Shore Road - Sandbanks Beach (Poole)

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 other facilities. Drinking water is also available and beach huts can be hired, and there is a lost children patrol. 

Pay and display parking is available at Banks Road; the Surface Car Park has 72 parking spaces plus around a dozen accessible spaces next to the beach entrance. Ramps allow an easy route to the sand. Disabled toilets are available via radar key, located close to the Jazz Café; these toilets incorporate a baby changing/family room. Sand wheelchairs for the disabled are also available.

A lifeguard is on duty between 10am and 6pm from the late May Bank Holiday to the start of September and the safe swim zone is clearly marked. Other possible activities include kitesurfing and windsurfing, jet-skiing, and sailing.

Cycling, skating, skateboarding, and e-scooters are restricted at certain times in July and August. Barbecues are also restricted to certain times; visitors should check safe disposal guidelines. Open fires and camping are not allowed at any time.