Sandbanks Beach
Sandbanks
A Blue Flag beach on the sand spit at the mouth of Poole Harbour, nicknamed 'Britain's Palm Beach' and lined with some of the country's most expensive seafront mansions.
Sandbanks is a slender sand spit at the entrance to Poole Harbour. Its land prices are said to be among the highest in Britain and the world, and luxury homes line the shore. The beach facing Poole Bay has fine sand and shallow water and has held Blue Flag status for years, making it good for family paddling and water sports, with lifeguards in summer. On the other side of the spit, the sheltered harbour is a playground for kitesurfers and sailors. At the tip of the spit, the Sandbanks chain ferry runs to Studland and the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, where you can make a side trip to Old Harry Rocks. From Bournemouth, take a bus (such as the Purbeck Breezer) for about 30 minutes, or ride along the seafront promenade. Car parks fill up early in peak season.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Compton Acres
- Alum Chine
- Poole Quay
- Bournemouth Beach & Pier
- Oceanarium Bournemouth
- Bournemouth Lower Gardens
- St Peter's Church, Bournemouth
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum