Top 5 Day Trips from Sandbanks
Sitting right on the edge of the 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site—you are only ever a short ferry ride or drive away from historic ruins, hidden coves, and traditional seaside towns. If you are staying on the peninsula in 2026, here are the top 5 day trips you absolutely must add to your itinerary.
1. Studland Bay & Old Harry Rocks
The easiest and most popular day trip from Sandbanks is directly across the water to the Isle of Purbeck. Simply drive, walk, or cycle to the end of the peninsula and hop on the Sandbanks Ferry Guide. The four-minute crossing drops you directly into Studland.
Here, you will find miles of pristine, National Trust-protected heathland and sandy beaches. From the village, you can take a spectacular clifftop hike out to Old Harry Rocks – three chalk formations rising dramatically out of the sea, marking the absolute most easterly point of the Jurassic Coast.
2. The Historic Ruins of Corfe Castle
Just a 15-minute drive from the Studland side of the ferry sits one of Britain’s most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War. Corfe Castle is a dramatic, 1,000-year-old ruined fortress that towers over the quaint, Purbeck stone village below it.
Spend the morning exploring the “murder holes” and fallen keeps of the castle, grab a traditional cream tea in the village square, and browse the independent local artisan shops.
-
Local Tip: If you are travelling with children, you can actually catch a fully restored heritage steam train from Corfe Castle down to the coast!
3. Swanage & The Steam Railway
If you want to swap the luxury, Miami-style vibe of Sandbanks for a hit of traditional British seaside charm, head to Swanage. Located just a short drive from the ferry terminal, Swanage boasts a classic Victorian pier, vibrant beach huts, and some of the best traditional fish and chips in Dorset.
Swanage is also the terminus for the famous Swanage Railway. You can leave your car parked in the town and ride the historic steam trains through the breathtaking Purbeck countryside.
4. Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove
No trip to the Dorset coast is complete without witnessing its most famous natural wonder. Located roughly a 45-minute drive from Sandbanks, Durdle Door is a massive, naturally formed limestone arch that sits perfectly in the turquoise waters of the English Channel.
Right next door is Lulworth Cove, a perfectly scalloped bay with crystal-clear water. The hike between the two over the steep coastal cliffs offers arguably the best panoramic views in the entire South West.
5. Brownsea Island Wildlife Retreat
You don’t even need a car for this incredible day out! Brownsea Island sits right in the middle of Poole Harbour, directly opposite Sandbanks. You can catch the famous “Yellow Boats” right from the Sandbanks peninsula or Poole Quay.
Owned by the National Trust, the island is a tranquil, car-free wildlife sanctuary. It is one of the only places in the UK where you can spot rare red squirrels, alongside roaming peacocks and sika deer. It is a brilliant, peaceful escape from the bustling summer beaches.
Plan Your Perfect Basecamp
Ready to explore the Jurassic Coast? The first step is securing your accommodation. Browse our official directory of Places to Stay to find everything from luxury Dog Friendly Places to Stay to premium waterfront hotels on the Sandbanks peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do a day trip to Durdle Door from Sandbanks?
Absolutely. Durdle Door is located approximately 20 miles away. You can easily drive there in under an hour by heading around Poole Harbour and down the coast towards West Lulworth, making it a perfect, highly recommended day trip.
How long does the ferry take from Sandbanks to Studland?
The physical crossing across the mouth of Poole Harbour takes just four minutes. However, during the peak summer months, queues for cars can build up, so it is highly recommended to travel early in the morning or cross as a foot passenger or cyclist.
Can I use the Sandbanks ferry to visit other places?
Yes! The Sandbanks Chain Ferry is the quickest and most scenic way to leave the peninsula and explore the Isle of Purbeck. It connects Sandbanks directly to Studland, saving you a 25-mile drive all the way around Poole Harbour.
