About the Parish

Studland Parish

Studland is special because of its history and context and the parish has had little development. It was a remote location until the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century and the development of the ferry and Ferry Road in 1926. 20th century seaside holidays and the growth of car ownership have attracted more people to the area.  In addition to the isolation of geography, land ownership was highly concentrated with the Bankes Estate owning more than 95% of the land. The estate was resistant to development and reluctant to sell land for this purpose.

In 1981 the Bankes Estate which included all of Studland, most of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy, was gifted to the National Trust.  The National Trust is responsible for the heathland, the land in and around the village and the beach. The stewardship exercised by the Bankes Estate was transferred to the National Trust.

The parish has various designations that are intended to protect the environment and in particular the natural surroundings.

Studland is special because of its history and context and the parish has had little development. It was a remote location until the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century and the development of the ferry and Ferry Road in 1926. 20th century seaside holidays and the growth of car ownership have attracted more people to the area.  In addition to the isolation of geography, land ownership was highly concentrated with the Bankes Estate owning more than 95% of the land. The estate was resistant to development and reluctant to sell land for this purpose.

In 1981 the Bankes Estate which included all of Studland, most of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy, was gifted to the National Trust.  The National Trust is responsible for the heathland, the land in and around the village and the beach. The stewardship exercised by the Bankes Estate was transferred to the National Trust.

The parish has various designations that are intended to protect the environment and in particular the natural surroundings. These designations include the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nature Conservation Areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Studland Conservation Area.

The start of the Jurassic coast is in Studland at the Cliffside, 300 metres south east of Harry Warren House. The South West Coastal Footpath starts at Shell Bay.  This popular walking route goes along the beach and into Swanage via the cliff tracks to Old Harry Rock. The beach has one National Trust café and two independently operated cafes.  Boat and canoe hire operates from the beach.

Studland has two hotels, The Knoll House Hotel and the Pig on the Beach and also one public house with accommodation, The Bankes Arms.  There are several properties that supply bed and breakfast accommodation and other holiday letting properties. Studland Stores is the only village shop located at the cross roads where Heathgreen Road and School Lane cross the Swanage Road. Manor Farm is the only farm in the village and has a seasonal café located in the farm buildings.

The village hall is used by local organisations for meetings and dedicated events.  The hall can also be hired by residents.

Notable properties in the village include, Knoll House Hotel, Studland Bay House, Hill Close, Harry Warren House, The Manor (renamed The Pig on the Beach), Coombe House and Sandyholme (formerly Full Stop).

Parish attractions include St Nicholas Church (one of the oldest churches in Dorset), Agglestone Rock and the fabulous beaches.

Information from the 2011 census shows a population of 425 (includes some owners of second homes), a working population of 57%, 25% of the 16-65 age group as retired, a post 65 age population of 27%, 92% White British persons, 68% Christian religion, 46% of households with one car and 35% with two cars, 53% travel to work by car or motorcycle, 84% of the population in good or very good health, 52% of houses detached, 20% semi detached houses, 58% houses owned, 18% social rented, 24% private rented and 36% of all houses with no residents.

There has been a Parish Council in Studland since the end of the 19th century.  Today there are 9 councillors on the parish council.  The council owns and manages the playing field, the village green and the public conveniences at Beach Road. Responsibilities include footway lights in the village.  The parish council responds to consultations, planning applications and applications for tree works.

The parish council adopted the Studland Parish Plan for the period up to 2026.

The Studland Parish Plan can be accessed here