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Things to Do in and Around Sandbanks – Sandbanks Beach Activities & Hidden Gems

Golden sand between your toes, gentle waves lapping the shore, and a salty sea breeze carrying the promise of adventure — welcome to Sandbanks, Dorset’s chic coastal escape.

Known for its award-winning Sandbanks Beach, waterfront dining, and a touch of Riviera glamour, this little slice of the south coast has plenty to keep you busy.

Whether you’re here for a laid-back beach day, a paddleboard at sunrise, or to uncover hidden gems just beyond the shore, you’ll find endless things to do in and around Sandbanks to make your visit unforgettable.

If you’re exploring more of the coastline during your stay, don’t miss our Best Beaches in Dorset guide, where we round up the most stunning sandy spots and hidden coves along the Jurassic Coast.

We’ve gathered everything you need for a fun-filled day or weekend in Sandbanks. From nearby Sandbanks hotels and the closest car parks, to top things to do, family-friendly activities, and watersports in Sandbanks, plus the best restaurants and local events on Sandbanks Beach.

You’ll also find all the essential info about Sandbanks Beach, including cycling routes and times, ice cream parlours and play areas for the kids.

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Watersports and Outdoor Activities at Sandbanks Beach

Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and panoramic views of Poole Harbour and the English Channel, Sandbanks Beach is a gem of Dorset’s coastline. From soaking up the sun, enjoying a leisurely swim, or trying your hand at watersports, it’s a beach that caters to both relaxation and adventure.

Sandbanks is a watersports haven, offering perfect conditions to enjoy your favourite activities throughout the year. With a range of facilities, lessons, and equipment rentals available for all ages and skill levels, everyone can dive in and make the most of the water.

Here are our top picks for watersports activities to try at Sandbanks Beach:

1. Land & Wave Sandbanks: Paddleboarding Adventures

Paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and Sandbanks is an ideal spot to try it. Land and Wave offer tailored sessions for families, stag and hen parties, and groups of all kinds.

Paddling from Sandbanks lets you explore the calm, stunning waters of Poole Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world—perfect for beginners and those looking to improve.

With a private instructor guiding you, you’ll quickly gain the confidence and skills to stand up and paddle with ease.

Helpful Information: Bring a towel, swimwear and old trainers to wear in the water. Arrive wearing swimwear under clothes so you're prepared.

Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday from 10am until 5pm

Telephone: 01929 423031

2. Sandbanks Jetski Company Ltd: Exciting Jet Ski Experiences

Sandbanks Jet Ski Company offers thrilling jet ski experiences right from the stunning shores of Sandbanks Beach. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced rider, they provide guided tours and rental options to explore the beautiful Poole Harbour and surrounding coastline at speed.

With safety briefings and all necessary equipment included, it’s a fantastic way to add some high-energy fun to your visit and see Dorset’s coastline from an exhilarating new perspective.

Helpful Information: You’ll enjoy a guaranteed hour on the water after a safety briefing, with wetsuits and all necessary equipment provided, plus convenient on-site showers and food and drink options to complete your experience.

Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday from 9am until 5pm

Telephone: 07960 360435

3. Easy Riders Sandbanks Beach Club: Watersports and Adventure Activities

Easyriders is Dorset’s go-to watersports centre, pioneering kitesurfing, SUP, wingfoiling, and efoiling since 2004. Founded by waterman Andy Gratwick, with 30+ years’ experience, the expert team is led by British Kitesurf champion Gemma Soloman.

Their two Sandbanks centres offer courses for all levels across Poole Harbour and Shore Road, plus instructor training and advanced coaching. They also run popular kite, wing, and foil holiday clinics worldwide, having taken over 1,000 participants to 20+ countries since 2005.

Helpful Information: Bring a towel and arrive wearing swimwear under clothes.

Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday from 9am until 5pm

Telephone: 01202 744055

4. The Sandbanks Saltwater Sauna - A Unique Wellness Experience by the Sea

The Nordic bathing experience combines ancient traditions with modern wellness practices through heat exposure, cold immersion, and mindful connection. You are invited to connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of contrast therapy while taking in golden sunsets and sunrises.

Helpful Information: Bring suitable footwear such as flip flops or sandals for easy changing. They have minimal space to store belongings, so it's recommended you only bring essentials. Don't forget TWO towels are needed, one to sit on and one to dry off with - we'd recommend a hand towel for sitting on as it's the perfect size!

Telephone: No telephone number, so email to book at hello@thesaltwatersauna.com

Restaurants and Dining in Sandbanks

Sandbanks offers an impressive variety of restaurants, from upscale waterfront dining to casual beach cafés. Whether you’re after fresh local seafood, Mediterranean-inspired plates, or classic British pub fare, there’s something to suit every taste. Many restaurants here boast stunning sea views over Poole Harbour or the golden beaches, making them perfect spots for sunset meals. Popular choices include elegant fine dining venues serving lobster and oysters, family-friendly eateries with hearty menus, and relaxed terrace bars where you can enjoy cocktails and light bites.

Here are our top recommendations for where to eat in Sandbanks:

1. Rick Stein, Sandbanks Restaurant and Bar - Seafood Restaurant in Sandbanks

Located on the edge of Poole Harbour, their glass-walled restaurant offers stunning views while you enjoy fresh, timeless seafood. This season, lobster stars in three delicious styles—garlic butter grilled, classic thermidor, and vibrant Goan-spiced. Their expert team shares the stories behind each dish and pairs them perfectly with wines. With harbour views and tableside service, every meal is a memorable experience, especially as the sun sets over the water.

Menu: Click here

Opening Hours:

Breakfast in the bar: Monday to Friday, 10am - 11am
Downstairs bar menu: Every day 12pm - 9pm
Breakfast in the restaurant: Saturday and Sunday, 8:30am - 10:30am
Harbour view restaurant: 12pm - 10pm

Telephone: 01202 076443

2. Lazy Jacks Restaurant and Bar - Your Ultimate Sandbanks Bar

Lazy Jacks provides you with a relaxed dining setting with stunning waterside views. Enjoy a stylish yet laid-back bar and restaurant on the picturesque Sandbanks peninsula. Savour fresh seafood, contemporary English fare, handcrafted pizzas, and their renowned Sunday roasts.

Menu: Click here

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 10am–10pm | Sat: 9am–11pm | Sun: 9am–8pm

Telephone: 01202 133833

3. Amalfi Restaurant - Authentic Italian Dining in Sandbanks

Diners can enjoy a wide variety of flavourful dishes, offering tempting choices for every visit. The menu features favourites such as pizzas, pasta, and risottos, alongside sharing boards and meat dishes like fillet steak and rack of lamb. Seafood lovers will find options including stone bass, monkfish, and hake, complemented by fresh, mouth-watering salads and enticing starters to awaken the palate.

Menu: Click here

Opening Hours: Daily from 6pm – 8:45pm

Telephone: 01202 707 377

Things to Do with Kids in Sandbanks

1. Family-Friendly Fun at Sandbanks Mini Golf – Things to Do with Kids in Sandbanks

Sandbanks Mini Golf is a fun, family-friendly attraction perfect for all ages. Set near the beach, it offers a lively and scenic spot to enjoy a round of mini golf, making it a great activity for kids and adults alike during your visit to Sandbanks.

Top-Tip: Afterward, pick up a pizza from the Amalfi Restaurant and enjoy it while relaxing on the beach.

2. Sandbanks Play Area - A Perfect Spot for Kids

The Sandbanks Play Area is a small but charming spot perfect for young children to enjoy some outdoor fun. It features a few simple play structures where kids can climb, slide, and explore in a safe environment. While compact, its location near the Sandbanks beach makes it an ideal quick stop for families looking to let little ones stretch their legs and have some playful fun by the sea.

Top-Tip: The play area is set on sand, so be sure your little ones wear sandals.

Best Hotels and Where to Stay in Sandbanks

1. Sandbanks Hotel – Stunning Sea View Hotel in Sandbanks Dorset

Located in one of England’s top seaside spots, Sandbanks Hotel offers a relaxed, affordable stay with direct access to the famous golden sand beach. Enjoy their popular beachside terrace with a glass of wine, tasty meals, and pizza takeaway. Comfortable rooms feature sea or Poole Harbour views, designed for your relaxation.

Is the Hotel Family-Friendly: The beach is a fantastic playground for kids—perfect for building sandcastles, digging, collecting seashells, or splashing in the surf. Plus, their on-site watersports centre offers equipment hire and lessons in windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing, suitable for all ages and skill levels. They also have a variety of family rooms available to comfortably accommodate you and your loved ones.

Amenities: Enjoy the hotel’s heated 10-metre indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna, and an outdoor sandy play area which is situated next to their beach-side terrace, the multi-level pirate themed zone has fun structures to climb, slide, swing, spin and jump.

Useful Insight: All rooms come with free car parking.

How to Book: Click HERE to book.

2. Haven Hotel - Comfortable Stays and Coastal Charm in Sandbanks

Perched at the tip of the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula in Poole, the Haven Hotel is surrounded by sea and sand. It offers direct access to seven miles of beaches and is just a short distance from the Purbecks, connected by the Shell Bay chain ferry—making it a perfect gateway to South Coast adventures.

Is the Hotel Family-Friendly: The hotel is family-friendly, offering comfortable family rooms thoughtfully designed with a double bed and an adjoining bunk bedroom, suitable for children up to 14 years old.

Amenities: The Haven Leisure Club offers a relaxing retreat with indoor hydrotherapy pools, an outdoor heated pool, sea-view hot tub, sauna, steam rooms, and a gym. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, Studland Bay, and Old Harry Rocks from the sun lounge, with direct access to seven miles of award-winning sandy beaches.

Useful Insight: All rooms come with free car parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.

How to book: Please click HERE to book.

Sandbanks is also home to a variety of beautiful holiday flats, lodges and apartments, our recommendations are below:

3 Sandhaven Court
5 Red Sails
Seaside Escapes Short Term Sandbanks
Custom House
Ferry Walk
Villa Sofia Sandbanks

What’s On Near Sandbanks

Looking for upcoming events in and around Sandbanks? Explore our comprehensive event calendar featuring local events near Sandbanks, including watersports events, family-friendly activities, kids’ entertainment, festivals, and much more to make the most of your time in Sandbanks.

SandFest at Sandbanks Beach

SandFest is a one-day beach festival held annually on Sandbanks Beach. It features world-class music from genres like house, drum and bass, rap, and grime, with past headliners including Dizzee Rascal, Craig David, and Sonny Fodera. With a capacity of 5,000, the festival offers an intimate beachside experience with food, drinks, and panoramic sea views. For tickets and more information, visit the official website here.

Yacht Clubs in Sandbanks - Sailing & Yachting on Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks is a prime destination for sailing and yachting enthusiasts, boasting several prestigious yacht clubs along its coastline. These clubs offer a mix of competitive sailing, social events, and membership options for both seasoned sailors and newcomers. With direct access to Poole Harbour and the open sea, yacht clubs in Sandbanks provide excellent facilities, including moorings, boat storage, and training courses.

Whether you’re looking to join regattas, learn sailing skills, or simply enjoy the vibrant maritime community, Sandbanks’ yacht clubs are the perfect gateway to experiencing the South Coast’s sailing lifestyle.

Explore the Sandbanks Yacht Clubs listed below:

The Royal Motor Yacht Club
Sandbanks Yacht Company
North Haven Yacht Club

Beach Hut Rentals and Hire on Sandbanks Beach

For short-term beach hut rentals in Sandbanks, BeachHuts4Hire.co.uk is the ideal platform, offering easy daily and weekly bookings for the perfect seaside stay.

For longer-term beach hut rentals in Sandbanks, the local council offers flexible options to suit your needs. You can hire a beach hut for 4 weeks, 9 weeks, or even 24 weeks, providing the perfect solution for those looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea over an extended period. These longer-term rentals are ideal for seasonal visitors or anyone wanting a regular seaside retreat without the hassle of short-term bookings.

Parking in Sandbanks

1. Main Sandbanks Car Park

The main Sandbanks Car Park offers direct access to the beach, making it perfect for families and those carrying lots of beach gear—just a short 100-meter walk to the sand.

Capacity: Up to 532 vehicles

Local Insight: During busy summer days and sunny weekends, it often fills up by 10am, so arriving early is recommended. As you approach Sandbanks from Poole, several road signs display the number of available parking spaces to help you plan ahead.

2. Shore Road Car Park

Shore Road Car Park is in close proximity to Sandbanks beach making it perfect for those carrying plenty of beach gear.

Capacity: 72 spaces available

Local Insight: Shore Road car park fills up quickly, so arriving early is essential.

3. Sandbanks Motorcycle Parking

If you’re driving to Sandbanks by motorcycle, you can park for free in the dedicated motorcycle car park, which is open 24 hours. This is located at the far/south end of the main Sandbanks Beach car park.

Capacity: Fairly large bike parking but only space for around 2-3 bikes.

Local Insight: No signage for this motorcycle car park, so can be difficult to spot. Not many spaces available, so wouldn't recommend for a group.

The Sandbanks Ferry – Departure Times and Ticket Prices

The Sandbanks Ferry is a convenient and scenic passenger and vehicle chain ferry that connects the Sandbanks peninsula with Studland across Poole Harbour. Operating regularly throughout the day, it offers a quick alternative to a longer drive around the harbour, making it popular with both locals and visitors.

The ferry can carry cars, bikes, and pedestrians, providing easy access to Studland’s beautiful beaches, nature reserves, and coastal trails. It’s a great way to explore more of the South Coast while enjoying stunning harbour views during the short crossing.

Depature Times for The Sandbanks Ferry:

Sandbanks to Studland: Ferries depart from Sandbanks at 00, 20, and 40 minutes past each hour, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Studland to Sandbanks: Ferries leave Studland at 10, 30, and 50 minutes past each hour, from 7:10 AM to 11:10 PM.

Crossing time is normally around 4 minutes. You can view their full timetable here.

Helpful Information for The Sandbanks Ferry : The Ferry does not operate a pre-booking system.

How to Get to Sandbanks – Best Transport Options: Taxis, Buses, and Cycling Made Easy

Getting to Sandbanks is easy with several convenient transport options. For a hassle-free ride, United Taxis offers reliable door-to-door service straight to the golden sands. If you prefer a more active journey, Beryl Bikes provides a fun and eco-friendly way to cycle along the stunning coastline, with multiple points to pick-up and connect to one of their bikes.

For scenic public transport, hop on MoreBus’s Breezer routes: the 50 Purbeck Breezer runs from Bournemouth through Sandbanks to Shell Bay, Studland, and Swanage, while the 60 Harbour Breezer connects Rockley Park, Poole Quay, Poole, and Sandbanks. Whether you want speed, scenery, or sustainability, there’s a perfect way to reach Sandbanks.

Things to Know Before Visiting Sandbanks – FAQs & Insider Advice

What celebrities live in Sandbanks Dorset?

Sandbanks, famous for its high property prices, is home to a number of celebrities such as Harry Redknapp, Jamie Redknapp, Celia Sawyer, Geoffrey Boycott, Tony Pulis, and Karl Pilkington.

Where is Millionaires Row in Dorset?

Located along Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset.

What was filmed at Sandbanks?

Sandbanks has served as the location for many films and TV series, including The Sandman (2022), Walking on the Moon (1999), Morris: A Life with Bells On (2009), Ammonite (2020), Dunkirk (2017), Broadchurch (2013), and Wolf Hall (2015).

Why is it called Sandbanks?

Named for its rolling sand dunes and five extensive stretches of flat, sandy beaches—some of the most stunning on the island part of the province—this area also offers, beyond the shore, a forest of spruce and fir trees alongside barrens typical of Newfoundland’s picturesque south coast.

Are There Dog-Friendly Restaurants on Sandbanks Beach?

Yes, Lazy Jacks Restaurant & Bar are dog-friendly—so feel free to bring your four-legged companions! For those seeking a pet-friendly stay, the Haven Hotel welcomes dogs and cats by prior arrangement at the time of booking.

Are there public toilets in Sandbanks?

Yes, located near the Sandbanks Ferry.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sandbanks?

Sandbanks during May to September is nice and warm so perfect for enjoying the beach and water activities. It's good to note that these months are the busiest and most expensive time to visit due to the summer holidays.

What’s the Weather in Sandbanks?

Sandbanks enjoys a mild climate thanks to its coastal setting, with warm summers and gentle winters. While extreme temperatures are rare, its southern coastal microclimate often brings pleasant weather, making it an attractive destination year-round.

What’s the History of Sandbanks?

Sandbanks, as its name suggests, was created by sand deposited into towering dunes up to 100 feet high by shifting tides. Initially unnamed, it later became known as “Parkstone-on-Sea” before eventually adopting the name “Sandbanks.” In the late Victorian period, the area remained largely uninhabited.

Can You Cycle Along Sandbanks?

The promenade from Shore Road/Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head stretches around 10 miles and is completely flat, making it ideal for easy, enjoyable cycling. Riders of all ages and abilities can take a leisurely bike ride while soaking up the stunning coastal scenery.

Cycling is permitted along the Sandbanks seafront, but restrictions apply during peak summer hours in July and August. Between 10am and 6pm, cycling, skating, and skateboarding are not allowed on the promenades and paths, as outlined by BCP Council. Outside of these times, and throughout the rest of the year, cycling is welcome.

Can I Have a BBQ on Sandbanks Beach?

Barbecues are allowed on Sandbanks Beach, but with specific rules. Disposable barbecues can be used between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm throughout the year, while gas barbecues and open fires are strictly prohibited, according to BCP Council. The beach is equipped with plenty of bins, including recycling facilities, to help visitors dispose of their waste responsibly.

Where Can I Get Fish & Chips in Sandbanks?

Rick Stein provides a takeaway fish and chips service, allowing visitors to enjoy classic fish and chips right on Sandbanks Beach. You can view their takeaway menu here.