Sitting pretty on the heritage coast of Purbeck, Studland Bay is a gorgeous stretch of coastline featuring 4 miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches, shimmering dunes, gently shelving shores and incredible views of the Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. 

Enrobed in beautiful countryside, the area is naturally a magnet for sport-lovers, tranquillity-seekers and wildlife-watchers (the heathland behind the beach is a real haven for wildlife and is home to all six British reptiles). From water sports to castle exploring to horse riding and more, there's plenty to see and do here during a luxury self-catering holiday. 

Not only rich in activity, the rich landscape and diverse sea life has inspired a plethora of fantastic chefs to open incredible eateries in the area too. Including well-known names such as the famous Pig on the Beach, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out before heading back to your private retreat.

There's something for everyone in Studland, from the Bankes Arms which delivers classic pub grub as well as having its own 'Isle of Purbeck' microbrewery, to the Old Harry Bar which serves up Italian stone-baked pizzas alongside a great selection of wines. Of course, the award-winning and oh-so-popular Pig on the Beach is a must; they have their own garden and everything else is sourced very locally, so food is fresher than fresh. 

If you're having a beach day, try Joe's Café (who also serve paella on the beach on Friday evenings during summer) or Middle Beach Café. Of course, you could always bundle up a hamper of your own and find a spot on the sand for a picnic to remember. Stay ‘til sundown, watching the sun melt beyond the horizon in a final rust-coloured hurrah, before gathering up your empties and heading back to your boutique haven to settle in for the night with a bottle of Purbeck vino.

You're spoilt for choice with things to do in and around Studland, which is registered as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Of course, the beach is just perfect for lazy sunny days, but there are also incredible sandy dunes, a habitat for a huge array of wildlife, for nature-lovers to explore. 

There are plenty of water sports too; try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding or sailing, or enjoy the flipside of the sea with a few hours diving or snorkelling. Golf lovers will enjoy the Isle of Purbeck Golf Course, whilst horse riding, mountain biking and hiking are ideal for exploring the fabulous countryside. 

If you like history, Corfe Castle, instrumental during the Civil War, and Fort Henry, a bunker used during the Second World War, are well worth a visit. Should you fancy venturing a little further afield, you can catch a ferry over to Sandbanks or take a cruise to Brownsea Island.