Sandbanks beach on the Sandbanks Peninsular is a large sandy beach ideal for those looking to relax and those that want a more active beach. This is a very active beach with a wide (seasonal) selection of watersports available including parascending, inflatables, kayaks, jet-ski hire to name just a few.
Sandbanks Peninsular is probably becoming more known for the large expensive beachfront houses than it’s beach but the beach is good.
The Poole harbour side of Sandbanks Peninsular is very popular with sailing and windsurfing where the large expansive of shallow flat water provides excellent conditions for beginners or the more experienced.
If this is a little too busy, you could always take the chain ferry over the Poole harbour entrance to Studland for less built up beaches.
Facilities include large car parks and on-road parking, toilets (disabled facilities), showers, food kiosk, cafe, and lifeguards in the summer.
Sandbanks Beach is a Blue Flag Beach and has been awarded a regional Seaside Award.
We have no current information on dog restrictions for Sandbanks Beach.
Water samples are taken at regular intervals during the bathing season and at the end of the season the water quality is classified as:
Excellent: the highest classification meaning the water is cleanest
Good: generally good water quality
Sufficient: meets minimum standards
Poor: You are advised not to swim. The beach will stay open and an action plan should be in place to improve the water quality.
Our weather forecast for Poole in Dorset
Weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK
Tides
Our tide forecast for Sandbanks Beach in Dorset.
In this 'you may also like' section we attempt to answer what else can I do? Here you have a list by order of being the closest some more beaches, things to see and do, places to eat and upcoming events.
Brownsea Island offers a varied and beautiful landscape for enjoying the wonders of nature; from the patchworks of woodland, heath and grassy fields in the peaceful and secluded interior, to the cliffs and beaches of the coastline, which offer breathtaking views across the harbour to the Purbeck Hills. No motor vehicles exist on Brownsea Island making it the perfect place Read more…
At Poole Windsurfing we have over 20 years teaching experience and are dedicated solely to providing windsurfing lessons and windsurf hire in Poole Harbour, known as the UK’s top location to learn & progress. Read more…
Harbour Sandbanks beach is a prime location for launching watersports into the harbour. You can see many windsurfers and kite surfers blasting in sometimes very shallow water. Facilities include parking on the road (need to be early), shops, food and toilets a short walk. Read more…
Hamworthy beach is a small stretch of pebble beach sitting between the entrance to Wareham Channel and Ham Common. The beach is also known as Lake Beach due to it’s location within Poole harbour. Read more…
Canford Cliffs beach is a shallow sloping sandy beach, although as the tide comes in the amount of sand available is limited. The beach is below a steep sandy cliff which means you have steps to go down to get to the beach. Facilities include parking, toilets (with disabled facilities), food kiosks, and lifeguards in the summer. Read more…
Poole lifeboat station was founded in the mid 1800s and currently operates inshore and all weather lifeboats. Station open by appointment only and shop at the The Old Lifeboat Museum Weekend 10-4 – Weekdays 11-4 based on volunteer availability. Read more…
Rockley Park beach is a small (150m) sandy beach within Poole Harbour that is also known as Rockley Sands and Rockley Point beach. The beach offers some good views into Poole harbour and over to the Purbecks. The beaches location means that at low tide swimming from the beach is not possible due to strong currents. Facilities include toilets, beach shop/kiosk, Read more…
Shipstal Beach is set within the Arne Nature Reserve that lies to the East of Poole Harbour. The beach is a mix of sand and shingle and is located in a beautiful woodland setting within the harbour. Parking and cafe available in the Arne reserve car park with paths and wooden walkways taking you through the trees to the beach. Read more…
The RNLI College is a conference and training venue situated in on the Poole watersideand and is the home of RNLI training. As well as being used to train lifeboat crew and lifeguards, the facilities are available to other organisations and businesses to hire. By choosing the RNLI College as a venue the RNLI charity will benefit. Read more…
Shore Road beach is a large sandy beach that joins with the Sandbanks beach and is the part just before the beach hits the Peninsula. Facilities include cafe, toilets, lifeguards in the summer, parking and easy access to all the facilities at Sandbanks. Read more…
