There is one official nudist beach in Dorset, on Studland Bay on the Isle of Purbeck. After more than 100 years of naturism, it’s probably Britain’s most famous nudist beach! Today, the area is officially designated as “clothing optional” and has been clearly marked out as such with green-topped posts and signs.
Where to find it: The official naturist area is a 900m section of Knoll Beach. The entire beach is managed by the National Trust, who say they welcome naturists. They do ask, however, that visitors respect other beachgoers and refrain from behaviour likely to cause offence. Read more here.
Swyre / Cogden Beach
Beach Type: Shingle
Nearest Parking: West Bexington Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: None
Dogs Allowed: All year, off lead
The fairly remote stretch of beach between Cogden and West Bexington is known as a local naturist spot. According to British Naturism: “The area used by naturists is easily reached by walking west for 15 minutes on the coast path from the car park at West Bexington”.
Ringstead Bay
Beach Type: Shingle
Nearest Parking: Ringstead Bay Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: In car park
Dogs Allowed: All year, off lead
The unspoilt pebble beach at Ringstead Bay is popular with locals looking to escape the tourist crowds in nearby Weymouth. According to Saturday Walkers Club, the nudist area is at the eastern end of the beach. They say it’s “a good twenty minute walk east from the entrance to the beach along a stony beach”.
Bat’s Head / Durdle Door Beach
Beach Type: Shingle
Nearest Parking: Durdle Door Car Park (on clifftop above beach, good shoes recommended. £20 a day)
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: In car park
Dogs Allowed: All year, off lead
Durdle Door is one of the most famous spots on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Unsurprisingly, the beach around the rock arch is extremely busy in summer. The rest of the beach, however, is usually fairly quiet. According to Nudist Compass: “Nudists gather at the extreme west end of the beach near Bat’s Head and a rock column just offshore”.
Others Worth a Mention
Hengistbury Head: According to British Naturism, the beach at Hengistbury Head was once used by naturists, but not so much any more. In recent years, the beach has become much busier with local families, walkers, and daytrippers.
Naturist Beaches in Dorset: Map & Quick List
- Knoll Beach, Studland – official.
- Swyre / Cogden Beach, West Bexington – unofficial.
- Ringstead Bay – unofficial.
- Durdle Door Beach (far western end) – unofficial.
- Hengistbury Head Beach – no longer used.
If you know of any other nudist beaches on the Dorset coast, leave a comment below!
