Old Harry Rocks
Outdoor Activities
Chalk stacks at Handfast Point, reached on a 3.5 mile circular walk from Studland. Notes on the route, cliff edges, dogs and boat trips from Swanage.
Chalk stacks at Handfast Point
Old Harry Rocks are the chalk formations at Handfast Point, at the southern end of Studland Bay. They stand on the eastern extremity of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which the Jurassic Coast Trust calls the Dorset and East Devon Coast and which was inscribed in 2001. The western end of that coastline is in East Devon, so Old Harry marks the Dorset end of it, not a midpoint. Until 1896 a second stack stood beside the main one, known as Old Harry’s Wife. Erosion brought her down and left a stump.
Walking there
The National Trust route is a circular walk of 3.5 miles from South Beach car park in Studland, timed at 1 to 2 hours. From the car park you walk past the Bankes Arms and follow the path signed for Old Harry. From the stacks the coast path climbs a gentle rise along the clifftop, and you can look back to the Pinnacle stack. It then runs past earthworks along Ballard Down before dropping back to Studland. The route includes one steady climb up Ballard Down, and the Trust describes the ground as fairly gentle and normally in good condition. A longer option starts at Shell Bay, which one local guide puts at four or five hours for the whole Studland Bay coastline.
Cliff edges and dogs
The National Trust warns of sheer cliff edges on and approaching Old Harry. Keep well back from the edge and supervise children. The Swanage visitor guide adds that dogs should be kept on a lead. For the Trust’s rules for dogs across Studland, read its page on visiting Studland Bay with your dog before you set out.
From the sea
Boat trips from Swanage include shorter outings to view Old Harry Rocks and into Poole Harbour, and some are whole days out covering more of the Jurassic Coast. The Swanage Pier Trust lists its boat trips, so check current sailings with the operator.
Nearby
Studland’s Knoll Beach has its own page. Old Harry Rocks lie about 2.5 miles north east of Swanage.
Where to stay near Old Harry Rocks
Sample dates: 30 October 2026 - 1 November 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Dorset.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- How do I walk to Old Harry Rocks?
- The National Trust's circular route starts at South Beach car park in Studland. You walk down the road past the Bankes Arms pub, turn left by the public toilets and follow the path signed for Old Harry. The full circuit is 3.5 miles and takes 1 to 2 hours.
- Are dogs allowed on the Old Harry Rocks walk?
- Local guidance says dogs should be kept on a lead, and everyone should keep away from the cliff edge. The National Trust's route notes say well behaved dogs are welcome in the outside seating area of Knoll Beach Cafe. Check the Trust's Studland dog page before you travel, as rules can change with the season.
- Can I see Old Harry Rocks from the water?
- Yes. Boat trips from Swanage include shorter trips to view Old Harry Rocks and into Poole Harbour, and longer days out cover more of the Jurassic Coast. Book through the operator and check sailing times.
- Is the walk to Old Harry Rocks dangerous?
- The route is described as gentle with good conditions underfoot, but the cliff edges on and approaching Old Harry are sheer. Keep well back from the edge, supervise children and stay on the path.
