Old Harry Rocks
Studland, United Kingdom
White chalk stacks at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. An easy, mostly level walk of about 2.5 km leads out from Studland.
Old Harry Rocks stand at Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck, about 4 km north-east of Swanage. The white chalk stacks were formed in the Late Cretaceous some 72 to 84 million years ago; waves hollowed cracks into caves and arches, whose roofs then collapsed. They mark the easternmost point of the Jurassic Coast. The rocks were once part of a chalk ridge reaching the Isle of Wight, and on a clear day you can see the Needles from Studland. Of “Old Harry’s Wife” only a stump remains after her upper part collapsed.
The National Trust describes a circular walk of about 5.6 km from the South Beach car park in Studland, moderate in difficulty with a steady climb up Ballard Down; it takes one to two hours. Keep well back from the sheer cliff edges. The route is part of the South West Coast Path.
- Nearest town
- Studland, United Kingdom
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 50.6420, -1.9240
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Tom's FieldCampsite7 km from Old Harry Rocks · 100 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Acton Field CampsiteCampsite8 km from Old Harry Rocks · 80 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Corfe Castle Dorset CampingCampsite10 km from Old Harry RocksTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Norden FarmCampsite11 km from Old Harry RocksTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Ridge FarmCampsite12 km from Old Harry RocksTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- East Creech Farm CampsiteCampsite12 km from Old Harry RocksTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Old Harry Rocks?
Old Harry Rocks is in Studland, United Kingdom, at GPS 50.6420, -1.9240. It is about 5 km from Swanage.
Can you camp near Old Harry Rocks?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 96 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Old Harry Rocks?
Old Harry Rocks is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Jurassic Coast: Lyme Regis to Old Harry.
What is there to see near Old Harry Rocks?
Places worth a stop nearby: Corfe Castle (9 km), Lulworth Cove (23 km), Durdle Door (25 km) and Cerne Abbas Giant (43 km).
When is the best time to visit Old Harry Rocks?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)