THE PIG-on the beach
Studland Bay, Isle of Purbeck · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: THE PIG-on the beach
A Gothic Revival manor above Studland Bay with a kitchen garden restaurant, shepherd's huts and a path down to the sand.
Photos
Photos via Google
About THE PIG-on the beach
Built in 1825 and later given its Gothic Revival gables and gargoyles, this yellow manor house stands on the slope above Studland Bay with the National Trust beaches below and Old Harry Rocks a walk away along the cliff. It has been run as one of the PIG hotels since 2014, which means a deliberately unpolished country house look: worn rugs, mismatched furniture, log fires and a conservatory dining room rather than anything formal.
Bedrooms number around 23 and are spread between the main house, the old dairy and a cluster of huts and cabins in the grounds. Sizes range from compact snug rooms to larger sea-view rooms with roll-top baths and window seats. The garden rooms and shepherd's huts suit anyone who wants more privacy, and most have views either out to the bay or across fields grazed by sheep.
The restaurant is the heart of the place. Menus are built around the walled kitchen garden and a 25-mile sourcing rule, so the fish comes off local boats and the meat, cheese and vegetables from Purbeck and the surrounding countryside. Dishes change constantly according to what has been picked or landed that morning. There is a small treatment area in the garden, a wood-fired outdoor kitchen in warmer months, and a lot of comfortable corners for sitting with a drink.
Studland itself is a good base for walking the South West Coast Path, visiting Corfe Castle or crossing on the chain ferry to Sandbanks. The hotel suits couples and small groups who want somewhere characterful and food-led rather than slick, and it is popular enough that weekends book up months in advance. Dogs are allowed in many rooms, and children are accepted, though the atmosphere leans towards adults.
What guests say
The Pig on the Beach absolutely lives up to the hype. Beautiful setting, excellent food, fantastic drinks, and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere that makes it very easy to settle in and enjoy yourself. What really stood out, though, was the level of hospitality. Daisy, the manager, went completely above and beyond for us and showed a level of care and generosity that you rarely experience anywhere. It turned what was already a lovely stay into something genuinely memorable. There’s a real sense here that the staff care deeply about the guest experience and take pride in what they do. Thoughtful, warm, professional service from start to finish. One of the best hospitality experiences we’ve had in a long time.
3 months ago · via Google
Lunch for 5 adults and 4 teenagers, £750. Lovely place, great view and very nice staff. Service laid back, but no way attentive enough, I had to visit reception to order more drinks as not enough servers, even paying £90 per bottle of wine! Had a 3 inch piece of metal in one main course which was rather shocking; got an apology from Manager and offer of a free main. For the price, would definitely not recommend, no way. Service 3* Food, at that price with metal in main course 0* Location 5* Staff politeness 5* Price = not worth it.
3 weeks ago · via Google
We had a wonderful couple of days here this week. There were so many moments when I said to my husband ’this is just so perfect!’; sitting on the lawn watching the goings on out to sea, swimming before breakfast at South Beach, eating beautiful food on the terrace. We were having such a wonderful time we booked an additional night at the last minute. There is so much to do within walking distance of the hotel- food, drink, walks, horse riding, swimming etc. The staff were wonderful; helpful, friendly and polite. No mean feat given the heat! The food was also excellent. Unfortunately the room we moved into was really tiny, and it was really really hot, incredibly hot (not the hotel’s fault, we were in an exceptional heatwave) We decided not to stay the extra night after all. Having said that, we have already booked to go back in October (not a ‘cosy’ room though!) and we can’t wait to visit again at a different time of year. We have so many things planned.
a month ago · via Google
Whilst the food was excellent the general service was poor, we arrived at 6.50 for a 7.30 booking for a pre dinner drink and as it was such a lovely evening we wanted to sit outside, no chance, it was rammed mainly because of the outside kitchen- so be it. So we went back inside and the barman wasn't exactly quick to serve us, seemingly preferring to serve residents first, anyway we got a drink and sat down and at 7.30 having gone to remind the staff that we were here. Our order was duly taken , starter arrived about 20 minutes later however at 9pm we had to ask the serving staff where our mains was, it turned up a few minutes later, at this point can I say the waiting staff were great, issues appear to come from the kitchen? The whole restaurant/ garden were very busy, is it the case that the Pig on the Beach was in reality over booking?, bearing in mind it was my birthday which they knew it was quite disappointing
a month ago · via Google
People say this hotel offers delicious food, including excellent Sunday roasts and fresh local produce, with stunning views of the sea and gardens. They also highlight the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the charming and cozy atmosphere.
Some reviews mention the service can be slow.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Manor House, Manor Road, Studland, Swanage, BH19 3AU Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Studland Bay, Isle of Purbeck
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.9 / 10 (1,400 reviews)
- Prices from
- £250 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Dorset