Old Harry RocksChalk Sea Stacks on the Jurassic Coast

Old Harry Rocks

No trip to Dorset is complete without a visit to Old Harry Rocks. These iconic sea stacks are one of the most impressive natural landmarks on the Jurassic Coast and a picture perfect destination!

There are many ways to admire Old Harry Rocks. Whether you venture by foot, bike, boat or kayak, we guarantee you’ll have a memorable day out!

Old Harry Rocks are a famous chalk rock formation on the Jurassic Coast in between Swanage and Studland. Over the years, coastal erosion has worn away much of the cliff face, leaving behind a series of sea stacks. Geologists believe the rocks were once connected to the Needles on the Isle of Wight. On a clear day, you can just make them out in the distance!

This section of the Jurassic Coast is steeped in folklore. According to local legend, Old Harry Rocks were named after Harry Paye – a local pirate that hid his treasures amongst the rocks. Other’s think that it’s a reference to the Devil!

Dogs are welcome at Old Harry, but they should be kept on the lead at all times. Children should also be supervised – the cliffs are tall and there’s no railings!

Getting to Old Harry Rocks

Walk – Thousands of people make the walk to Old Harry Rocks throughout the year. It’s part of the South West Coast Path – a national walking trail. The easiest way to walk to Old Harry is from Studland’s South Beach Car Park (National Trust members park free). Park up and follow the well-marked route to the cliffs. The path is flat for most of route and is approximately 1 mile in each direction, though it can be extended into a circular trail that incorporates Ballard Down.

An all terrain Tramper mobility scooter can be hired from South Beach Car Park. This is an excellent option for visitors with mobility problems wishing to visit the rocks.

Kayak / SUP – If you’re feeling adventurous hire a Kayak or stand up paddle board from Studland beach and make the journey across Studland Bay to see the iconic rocks from the sea. Unless you’re an experienced watersports enthusiast with an excellent knowledge of the local weather conditions and tides, we encourage you to book a guided trip from one of the local providers. They will accompany you on the route and provide safety support.

Boat – there are numerous boat trips from Poole and Swanage offering the perfect opportunity to see Old Harry Rocks from a unique view. This is one of our favourite ways to visit – there’s nothing better than seeing the iconic rocks tower above you! You really get to appreciate their sheer size and scale from this perspective.

Food & Drink

Many people visit Old Harry Rocks for a picnic. Sit on the grassy clifftop and enjoy far reaching views along the coastline and out to sea. There are some excellent food and drink options nearby, if you’d prefer to dine out.

Bankes Arms – A traditional pub with excellent home cooked food and local ales. In the summer, sit in the extensive beer garden and soak up the sea views. In the winter, sit in front of the roaring fire to warm up at the end of your walk.

Pig on the Beach – A luxury restaurant within a spectacular manor house making. Sample the 25-mile menu to experienced some of the best produce from local producers!

Places to Stay

Ulwell Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring Old Harry Rocks and the wider Jurassic Coast. From the park, you can enjoy a scenic walk to Studland and Old Harry Rocks before returning to refuel in our fantastic bar and restaurant.

We have a range of accommodation to choose from, including glamping pods, holiday homes and touring and camping pitches!

 

What our guests say

  • A lovely quiet site

    Andy Blackwell

    A lovely quiet site, nice warm amenities with good sized shower cubicles, shop not open yet as it’s too early but the local pub is ideal. Staff were very friendly and helpful. If you’re reasonably fit you can walk into Swanage but the bus service is great so why would you want to. Overall a very nice break, we will be back.

  • Super swimming pool

    Joseph Molford

    Fantastic site, we have had a brilliant holiday. Super swimming pool and changing facilities. Site really handy to get to Swanage and Studland. Will definitely return. Thanks to all the staff for a lovely holiday.

  • Excellent quality caravan site

    Peter Skrobacz

    Excellent quality caravan site, top quality, small and friendly, location fantastic. Been visiting Ulwell for over 25 years now and every year is special.

  • An amazing week at Ulwell

    Jenny H

    We have just returned back from our weeks stay at Ulwell Holiday Park with our 2 small children and dog. It was an absolute brilliant week! The site has everything you need, and more! A lovely comfy pub on site for drinks and a bowl of chips, a small shop, swimming pool, large play are with park, and the bus stops right outside.. what more could you want

  • Easter break

    Mit

    We have just returned after a brilliant Easter break. Couldn’t fault anything at all and we didn’t want to leave. We didn’t visit the pub but the shop is stocked with local produce and essentials. The facilities are great and the location convenient. Our van was spotless and had everything we needed. We will definitely be back

All reviews

4.5

We are currently at an amazing 4.5 score at TripAdvisor, based upon 200+ reviews from verified guests.

Latest reviews

Proudly associated

Over the years the family has developed the park to award-winning standards and in a style which compliments its surroundings.

  • Camping and caravanning
  • British Holiday & Home Parks assocation
  • Poole Tourism
  • Visit Britain
  • ulwell holiday park 5 star rating
  • premier parks 2025

Finding us

BY ROAD

From Bournemouth via the Sandbanks chain ferry and following the B3351 into Swanage.

From Wareham using the A351 into Swanage, turn left along the seafront towards Studland.

BY BUS

The park is situated on the main bus route from Bournemouth to Swanage.

GPS

1 ° 58’ 16” West, 50° 37’ 34” North

WHAT3WORDS

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