If you're looking for a weekend away that promises crystal clear blue waters, incredible fish restaurants, and a host of wellness activities, then we have just the seaside location you need to head to this summer. And while this sunny town sounds like it's based in the Mediterranean, this getaway doesn't involve getting on a plane as it's right on our doorstep. Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset is the underrated but must-visit beach town we'd highly recommend you add to your list this summer.
Located in-between Poole and Bournemouth this small but stunning peninsula, is known for its award-winning beach that has won the Blue Flag award more than any other resort in the UK, which is in part due to the cleanliness of its water.
Whether you're looking for an action packed weekend of activities or prefer a slower pace for a beach escape, here's everything you can get up to at Sandbanks.
What to do in Sandbanks
Spend a day at the beach
With golden sands and shallow crystal clear waters, if you're looking to spend a day at a beach in the UK, going from reading a book, taking a dip in the sea and eating an ice cream you really can't go wrong with Sandbanks.
Have a go at watersports
If you prefer your beach days to be a bit more active the beaches at Sandbanks have a whole host of water sports available. From stand-up paddle boarding, to jet skiing and kite-surfing there's a variety of activities available no matter your level of adrenaline junkie. Just head to companies such as Easy Riders and Land & Wave to rent out equipment or go on a jet ski safari with Sandbanks JetSki Company.
Take a boat trip
There's a variety of boat trips available in the Sandbanks area. If you head to the tip of the peninsula Sandbanks Ferry offers daily trips to and from Sandbanks to Shell Bay, another beach across the water, and further on to Knoll Beach by foot.
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There's also trips available to the nearby Brownsea Island, the second largest natural harbour in the world, and home to the Brownsea Island castle and National Trust grounds.
Go to a sea-view sauna
If you like to include a spot of wellness while away, make sure to book in a slot at The Saltwater Sauna on the beach. You can book in for private or communal sessions.
Where to eat in Sandbanks
Rick Stein
On the other side of the peninsula is a stunning marina which is made for sunset meals and drinks, and one of the best places to catch this view (and eat delicious seafood) is at Rick Stein.
Lazy Jack's
Just along the marina is another must-try spot for all-day food. Open from breakfast to late evening, the menu includes wagyu beef burger, moules mariniere and a selection of pizzas.
Pizza on the Beach
Speaking of pizza, if you want to go all out with a pizza night head to Pizza on the Beach at the entry to Sandbanks and get pizzas to takeaway and eat on the beach.
Where to stay
The Canford
One of the best places to book a room for staying in Sandbanks is boutique hotel The Canford, located on the outskirts of Sandbanks. Each room is decorated with a tasteful and vintage aesthetic and each features an honesty bar, Nespresso machine and air con (perfect in this weather). The hotel also has a much later 1pm checkout so you can enjoy time in your room without rushing out.
How to get to Sandbanks
If you're not driving down to Sandbanks, the closest train station to Sandbanks is Poole. Regular trains run from London Waterloo to Poole, and once in Poole buses are available to take to the beach.
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
