Local Area and Attractions

Sandbanks is well situated being both on the coast and at the heart of Dorset's main attractions. Indeed, many people come to the area to see Sandbanks itself.

The mile-round peninsula has a wonderful blue flag beach which stretches down the coast to Bournemouth, past the many chines, beach cafes and quaint beach huts. The water is clean and affords safe swimming conditions making it the perfect place for children. Rocky groins jutting into the sea are excellent for keen 'crabbers' and fishermen. The beautiful beach is within easy walking distance of the cottages.

A small shopping promenade offers a quick-stop shop, café and restaurant. There is also a newsagent located next to the chain ferry.

The chain ferry, which provides a short-cut between the east side of the harbour to West Dorset, takes passengers and cars. The beach on the other side is known as Shell Bay, this is also an excellent beach. Further around the bay is Studland, a well known beach as well as little village with a popular pub with garden overlooking the bay. On a nice day keen walkers may enjoy a walk from the chain ferry along the beach into Studland and then up to the cliffs of Old Harry and the Jurassic Coast. Crumbling archways and stacks line the coastline down towards Swanage.

Across the ferry on the harbour side is a nature reserve, home to many unusual sea birds as well as the protected lizards known to inhabit the area. The waters here are shallow and safe and there is a sailing school, ideal for beginners.

Sandbanks also has a boat service which departs regularly next to the chain ferry taking passengers to Poole Quay, the Wareham River and Brownsea Island. There are also boat trips exploring the further reaches of the harbour.

Now looked after by the National Trust, Brownsea Island is a wonderful day out for all. It is home to a variety of unusual birds and animals including red squirrels, Sika deer and Spoonbills. The lagoon on the island has excellent bird watching facilities and is renowned for the diversity of the bird population there, both native and migrant.

The towns of Poole and Bournemouth are 4 and 5 miles away from Sandbanks respectively and may be reached by a regular bus service if required (bus stop is 100 yards from cottages). Poole has a charming quay and is famous for its pottery which may be purchased there. International ferry services operate from Poole on a daily basis. Day trips are available. More active pursuits such as swimming are near Poole at Tower Park. Bournemouth is famous for its shopping and night life and has an array of restaurants to suit all tastes. The pier is a popular attraction here as well as the gardens adjacent to it. In the town centre you will also find cinemas and other amusements, including a panoramic view balloon ride. An open-top bus service operates regularly during the summer to Poole and Bournemouth. This is not to be missed as the ride takes passengers past some local attractions and is a very pleasant way to travel.

Westbourne, which lies between Bournemouth and Sandbanks, has two major supermarkets. It is home to smaller boutique shops, pleasant restaurants and a Victorian arcade.

About two miles from Sandbanks lie two 'villages'; Lilliput and Canford Cliffs. The former has a petrol station, small supermarket and fish and chips take away. There is also a doctor's surgery and pharmacy. Canford Cliffs is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes and boutique shops.

There are many other attractions which lie further afield. Corfe Castle is a stunning ruin with the pretty town of Corfe at its feet. The castle's crumbled silhouette makes a breath-taking sight for many miles around. Also within easy reach of Sandbanks is the lovely market town of Wimbourne with its beautiful Minster. Cranbourne is a charming village further on this way. Cranbourne House grounds are an innovative example of modern gardening and have an excellent nursery and garden centre famous for old English roses. Kingston Lacey and Exbury are also wonderful days out. These magnificent houses have fabulous gardens which are never more beautiful than in the rhododendron season.

Going west, the Jurassic Coast embraces the seaside towns of Swanage and Weymouth, the famous Chesil Beach, Portland, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Man of War Cove. Closer to Poole are the Purbeck Hills, featuring the Isle of Purbeck and Hardy country. The famous Laurence of Arabia's cottage is a visitor's attraction.

Going East, Christchurch with it's famous Priory and the Beaulie River are easily accessible. The scenic New Forest with its ponies and pubs draws visitors all year round for its spectacular drives and walks. Here, there is no shortage of country inns and restaurants. Beaulie Motor Museum and the Alice in Wonderland amusement park are great days out for kids in this area. The Georgian sailing town of Lymington is close by with its busy marina, bustling market on Saturdays and regular ferry service to the Isle of Wight.

Seasonal Attractions

The seaside towns of Poole and Bournemouth light up in the summer months and there is normally something special to see or do.

Throughout the summer either Poole or Bournemouth is accustomed to putting on a firework display once a week.

The end of August also sees the annual Bournemouth Air Show featuring many unusual aircrafts and the Red Arrows. This may be enjoyed from Sandbanks itself as they usually fly overhead and you will have a great view from the beach.

The summer also brings the open air Shakespearian theatre to Brownsea Island. This is a wonderful evening out. Theatre-goers take the boat to the island and picnic on the meadow before watching the production.

Polo has now also come to Sandbanks. It is rumoured that the success of the sandpolo tournament last July on Sandbanks beach has sparked a ten year deal for the tournament to be played here. This is a fun-filled three day event. Contact Poole tourist board for more more information.

Recommended Restaurants 

Shell Bay Restaurant Open in the summer months, Shell Bay Restaurant is an experience in itself. With breathtaking views of the harbour and Brownsea Island, this restaurant is situated on the other side of the harbour, only a few metres from the chain ferry (15-20 minutes door to door, including ferry ride). The menu is mainly fish and seafood and is always fresh and local where possible. Booking is advisable in advance as this restaurant is very popular. Tel: 01929 450363

Ocean Palace The best Chinese food in town! Situated at the heart of Bournemouth and a 20 minute drive from Sandbanks, this restaurant cannot be beaten for its wonderful food. Take away also available. Tel: 01202 559127

Rajasthan High quality and unusual dishes are served at this restaurant as well as old favourites which may be requested if not on the menu. Situated in Penn Hill, a 10 minute drive, the restaurant is affordable yet highly impressive. Take away also available. Tel: 01202 718966

Bankes Arms The pub at the heart of Studland gets very busy in the summer, mainly due to its large beer garden which overlooks the bay. A fine selection of beers are available. It is about a 20 minute drive, including chain ferry ride, or 1 1/2 hours walk from Sandbanks, a great place to refresh yourself on the way to Old Harry! Tel: 01929 450225.

Da Vinci's Situated on Poole Quay, this bustling Italian restaurant has a cosy feel. Food is traditional and beautifully served. Tel: 01202 667528

Isabel's Parkstone's finest restaurant serves French and English cuisine and is Michelin recommended. The candlelit dining room is elegant and warm and service friendly.  Tel: 01202 747885

Nightjar The Nightjar Ember Inn is one of the best Real Ale pubs in Poole. If you are looking for a pub, restaurant or bar for drinking & eating out then why not give the Nightjar a try.  Tel: 01202 492921

Harry's Bistro Walking into Harry's Bistro on Haven Road, in the elegant little village of Canford Cliffs, a suburb of Poole, the new owners' style is immediately noticeable.  Tel: 01202 700815