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Group and educational visits to Studland Bay

A large group of visitors walking on the beach at Studland Bay
A group visiting Studland Bay | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Groups are welcome at Studland Bay, whether you’re planning a group trip or a self-guided education visit. Find out about the kinds of activities on offer for education groups, and how to arrange your visit.

Educational visits to Studland Bay

Self-led educational visits

At Studland Bay we provide you with the resources that enable you to deliver your own field trip at Studland - whether that be equipment, work sheets or data packs for research projects. Please contact us for a list of resources at: studlandbay@nationaltrust.org.uk

For many more educational resources and activity sheets, please check out the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve resource webpage, where you will find identification guides, sound walks, nature stories, scavenger hunts, mindful movement trials – along with many others, all developed and tailored for Studland Bay: Resources - Purbeck Heaths .

(Please note, we do not offer led educational sessions or visits at Studland Bay).

Borrow boxes

We have a selection of equipment for school groups to borrow during your visit. This includes things like ranging poles, clipboards, tape measures, binoculars, soil borers etc. Borrow boxes are free to use, but do require booking to ensure another school is not using the equipment on the day you wish to visit. For a full list of borrow box equipment, and to book, please email: studlandbay@nationaltrust.org.uk

Paid educational visits

If you are looking for a paid session, we recommend Leeson House (https://leesonhouse.com/) and Geofieldwork (https://www.geofieldworkltd.com/). These teachers have received educator training from the National Trust and as such know the most up-to-date and relevant information – they are also fantastic outdoor educators.

Educational Group Membership (EGM)

Why not make your school visit more affordable and take advantage of the National Trust Educational Group membership? This covers all the children in your school for one year across all properties in the National Trust. Click here for more information on Educational Group Membership.

Educational Group Members can park for free when you present your card to one of our team on arrival.

Two students siting in a bird hide at Studland Bay, holding binoculars
Students on an educational visit to Studland Bay | © Ben Selway

Group visits

Coach bays are located at Knoll Beach car park. They are available on a first come, first served basis.

The Pay and Display machines accept coins or you can download the app PayByPhone before you arrive. Card payments can be made at the Knoll Beach Office.

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk

Who is eligible for free entry?

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.

An aerial view of the beach at Studland Bay in Dorset in spring

Discover more at Studland Bay

Find out how to get to Studland Bay, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

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