Beaches in Poole, Dorset
The beach guide has 6 beaches listed in and around the town of Poole. We have arranged these beaches in order of closest to the town first (distance in brackets).
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Harbour Lake Beach (2.1 miles)
Harbour Lake is a sheltered, sandy beach not far from Poole town centre. The beach is surrounded by a nature reserve and seals are often seen swimming in the harbour. Popular for fishing, swimming and sailing.
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Sandbanks Harbour Beach (2.7 miles)
Sandbanks Harbour Beach is to the north side of the famous sandbanks peninsula (inside Poole harbour), one of the most expensive places to buy property in the entire UK. The beach overlooks the beautiful natural harbour and Browsea Island, making it a perfect place to sunbathe and relax. Clean water, good facilities and plenty of…
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Sandbanks Beach (2.9 miles)
Sandbanks is a spit of golden sand that crosses the mouth of Poole harbour and continues all the way to Bournemouth, a distance of around five kilometers. Dubbed Britain's Palm Beach, because of astronomical land prices, Sandbanks is well-served by upmarket hotels and restaurants.
The Sandbanks Chain Ferry connects Sandbanks with Studland.
Shipstal Beach (2.8 miles)
Set in the lovely setting of the RSPB nature reserve of Arne is Shipstal beach. Despite being within the confines of the busy Poole harbour and a stone's throw from Dorset's most populous town, you may not meet another soul on the beach here. The beach at Shipstal is accessed via paths and wooden walkways…
Studland - Shell Bay (3.4 miles)
Set at the very tip of the National Trust owned Studland Peninsula is the lovely Shell Bay. Depending on where you start this either the first or last of Studland's beautiful sandy beaches. There are two ways to reach Shell Bay; you can drive along the peninsula from the Swanage end or, alternatively, you can…
Shore Road - Sandbanks Beach (2.9 miles)
With scenic views of Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills, this gently sloping, shelving beach with safe, clean water links to the main Sandbanks beach and is a family favourite. It's usually quieter than Sandbanks itself. The free Beach Check app shows how busy it is. The promenade has ice cream kiosks, a café, and…
Poole beaches map
Map featuring Poole beaches. Click on pins to view beach details
