The picturesque coastal town of Poole in Dorset is famed for its natural beauty and its selection of spectacular beaches. It’s a destination that attracts domestic and international visitors who come in pursuit of sun, sea, and sand. The town benefits from a wide range of beaches, from the famous soft sands of the ultra-rich Sandbanks peninsula to the rock pools of Baiter Beach. Whether the beaches are located inside the harbor or fronting the English Channel, each has its unique charm and features. So whether you’re looking for a fun family day out or just a bit of solitude, Poole has a beach to match your requirements. In this guide, we’ll explore the best beaches in Poole and discover what makes them so unique.
Poole’s best beaches are split between those facing the English Channel and those within Poole Harbour. The beaches along the English Channel are undoubtedly the biggest and the nicest, but the harbor beaches still have plenty going for them. Their calmer and warmer waters, plus some exceptional scenery, mean they’re also well worth visiting.
The following list contains all of the very best beaches in Poole:
We’ll now look at what each of these fine beaches offers.
Beautiful Shell Bay is situated on the Isle of Purbeck, a 10-minute ferry ride from the Sandbanks peninsula or a 40-minute drive from Poole. The area is managed and maintained by the National Trust, and it’s undoubtedly the most beautiful and unspoiled of Poole’s beaches. Its protected status means there’s very little development along the beach, making it the perfect place to get back to nature.
The beach is ideal for families, particularly those with young children. Not only does the beach have soft golden sands that gently slope into the sea, but it’s also backed by picturesque undulating sand dunes. This makes it the perfect summer playground for kids and parents alike. During the cooler months outside of summer, it’s an excellent place for walking, and dogs are allowed on the beach off-lead from 1st October to 30th April each year.
During the peak summer months of June through August, the area can become very busy. Over any holiday weekend or during periods of good weather, access to the area is difficult and parking availability is severely limited. Therefore, try to arrive early or expect significant queues at the ferry or on the access road to the area.
What facilities are there?
There is limited parking at Shell Bay, with toilets next to the car park. The excellent Shell Bay restaurant is located next to the ferry, and it also has a takeaway service.
Is there Parking?
There’s a National Trust pay and display car park close to the ferry. Many cars park along the road during peak season, but do this at your own risk.
Lifeguard on duty?
There is no lifeguard on duty at Shell Bay.
Dog friendly?
The beach is dog-friendly all year round, although from 1st May to 30th September, dogs must be kept on a lead.
Sandbanks Beach is undoubtedly the best-known of Poole’s beaches and one of its finest. The beach boasts a vast expanse of golden sand, with many areas featuring the characteristic sand dunes that give the area its name. Behind these dunes are a variety of ultra-modern luxurious beachside mansions. The spectacular setting is completed by far-reaching views to Bournemouth and Hengistbury Head to the east and the Isle of Purbeck and Old Harry Rocks to the south.
As well as being Poole’s best-known beach, it’s also the busiest. Even outside peak season, most car parks and street parking are packed as soon as the sun comes out. However, when the sun does come out, it’s easy to see why the beach is so famous. The Blue Flag waters glimmer in the sunshine and you begin to see why the Sandbanks peninsula is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.
What facilities are there?
Along the seafront you’ll find toilets, showers, ice cream shops and a large cafe. Nearby there’s a number of cafes and restaurants including the popular Rick Stein’s restaurant.
Is there Parking?
There’s a large car park behind the beach, although it gets full quickly. There’s also paid-for parking along the roads in the area.
Lifeguard on duty?
From 1st May to 30th September, a lifeguard is on duty at Sandbanks Beach.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed on the beach during the off-season from 1st October to 30th April.
The excellent beach at Branksome Chine is a popular choice amongst Poole locals. The beach is popular on account of its good facilities, the free parking available on nearby roads and the fact it never gets too busy, even during the height of summer. The beach is also popular on account of the various walks in the area. These walks include the cliff-top path and the path through the Chine, a wooded ravine that runs down to the beach.
While the beach is only 2 miles from Sandbanks, there’s a marked difference in the look and feel of the beach. Not only is the clientele a little more mature, but the appearance of the beach is quite different. The cliffs that begin at Shore Road Beach are prominent at Branksome Chine, meaning there are no beachfront houses. This gives the beach a very relaxed and tranquil feel. However, what remains consistent with Sandbanks is the soft golden sand and the excellent Blue Flag waters.
What facilities are there?
There are toilets, showers, and changing facilities. There are also several ice cream shops and the new Rockwater restaurant and cafe.
Is there Parking?
There is a small car park located next to the beach with further car parks situated on Beach Road and next to the library. Most of the roads in the area have free parking, although they often fill up quickly during the summer months.
Lifeguard on duty?
A lifeguard is on duty at Branksome Chine from 1st May to 30th September.
Dog friendly?
The whole beach is dog-friendly during the off-season. During the peak season from 1st May to 30th September, dogs are permitted on the eastern end next to Branksome Dene Chine Beach. The area is clearly signposted.
Canford Cliffs Beach lies between two chines, with Flaghead Chine to the west and Branksome Chine to the east. The beach is set in one of Poole’s most exclusive neighborhoods, second only to Sandbanks in terms of wealth and prestige. The pretty beach features a long stretch of undisrupted golden sand, backed by pretty beach huts and rugged cliffs. While there are minimal facilities on the beach, Canford Cliffs Village is just a short walk away with its range of bars, restaurants, shops, and cafes. This makes the beach one of the best for nearby amenities.
The beach is reached via a scenic walk down a steep path from the cliff top. As you come onto the beach, you’re immediately struck by the wide-reaching panoramic views along the bay and onto the Isle of Purbeck. It’s a sensational vista, particularly on a clear day when you can see the Isle of Wight. While the beach tends to be a little busier than the neighboring Flaghead Chine and Branksome Chine, there’s still plenty of space, even in the height of summer. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, the quietest area is at the eastern end of the beach.
What facilities are there?
At the beach, there are toilets and showers. There’s also a small kiosk selling ice cream and limited food options. A short walk away in Canford Cliffs village, you’ll find bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Is there Parking?
There is a small car park in Canford Cliffs Village. There is plenty of parking available on surrounding streets, but check the signs for parking conditions as they vary.
Lifeguard on duty?
A lifeguard is on duty at Canford Cliffs from 1st May to 30th September.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted on the beach from 1st October to 30th April. Outside these times, they are only allowed on the promenade on a lead.
When your next-door neighbor is the spectacular Sandbanks Beach, you’ve got a tough act to follow. However, Shore Road has many great qualities of its own. It’s where the flat lands of the Sandbanks peninsula begin to rise into the cliffs that characterize the 7 miles of coastline to the eastern end of the bay at Hengistbury Head. These cliffs are topped by a mixture of towering pine trees and luxurious properties, which give the beach a distinct Californian vibe.
Shore Road’s vast expanse of golden sand makes it Poole’s second most popular beach. It appeals to locals and visitors alike, with a distinctly younger crowd than at many other beaches in the area. There’s also the popular Jazzy’s cafe on the beach and the Sandbanks Hotel with its excellent Italian restaurant. Just back from the beach is a Tesco supermarket selling everything you could need for a day at the beach.
What facilities are there?
There are toilets, showers, and changing facilities at the beach. There are also plenty of options for eating out and the Tesco convenience store.
Is there Parking?
There is parking available in a small car park by the beach. There’s also free parking on some of the nearby back roads.
Lifeguard on duty?
A lifeguard is on duty at Shore Road Beach from 1st May to 30th September each year.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are only permitted on the beach outside of the summer months. From 1st May to 30th September, dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Just a matter of a couple of hundred meters away from both Shore Road and Sandbanks Beach, Kite Beach offers something very different. Located within the harbor, it benefits from incredibly calm and shallow waters. This makes it a hugely popular destination for water sports. During calm days, you’ll find hundreds of paddle boarders and kayakers here. In contrast, windier days bring swathes of kite surfers and windsurfers.
While the beach at Kite Beach is nothing to write home about, the area also has plenty of other positives. The beach’s sizeable tidal range means during low tides, there’s a large expanse of beach to explore, perfect for young kids. It’s also possible to go cockling here, which is a popular pastime amongst locals. Lastly and by no means least is the beach’s spectacular setting overlooking Brownsea Island. It’s especially beautiful at the end of the day, and the beach provides the best sunsets in Poole. During the summer, you’ll find groups of friends and families barbequing on the beach as the sun goes down. It’s a truly idyllic setting.
What facilities are there?
There are no facilities on Kite Beach, so you’ll need to use toilets and showers at nearby Shore Road or Sandbanks. There’s a well-stocked Tesco convenience store directly opposite the beach.
Is there parking?
There is paid parking along the road, plus car parks at nearby Sandbanks and Shore Road Beach.
Lifeguard on duty?
There is no lifeguard on duty at Kite Beach.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted on Kite Beach throughout the year.
Tiny Cubs Beach is a small, sheltered beach between Sandbanks and the Sandbanks Hotel and chain ferry. The small curving beach is situated between two large rocky groynes that ensure calm waters all along the length of the beach. The calm waters make it a great place for sea swimming and families with kids.
The beach’s large rocky groynes also make it a popular place for fishing. Using these vantage points to access the deeper waters means you can expect to land mackerel and sea bass. Back on shore, the beach is also popular amongst dog owners as it’s one of the few areas that allows dogs on the beach all year round.
What facilities are there?
There are no facilities at the beach. The nearest facilities are at the chain ferry, with toilets, a shop, and a café.
Is there Parking?
There is limited parking on the nearby roads. There are also car parks at the ferry and Sandbanks.
Lifeguard on duty?
There is a lifeguard station at nearby Sandbanks but not at Cubs Beach.
Dog friendly?
The beach is dog-friendly throughout the year.
Flaghead Chine is another of the quieter stretches of Poole’s coastline. Situated between Shore Road Beach and Canford Cliffs, it lacks the amenities of these neighboring beaches. However, the sand is just as golden, and the sea is just as inviting here as elsewhere along the coastline. This means it’s an excellent spot to enjoy a quieter and much more relaxed day at the beach.
The approach to the beach is through Flaghead Chine, a narrow ravine that leads down from the clifftop. While climbing up at the end of the day can feel arduous, the journey down certainly makes up for it. It’s a very scenic introduction to this quaint and quiet stretch of the coastline.
What facilities are there?
There are toilets at the beach and a small ice cream shop that offers various refreshments.
Is there Parking?
There’s no car park at this beach. However, free parking is available on neighboring roads.
Lifeguard on duty?
A lifeguard is on duty at Flaghead Chine Beach daily between 1st May and 30th September.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted on the beach and off-lead from 1st October to 30th April.
The most easterly of Poole’s beaches, Branksome Dene Chine, is between Branksome Chine and Alum Chine. The latter of the two is the first of Bournemouth’s many beaches, which extend all along the bay to Hengistbury Head. It’s another beach popular with locals, with plenty of micro-communities using it as a meeting point because of its beachfront car park. During the mornings, you’ll often find sea swimmers congregating here, while on windier days, you see an abundance of kite surfers. It’s also a popular spot for surfing, although the right conditions rarely come around. The beachfront located Shaka Surf School offers various courses and equipment hire for all manner of water sports.
There are several other reasons why this stretch of beach is popular. Firstly, it’s one of the few year-round dog-friendly beaches in the area, meaning dogs can be off-lead throughout the year. So don’t be surprised to see plenty of pups frolicking in the sea on a warm day. Secondly, the approach to the beach is through the beautiful Branksome Dene Chine Nature Reserve, which has some excellent short woodland walks and viewpoints. It all adds up to make this a great place for a beach excursion. The nearby Inn in the Park is the cherry on top of the cake. Stop by for a great pub lunch or a local beer.
What facilities are there?
There are toilets and a car park on the beach. There’s also a small shop selling ice cream and limited hot food. Venture a few hundred meters up the hill to the Inn in the Park for some good food and drink.
Is there Parking?
There is a good-sized car park right on the beach. There’s also free street parking available on the surrounding roads.
Lifeguard on duty?
A lifeguard is on duty at Branksome Dene Chine between 1st May and 30th September.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed on the beach throughout the entire year.
Hamworthy Beach is one of Poole’s best-kept secrets. Located within the harbor in the Hamworthy area of Poole, it’s an excellent spot for a fun family day out. There’s a decent sandy beach here, pretty brightly colored beach huts and a great play park. The play park also includes a splash pool that’s incredibly popular with young children. However, the big draw is the spectacular view across the harbor, Brownsea Island, and the Isle of Purbeck. On a clear day, it’s an absolutely breathtaking setting.
Hamworthy Beach’s location within the harbor benefits from calmer waters than many other beaches. This makes it a popular destination for paddle boarders, and it’s a great place to try it for the first time. The beach is also conveniently located near Poole Quay, which is just a kilometer away. Here, you’ll find countless pubs and restaurants as well as plenty of historic buildings.
What facilities are there?
There are toilets and a changing area located in the park. There’s also a small cafe selling food and drink in the park. There are several large playground areas within the park. Nearby, there are several shops and pubs, and within a kilometer is Poole Quay, home to countless pubs and restaurants.
Is there Parking?
There is a car park at the park as well as free street parking on the surrounding roads.
Lifeguard on duty?
There is no lifeguard on duty at Hamworthy Beach.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed on the beach throughout the year.
Lake Beach is just a short distance from Hamworthy Beach and is separated by the marina. It’s a much quieter beach surrounded by the attractive Ham Common Nature Reserve. As the beach here combines sand, shingle, and mud, it’s not as popular for sunbathers and families. It is, however, a popular destination for sailors and fishermen on account of the long wooden pier that stretches out into the sea. It’s also popular with swimmers, although you should be mindful of the strong tides in the area.
Another of the beach’s big draws is its year-round dog-friendly status. If you’ve got a dog, the combination of the beach, nature reserve, and spectacular views over Brownsea Island make this one of the best places to walk in the area.
What facilities are there?
There’s not much in the way of facilities at Lake Beach other than some toilets.
Is there Parking?
There’s a car park at Lake Pier, and you can also park for free on most of the surrounding roads.
Lifeguard on duty?
There is no lifeguard on duty at Lake Beach.
Dog friendly?
The beach is dog-friendly 365 days a year.
South Shore Beach is the main beach on Brownsea Island, located in the center of Poole’s vast natural harbor. The National Trust owns the island, and it’s a popular day trip destination. It’s probably best known for its endangered red squirrels and the wild peacocks that roam the island. The whole place feels like it’s stuck in some time warp, which is better than it sounds.
Despite being just a couple of miles from the mainland, the island has something of a desert island feel. The views from South Shore Beach reinforce this feeling as the beach looks out over an almost entirely natural setting. While it’s not a beach you’ll want to spend the whole day on, it’s an excellent place for a paddle and a picnic if you’re visiting the island. It’s also a good place for younger children to explore, with plenty of rock pools containing shrimps, crabs, and sea urchins.
What facilities are there?
There are no facilities on the beach. Nearby the camping area has toilets, showers, and a small café.
Is there Parking?
There are no cars on the island. The only way to get to the island is by boat, and you’ll then need to get around on foot.
Lifeguard on duty?
There are no lifeguards on duty at South Shore Beach.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are not allowed on Brownsea Island at any time of the year.
Our last entry on the list is Baiter Beach, located close to Poole Quay and within the harbor. It’s not the best beach in the world, with a mixture of sand and stones, as well as more than its fair share of seaweed. However, the beach is exceptionally well located, just a few hundred meters from both Poole Quay and the open spaces of White Cliff. The beach also has splendid views out across the harbor towards Brownsea Island.
While the beach isn’t one where you’ll find many people sunbathing or swimming, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. There are some rockpools at the lifeguard station end of the beach, some good fishing, and some excellent crabbing. All in all it’s not a beach you’ll plan to spend the day at, but it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.
What facilities are there?
There are no facilities at Baiter Beach.
Is there Parking?
There are car parks at both Poole Quay and White Cliff Park, plus on-street parking.
Lifeguard on duty?
There is no lifeguard on duty at Baiter Beach.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, there are plenty more guides for other destinations in the UK. You might also want to check out our Dorset Weekend Break guide.
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