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  • Poole
  • Approximately 17 miles

Sandbanks Beach

Planning Your Perfect Dorset Holiday

About Sandbanks Beach

Set on a narrow peninsula between Poole Harbour and the open waters of Poole Bay, Sandbanks Beach is one of Dorset’s best-known seaside destinations and glamorous homes. Its wide stretch of soft golden sand, clear water and impressive coastal views make it a beautiful setting for swimming, relaxing and traditional family beach days.

The gently shelving shoreline is particularly popular with families, while seasonal RNLI lifeguards provide added reassurance during the main visitor season. Behind the beach, the promenade offers cafés, refreshment kiosks and useful facilities within easy reach of the sand.

Facilities include toilets and accessible toilets, showers, drinking water, a children’s play area, miniature golf and seasonal volleyball nets. Free electric barbecues are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

One of Britain’s Most Awarded Blue Flag Beaches

At A Glance

Plan Your Visit

Location
Sandbanks Beach, Banks Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7QQ.
Distance From Whitemead
Approximately 17 miles
Suggested Visit
Allow half a day, or a full day to explore the wider Sandbanks peninsula
Setting
Beach, coastal attraction and family day out
Category
Family Attraction
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions apply; a year-round dog-friendly area is available
Nearest Station
Parkstone is closest, while Poole offers convenient bus connections
Parking
Sandbanks Surface Car Park; charges apply, with accessible and larger-vehicle spaces
Accessibility
Ramp access, seasonal beach matting and a beach wheelchair available
Getting There

From Whitemead To Sandbanks Beach

By Car
Approximately 35 to 45 Minutes Away
From Whitemead Caravan Park, travel towards Wareham and continue towards Poole, following signs for Sandbanks and the beaches. Use postcode BH13 7QQ for the main Sandbanks Surface Car Park. The car park is directly beside the beach and promenade, providing convenient access to the sand and visitor facilities. It accepts cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and coaches, although coach spaces must normally be arranged in advance outside July and August.
By Bus
Travel Via Poole
There is no convenient direct bus from Whitemead Caravan Park to Sandbanks Beach. Guests can travel to Wareham or Poole before connecting with a local service towards Sandbanks. The Harbour Breezer 60 runs from Poole Bus Station through Poole Quay and Lilliput to Sandbanks. Services stop close to the beach and continue towards the Sandbanks Ferry. Routes and frequencies can change, so check the latest timetable before travelling.
By Train
Direct From Wool to Poole
Wool Railway Station is only a short walk from Whitemead Caravan Park, and direct trains operate between Wool and Poole. This makes it possible to leave your car, campervan or motorhome at the park and avoid busy beach parking. From Poole Railway Station, walk to Poole Bus Station and join the Harbour Breezer 60 towards Sandbanks. Alternatively, complete the final part of the journey by taxi. Sandbanks Beach is not within convenient walking distance of Poole Station.
More Nearby

Other Attractions Close By

Staying At Whitemead?

Make Sandbanks Beach Part Of Your Stay

With its golden sand, clear coastal water and excellent visitor facilities, Sandbanks Beach is a fantastic destination for a classic day beside the sea. Whether you come to swim, relax, walk along the peninsula or enjoy a family picnic, it offers one of Dorset’s most memorable beach experiences.