Local Area and Attractions
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 owned 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 it's bird population, 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 (the bus stop is located 100 yards from cottages). Poole has a charming quay and is famous for its pottery. International ferry services operate from Poole on a daily basis. Day trips are available. More active pursuits such as swimming and ice skating are available 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 many 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.
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. The striking ruin of Corfe Castle perches above the pretty town of Corfe just a few miles away from Sandbanks. 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. The charming village of Cranbourne is found 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 extensive 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 popular 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.
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 with a diverse calendar of activities.
Throughout the summer either Poole or Bournemouth is accustomed to putting on a firework display once a week. Sandbanks is able to enjoy both of these displays, either from the harbour or the main beach.
The end of August also sees the annual Bournemouth Air Show featuring many unusual aircraft such as the Vulcan and Eurofighter as well as the popular Red Arrows. Many choose to enjoy the spectacle from Sandbanks itself with many of the aircraft flying overhead, especially on 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.
Sand Polo has now also come to Sandbanks. This is a fun-filled three day event. Contact Poole tourist board for more information.
Throughout the summer either Poole or Bournemouth is accustomed to putting on a firework display once a week. Sandbanks is able to enjoy both of these displays, either from the harbour or the main beach.
The end of August also sees the annual Bournemouth Air Show featuring many unusual aircraft such as the Vulcan and Eurofighter as well as the popular Red Arrows. Many choose to enjoy the spectacle from Sandbanks itself with many of the aircraft flying overhead, especially on 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.
Sand Polo has now also come to Sandbanks. This is a fun-filled three day event. Contact Poole tourist board for more information.