Old Harry Rocks
Iconic chalk sea stacks on the Jurassic Coast, offering dramatic views and scenic coastal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Old Harry Rocks
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic chalk sea stacks on the Jurassic Coast, offering dramatic views and scenic coastal walks.
"Stunning views and a peaceful coastal walk! The chalk cliffs and unique rock formations are breathtaking. "
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk is beautiful but can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must for enjoying the coastal path.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade on the walk and at the rocks. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Chalk Stacks
Handfast Point
Majestic white chalk formations rising from the sea, sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
Panoramic Jurassic Coast Views
Ballard Down
Breathtaking vistas of the coastline, sea, and surrounding countryside from atop Ballard Down.
Coastal Path Hiking
South West Coast Path
Explore the scenic trails offering spectacular views and a rewarding walk to the rocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
What to Pack for Your Coastal Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk is beautiful but can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must for enjoying the coastal path.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade on the walk and at the rocks. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat!
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of photo opportunities along the path and at the rocks. Golden hour is magical!
⚠️ Safety First Near Cliffs
No safety fences. Be extremely careful, especially with children, and stay away from the edges.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk is beautiful but can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must for enjoying the coastal path.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade on the walk and at the rocks. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat!
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of photo opportunities along the path and at the rocks. Golden hour is magical!
⚠️ Safety First Near Cliffs
No safety fences. Be extremely careful, especially with children, and stay away from the edges.
📍 Start from Studland or Swanage
Both offer great access points for the walk to Old Harry Rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Harry Rocks for its breathtaking natural beauty and stunning coastal views, calling it a peaceful and magical spot. The walk is considered well worth the effort, offering ample photo opportunities. However, a significant concern is the lack of safety fencing along the cliff edges, requiring extreme caution, especially with children.
"Old Harry Rocks is such a beautiful spot and well worth the walk. The views along the way are amazing, and when you get there the cliffs and sea look incredible. It feels peaceful, open, and a bit magical on a sunny day. A lovely place to sit, take photos, and just enjoy being by the coast. Not too busy on a Friday afternoon."
DP
"This is an amazingly beautiful spot! Cliffs are absolutely stunning!
Note - there is not much shade coverage on the walk to the rocks and obviously there is no shade at all when you are near the cliffs. So plan accordingly with sun protection/water if it’s a hot and sunny day."
Kate DiMinno
"Stunning views and a peaceful coastal walk! The chalk cliffs and unique rock formations are breathtaking, and the path is easy to follow with plenty of photo opportunities. Perfect for nature lovers and anyone wanting to enjoy England’s beautiful coastline. Highly recommended!"
Deepanshu Kapoor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Old Harry Rocks by car, parking at the National Trust car park near Studland. Alternatively, you can arrive by public transport to Swanage or Poole and then take a bus or walk.
The National Trust car park at South Beach, Studland, is a popular choice for parking near Old Harry Rocks.
Yes, local buses operate to Studland and Swanage, which are good starting points for a walk to Old Harry Rocks. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! The walk from Swanage to Old Harry Rocks is a popular and scenic route along the Jurassic Coast. It's approximately 1.2 miles from the parking area.
From London, you can take a train to Wareham or Poole, then connect to local buses or taxis to reach the Studland or Swanage areas for your walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Harry Rocks is a natural landmark and there is no admission fee to visit.
Old Harry Rocks is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to visit Old Harry Rocks. Access to the natural site is free for everyone.
Tickets are not required for Old Harry Rocks as it is a natural, open-access area.
The main restriction is to be mindful of safety due to the cliff edges and lack of fencing. Otherwise, it's an open natural site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy stunning coastal walks, take incredible photos of the chalk stacks, and soak in the panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast.
The walk is generally considered moderate. It involves some inclines and uneven terrain, but is manageable for most fitness levels.
There are no facilities directly at the rocks themselves. However, there are public toilets and a pub near the starting points in Studland or Swanage.
Children can enjoy the walk and the scenery, but extreme caution is needed near the cliff edges as there are no safety fences.
Swimming is not recommended directly at Old Harry Rocks due to strong currents and the rocky coastline.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful light for photographing Old Harry Rocks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating the rock formations.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations and landowner permissions. It's advisable to check current rules before flying.
Experiment with different viewpoints along the coastal path. Shots from Ballard Down offer a grand perspective, while closer views highlight the rock details.
Yes, boat trips offer unique perspectives of Old Harry Rocks from the sea, providing stunning photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Consider a picnic with a view! 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1 Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the chalk grassland and keep an eye out for seabirds. The area is perfect for photography, especially during the golden hours. 📸 Photographers
+1 Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light, and experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the scenery. Drone photography can offer unique perspectives, but always check local regulations. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Old Harry Rocks
Over millennia, the relentless action of waves, wind, and rain has carved away at the softer chalk cliffs. Initially, arches formed, which eventually collapsed, leaving behind the distinctive stacks we see today. The name 'Old Harry' is thought to be derived from a local pirate, Harry Paye, who reputedly used the rocks as a landmark.
The ongoing process of erosion means that the landscape is constantly changing, with smaller stacks and features appearing and disappearing over time. Understanding the geological history adds another layer of appreciation to the dramatic scenery. It's a testament to the powerful forces of nature that have sculpted this iconic stretch of the English coastline.
+1Hiking and Walking Routes
+1Another option is to start from the charming coastal town of Swanage. This walk also follows the coast path and offers beautiful scenery, with the added benefit of being able to enjoy the town's amenities before or after your hike.
For those looking for a longer excursion, Old Harry Rocks can be incorporated into circular walks that explore the wider Studland Peninsula. These routes often combine coastal views with inland exploration of chalk grassland and heathland.
Remember to check weather conditions and carry adequate supplies, as there are limited facilities along the path. 
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