Sandbanks' southeast-facing beach, a regular Blue Flag award winner, is sheltered and extremely family-friendly with golden sands gradually sloping into the water.
There is a promenade with cafes, shops, a crazy golf course, children's amusements and a mini road train that gives rides along the seafront. The wide sands host volleyball and polo championships and from the beach, you can learn to windsurf, sail, or hire jet skis, kayaks and inflatables.
On the other side of the spit is Whitley Lake, a shallow part of the harbour recommended for boardsailing, and the National Trust reserve at Brownsea Island with deer, peacocks and squirrels is just a ferry ride away.
Facilities include public toilets, drinking water, restaurant/cafe, ice-cream/cafe kiosk, beach shop, beach office with first-aid and a designated barbecue zone toward the western end of the beach.
Sandbanks Beach Car Park Charges
8am-10pm, Mon-Sun
15 Mar – 31 Oct
01 Nov – 14 Mar
1 hour
£3
£1.70
2 hours
£5.90
£3.70
3 hours
£9.10
£3.70
4 hours
£12.90
£3.70
6 hours
£18
£3.70
14 hours
£23.60
£3.70
Overnight 10pm – 8am
£3.30
Free