Panorama taken from the top of the hill at Ballard Point overlooking Swanage and the coastline around Old Harry Rocks and Studland. Picture taken in March 2009.

Swanage from Ballard Point - Swanage visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Swanage from Ballard Point' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Dorset.

The top of the hill around Ballard Point is one of the highest points between Swanage and Studland on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. From here there are stunning panoramic views far over the surrounding bays, beaches and coastline. On clear days the views extend north over Poole Harbour and Brownsie Island to Poole, west along Bournemouth Beach and over Bournemouth to Hengistbury Head. The Needles on the Isle of Wight can also be seen on a good day to the west. East of here lies the town of Swanage and the hills along this part of the Jurassic Coast.

Ballard Point is also the highest point of a popular walk from Sandbanks Ferry at Shell Bay to Swanage, which covers about 5 miles. This walk starts along Shell Bay Beach, Studland Beach and South Beach before ascending the cliff. The path then heads inland a short distance and passes the Bankes Arms pub in Studland. This is a very popular local pub which does excellent food and is a very good resting place (parking next to the Bankes Arms is manged by the National Trust, who charge a parking fee). While here, it is worth visiting the old Norman church of St Nicholas just behind the Bankes Arms.

After a refreshing drink, continue along The Foreland to Old Harry rocks and admire the stunning views along the cliffs. The path continues along the cliff top past The Pinnacles and up to the top of Ballard Point. From here it is a short descent to Swanage itself, ending up on Swanage Beach. Otherwise hikers continue along the ridge following the Purbeck Way to Corfe Castle and, eventually, Whaream.

Ferry: Sandbanks Ferry from Sandbanks to Shell Bay.
Car: Free parking on some of the roads around Sandbanks. Parking on the Shell Bay and Studland areas all managed by the National Trust and parking fees apply.
Bus: 150 from Poole to Swanage via Sandbanks and Studland.