Fort Henry – Studland Bay WWII Observation Post
Fort Henry (Middle Beach) | Middle Beach Car Park | Studland | Dorset | BH19 3AX | www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Fort Henry is a historic Second World War observation bunker overlooking Studland Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Located around 30 minutes from Woodyhyde Campsite near Corfe Castle, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the preparations for the D-Day landings.
Built in 1943 by the Canadian Royal Engineers, the structure was named after their base in Ontario. The bunker stretches over 90 feet in length and features thick reinforced concrete walls, floors and ceilings designed to withstand heavy bombardment.
World War II History at Fort Henry
At the time of its construction, Fort Henry was the largest and strongest observation post built in Britain. Its elevated position overlooking Studland Bay allowed senior military figures to observe large-scale exercises safely.
In April 1944, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King George VI, General Eisenhower and General Montgomery watched a full rehearsal of the Normandy landings from this very location.
Codenamed Exercise Smash, the rehearsal involved live ammunition, with battleships and aircraft bombarding the beach before thousands of troops landed by sea. It remains the largest live-ammunition military exercise ever carried out in Britain during the Second World War.
Visiting Fort Henry Today
Today, Fort Henry forms part of the Studland Beach World War II walk, managed by the National Trust. The bunker remains open for visitors to explore and provides a unique combination of historic wartime heritage and spectacular coastal scenery.
The surrounding cliffs offer stunning views across Studland Bay, Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight. Many visitors combine the walk with nearby attractions such as Studland Beach and the coastal path to Old Harry Rocks.
Watch: Studland Bay & Fort Henry – WWII Archive Footage
Black and white archive footage showing military training exercises at Studland Bay during the Second World War.
Distance from Woodyhyde Campsite
Fort Henry is approximately 30 minutes by car from Woodyhyde Campsite near Corfe Castle, making it an easy trip while exploring the Isle of Purbeck and the Dorset coast.
Visitors often combine a trip to Fort Henry with nearby places including Studland Beach, the seaside town of Swanage and the historic village of Corfe Castle.
If you are looking for a campsite near Studland Beach, Woodyhyde Campsite near Corfe Castle provides a peaceful base for exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Check availability and book your stay.