Sandbanks Beach
Golden sand on the Poole Harbour spit with RNLI lifeguards, a promenade, a year-round dog area at Haven Point and a dog ban on the main beach in summer.
At a Glance
Beach Type
sandy
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Lifeguard
Yes (seasonal)
Parking
Available
Access
Easy access
Swimming
Swim with caution
Facilities
Activities
A beach on a spit
Sandbanks is a narrow spit of land that reaches into the mouth of Poole Harbour, with sea on one side and the harbour on the other. The beach is soft, golden sand, and it has held a Blue Flag. A promenade runs along the back of the sand, and the council lists a ramp down to the beach.
Lifeguards and swimming
BCP Council’s lifeguard page lists RNLI cover at Sandbanks from spring to late September. Designated bathing areas are marked with the RNLI’s red and yellow flags. Boats, personal watercraft, windsurfers, kite surfers and large surfboards are restricted inside those areas. Swim between the flags when the lifeguards are on duty, and treat swimming at any other time with caution. Check the BCP lifeguard page for the dates in force.
Dogs
From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on the main beach, and they must be kept on a lead on the promenade and paths at all times. A designated dog-friendly beach area stays open all year at the western end of the promenade, as far as Haven Point near the chain ferry. The rule is set by BCP Council, so read its Sandbanks beach page before you go. There is a dog wash on the seafront.
Parking and facilities
The council lists a Sandbanks surface car park for the beach. The council notes that on hot days the car park fills up fast and suggests considering other ways to travel. The seafront facilities listed by the council include toilets, accessible toilets, a cafe and a kiosk, showers, drinking water, a children’s play area, mini golf and, in season, volleyball nets.
Access
The council says the beach can be reached by ramp. A beach-accessible wheelchair can be borrowed first come, first served from the Sandbanks beach office between May and September, with a refundable deposit. The council’s beach page has the current access detail.
Across the water
The Sandbanks chain ferry crosses the harbour mouth to Studland. On the far side, the National Trust runs Knoll Beach, a sand and dune beach with its own dog rules.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take my dog to Sandbanks Beach?
- Only to the designated dog area at the western end, from the promenade to Haven Point near the chain ferry, in summer. The main beach is closed to dogs between 1 May and 30 September.
- When are the lifeguards on duty at Sandbanks?
- BCP Council lists RNLI cover at Sandbanks across a long season, from spring to late September. The council sets the dates each year, so confirm them on its lifeguard page before you travel.
- Is there a beach wheelchair at Sandbanks?
- Yes, one can be borrowed on a first come, first served basis from the Sandbanks beach office between May and September. A deposit is required.
- How do I get from Sandbanks to Studland?
- The Sandbanks chain ferry crosses the mouth of Poole Harbour to Studland.