Things to do
Sandbanks beaches
Golden sand, Blue Flag standards and a harbour shoreline made for water sports — from busy Shore Road to quieter coves near the ferry.
Sandbanks Peninsula Editorial
Sandbanks is home to one of the finest beach settings on the south coast and has received Blue Flag status for cleanliness. Miles of sand stretch from Sandbanks along Poole Bay towards Bournemouth and beyond, making it a natural destination for swimming, walking and water sports.
Shore Road beach
The most popular beach in the summer months is situated on Shore Road. Amenities serving the beach have historically included cafés, refreshment kiosks, beach shops, toilets and showers. There is a safe swim zone, and RNLI lifeguards have been on hand during the summer months.
A quieter cove near the ferry
One of the best-kept local secrets is positioned near the tip of the peninsula, just east of the ferry, where a sheltered cove is ideal for swimming. This stretch is normally quieter and favoured by those seeking to avoid the busiest sands. There are fewer amenities at this end of the beach, so it helps to arrive prepared.
Water sports
Sandbanks is popular with water-sport enthusiasts both on the harbour side and in the open sea. Activities include kite surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. A number of operators at Sandbanks specialise in equipment hire and tuition. Poole Harbour is relatively shallow where many water sports take place, which can make it a reassuring setting for beginners.
- Kite surfing and windsurfing on the harbour and bay
- Sailing across Poole Harbour
- Kayaking and paddle boarding
- Tuition and equipment hire from local operators
The harbour’s shallow water and the bay’s open sand give Sandbanks two distinct coastal moods in a single peninsula.