Old Harry Rocks is a series of striking chalk stacks in Dorset, on the Jurassic coast, about two miles from Swanage. The location is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery and geological significance.
Formed over millions of years by erosion, these white cliffs are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The name old Harry likely comes from a local pirate who used them as a lookout.
I visited in March 2025 and I’m going to take you on my walk out to Harry rocks. I’ll show you all you need to see. This is probably one of my favourite walks or hikes that I have done.
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The Video
History
Old Harry Rocks location is on the tip of the coast of Studland Bay in Dorset. It signifies the furthest easterly point of the Jurassic Coast. Its location is perfect for an easy walk and stunning views over the Jurassic Coast.
Old Harry Rocks are iconic chalk formations located on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England. They form part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These striking sea stacks and cliffs were formed millions of years ago. Over time, the relentless action of waves and weather gradually eroded the softer chalk, creating caves, arches, and eventually the isolated stacks seen today.
The name “Old Harry” is believed to refer to a notorious local pirate or the devil himself. These rocks are a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and geologists fascinated by coastal erosion.
Old Harry Rocks Location and Information
Where to Park:
- South Beach Car Park, Manor Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AU
- Middle Beach Park Park, Beach Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AX
The closest car park is South Beach Car park. It’s about a 30 minute walk to the tip where Old Harry Rocks is. The car parks are run by the National Trust, and more information can be found on their website.
There is also parking at Middle Beach, which adds less than ten minutes to the walk. The drive in does take you down some narrow lanes. It’s fine for a car or a VW style camper van, but possibly trickier if you’re in a larger vehicle.
While the car park is a decent size, expect it to be very busy in the summer and at weekends. I visited on a Thursday during school time and there were still plenty of people around.
In the corner of the car park is a ticket machine. The easiest way to pay is using the PayByPhone app.
Walking from South Beach Car Park to Old Harry Rocks Location
The walk is quite straightforward, but why not make use of Alltrails, a free app, that is easy to follow, and useful for walks and hikes. Click this link (affiliate link, but the basic app is free!). The walk I link to is from Studland Beach. It passes South Beach Car Park on the way to Old Harry Rocks.
As you head out the car park here on foot, there is a sign post highlighting the way to the start of the trail.
Turn right and head along Manor Road. As you reach the bend, you will see a toilet block on the left.
Turn here and this is the path which leads you straight to old Harry rocks.
And the initial walk out isn’t too awe inspiring. But there are a couple of places you can see the sea and the coastline as you gradually climb ever so slightly higher.
By this point, you have already gained a bit of elevation, but you gradually climb higher, as you approach the edge of the cliffs.
Old Harry Rocks
As you can imagine, the landscape is dramatic and beautiful. This is highly trafficked, which has resulted in warning signs. Parts of the cliff top have to be restricted. I do definitely not want to be the one that falls down here, so please take care of young children and dogs and watch your step.
And there are great views from here. But just a short walk along the clifftop brings you to another overlook with wide views of the rocks.
From this viewpoint, Old Harry Rocks stretches out into the sea, and you can see how the years of erosion has affected the cliffs,
Here are a few of my favourite photos from my walk.
Old Harry Rocks on the Jurassic Coast is popular tourist attraction, and a relatively easy walk. I think the biggest challenge, if you go in busy season, will be the parking. So, if you can, it is definitely my recommendation to visit during the shoulder season.
Have you visited Old Harry Rocks, and if so, let me know in the comments what you thought of it.
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