Studland
Studland is a small village which boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Purbeck.
The Origin of the name Studland comes from the old English meaning an area where a herd of horses is kept.
During World War II the coastline around Studland was fortified again German invasion and the beach and village were used as a training area for the D-Day landings. Today many of the houses within the village are holiday homes or guest houses.
Studland’s church, St Nicholas Parish church, is one of the best preserved Norman churches in the country.
Studland boasts the largest expanse of unspoiled lowland heath in Dorset, with views towards Poole harbour. Owned by the National Trust there are also four miles of natural sandy beaches including Knoll beach and Studland Beach.
Old Harry Rocks can be found nearby, a famous pair of chalk stacks on the Jurassic Coast with amazing views of the surrounding areas of Poole and Bournemouth.
The area is also home to a popular local landmark called the Agglestone Rock, a 400 tonne piece of sandstone.
Attractions in Studland…
South Beach is the smallest and popular with locals, Middle Beach is sheltered by low cliffs while Knoll Beach, backed by a wilderness of dunes, has wide open spaces and includes a one kilometre designated naturist area.
As an internationally important example of lowland heath, the area is managed by the National Trust as a designated National Nature Reserve. A wide range of habitats include sand dunes, peat bog, alder and willow carr and the freshwater lagoon of Little Sea, as well as heathland. All six species of native British reptile are to be found here too, including the rare sand lizard and smooth snake.
The popular local legend is that the Devil threw the rock from the needles on the Isle of Wight in an attempt to hit Corfe Castle. In fact the rock is most likely a natural rock exposure which has weathered over time, although there is a theory that it is a relic of a large quarry.
The chalk of Old Harry Rocks used to be part of a long stretch of chalk between Purbeck and the Isle of Wight, but remained as a headland after large parts of this seam were eroded away.
Follow the link below for a fascinating pub walk to Harry Rocks.
Food & Drink in Studland…
Bankes Arms Studland
Bankes Arms Hotel
Manor Road, Studland, BH19 3AU
Tel: 01929 450255
Shell Bay Restaurant
Shell Bay Restaurant
Ferry Road, Studland, BH19 3AH
Tel: 01929 450363
The Pig on the Beach
The Pig on the Beach
Manor Road, Studland, BH19 3AU
Tel: 01929 450288