Go early, go slowly
Leave while the sky is still pale and follow the dune path east to the Sandbanks landing. The chain ferry starts crossing to Studland before most cafés open, and the first sailing of the day is usually the quietest — just gulls, a handful of dog walkers, and the rattle of the chain.
The loop back
Cross as a foot passenger, walk the far shore for twenty minutes, and ride back. The whole loop takes under an hour and lands you at the beach in time for a swim before breakfast. In winter the ferry runs a shorter day, so check the board the evening before.
Before you go
- When
- Best at dawn, year round
- Bring
- A layer — the wind off the water is cooler than the garden
- Allow
- About an hour, door to door