Discover the Heart of BOURNEMOUTH
Bournemouth Beach is the vibrant, beating heart of the South Coast. Stretching for seven glorious miles, this unbroken expanse of premium, pebble-free sand is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the UK.
Backed by dramatic, pine-clad cliffs and enjoying its own unique microclimate, Bournemouth offers some of the warmest sea temperatures in Britain. Whether you are arriving for a quintessential family bucket-and-spade holiday, a high-octane watersports weekend, or simply a sunset stroll along the promenade, this world-class resort delivers on every front.
While Sandbanks offers an exclusive, laid-back peninsula retreat, Bournemouth is where the action happens. The beach is seamlessly connected to a bustling promenade packed with cafes, ice cream parlours, and attractions, making it the ultimate destination for visitors who want everything right on their doorstep.
Beyond the Sand: Cliff Walks & Entertainment
If you want to stretch your legs, skip the promenade and take to the sky! The East Cliff and West Cliff walks run directly above the beach. These paved, accessible clifftop paths offer spectacular, sweeping views stretching from the Isle of Wight all the way across to the Purbeck Hills. If you don’t fancy the steep walk up, you can ride the historic funicular Cliff Lifts (operating during the summer months) to effortlessly reach the top.
Unbeatable Proximity to Attractions
Bournemouth Beach is uniquely situated right on the edge of world-class entertainment. Just a two-minute walk up from the sand is the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). This premier venue hosts major arena tours, comedians, and exhibitions year-round, making the beach the perfect place to relax before catching an evening show.
Seamlessly Connected to the Town
One of the best things about Bournemouth Beach is how effortlessly it connects to the vibrant town centre. You can walk straight off the sand, past the beachfront Oceanarium, through the lush Lower Gardens, and be in the heart of the town’s shopping and dining district in under ten minutes.
Sandbanks Mini Golf: 18 Holes of Seaside Family Fun
If you’re visiting the South Coast, no family day out is complete without a little bit of friendly competition! Located just steps from the golden sand, Sandbanks Mini Golf is a fantastic 18-hole crazy golf course that provides a brilliant challenge for all ages and abilities.
Whether you are trying to pull off the ultimate trick shot, or simply trying to guide your ball over the bumps, bridges, and multi-drop holes without it ending up in the rough, this astroturf course is guaranteed to frustrate and satisfy your family in equal measure. It’s the perfect activity to break up a long day of sunbathing or to tire the kids out before dinner.
Situated right next to the main Sandbanks Car Park, the children’s play area, and the beautiful Blue Flag beach, you can easily spend an hour or two putting on the peninsula without ever having to get back in the car. Grab your putter, pick your lucky coloured ball, and see who gets bragging rights for the rest of the holiday!
Make a Day of It
Sandbanks Mini Golf is located in the ultimate family entertainment hub. Once you’ve sunk your final putt on the 18th hole, you are right next door to the fantastic Sandbanks Play Area (featuring a giant 6-metre climbing net for the kids) and less than a 30-second walk from the award-winning, lifeguard-patrolled waters of Sandbanks Beach.Sandbanks Play Area: A Seaside Playground Like No Other
Looking for the perfect spot to let the kids burn off some energy while you soak up the sea breeze? The Sandbanks Play Area isn’t your average local park—it is a purpose-built, sandy-floored adventure zone located right on the edge of Britain’s best beach!
Situated immediately behind the golden sands of Sandbanks Beach and right next to the main car park, this unique playground allows children to transition seamlessly from building sandcastles by the shore to swinging, climbing, and exploring. Because the play area is built directly onto a bed of soft sand, the beach vibes don’t have to stop just because it’s time to hit the slides.
Whether you have toddlers wanting to explore the sensory sand-play items, or older children looking to conquer the massive 6-metre high twin-masted climbing net, the Sandbanks Play Area is a guaranteed hit for families. Better yet, its unbeatable location means you are only seconds away from world-class beach cafes, ice cream kiosks, and clean public facilities.
Grab a coffee from a nearby kiosk, take a seat on one of the benches, and let the little ones play while you enjoy the stunning coastal atmosphere!
Make a Day of It
Why stop at the playground? The Sandbanks Play Area sits right next door to the fantastic Sandbanks Crazy Golf course! Challenge the family to an 18-hole tournament, or take a 30-second stroll over the promenade to paddle in the Blue Flag award-winning waist-height waters of the beach. It’s the perfect hub for a full family day out.Welcome to Sandbanks Beach: Britain’s Ultimate Coastal Escape
Sandbanks has one of the UK’s most iconic shorelines, and the name alone is synonymous with luxury, beauty, and relaxation. Widely considered one of the most visited tourist sites in Britain and a top destination in Dorset, Sandbanks Beach is the crown jewel of the South Coast.
From the moment you step out onto the soft, golden sand and look out over the beautiful blue ocean, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. It really is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in Britain, offering a premium seaside experience that simply cannot be matched.
Unrivaled Water Quality & Safety
Get up early and take a tranquil stroll along the famous shoreline, or dive into the crystal-clear water for an invigorating morning swim. The beach boasts a gently shelving shoreline, meaning the waist-height waters are calm, safe, and perfect for a relaxing dip.
Sandbanks Beach is nationally known as one of the finest and cleanest in the country. In fact, it holds the prestigious Blue Flag award and has done so for over three consecutive decades—holding more consecutive awards than almost any other UK resort! With a team of highly trained RNLI lifeguards on duty throughout the summer season (May to September), Sandbanks is the ultimate spot for safe bathing and a worry-free family holiday.
Endless Family Fun & Beach Activities
There’s something here to keep the whole family entertained all day. You can relax on the pebble-free sand while the children have fun building sandcastles with their buckets and spades. Lie back and listen to the melodic sounds of the waves as they continuously roll onto the shore and back out again.
Looking for a little friendly competition? Challenge the kids to an 18-hole crazy golf tournament at the course situated just behind the beach, or let the little ones burn off some energy at the sensory children’s play area!
If you are feeling more energetic, Sandbanks Beach is an absolute mecca for sports enthusiasts. There is a massive area of the beach set aside specifically for beach volleyball, and the calm waters of Whitley Lake (on the harbour side) are famous for watersports. Rent some paddleboards or kayaks and glide across the smooth, clear waters of Poole Bay, or book a kitesurfing lesson with one of the local schools!
Stunning Views & The Jurassic Coast
Sandbanks Beach stretches from Canford Cliffs beach at Shore Road some one and a half miles westward, incorporating Cubs Beach where it joins the Sandbanks Ferry, linking the peninsula with Studland on the Isle of Purbeck.
The visual backdrop here is nothing short of spectacular. On the south side of the peninsula, you can look out over the English Channel toward the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline and the Purbeck Hills. On a clear day, you can even spot the Isle of Wight! On the north side, you are treated to views of luxury yachts sailing through Poole Harbour toward Brownsea Island.
World-Class Facilities & Beachside Dining
Because of its premium reputation, the facilities adjacent to Sandbanks beach are second to none. The promenade is completely level, offering excellent accessibility (including Mobi-Mat beach access and beach wheelchair hires available from the beach office).
After a long day in the sun, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at one of the many cafés, kiosks, or premium beachside restaurants right on the promenade. If you prefer to cook your own dinner, Sandbanks allows evening beach BBQs (after 6:00 PM), making it the perfect place to watch the sunset with a burger in hand.
Location & Getting Here
With its proximity to a wide range of premium hotels and holiday apartments in Poole and Bournemouth, Sandbanks is incredibly easy to access.
If you are in your car, the main Sandbanks surface car park is located within 50 metres of the sand. However, because it is so popular, it fills up quickly! Thankfully, there are regular open-top bus services (like the Purbeck Breezer) running from Poole and Bournemouth directly to the beach, so you can leave your car where you’re staying and have a hassle-free day enjoying the coast!
A Paddleboarder’s Paradise
Because Hamworthy Beach is tucked inside the natural shelter of Poole Harbour, the water here is incredibly calm, making it one of the absolute best spots in Dorset for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking. If you have your own gear, you can launch directly off the sand. If you are a beginner, the brilliant team at South Coast Adventures operate directly from the park. They offer pay-and-play board hire by the hour, as well as guided lessons and tours out into the harbour.
The Ultimate Kids’ Playground
Hamworthy Park is legendary among local parents. At the heart of the park is a newly refurbished, massive seasonal paddling pool with interactive water features—a completely free facility that is a lifesaver on hot summer days. Right next to it is a huge, fully fenced adventure playground featuring everything from toddler cradle swings and mini climbing walls to a massive climbing frame and a zip-wire for older children.
A Year-Round Dog Haven
Finding a beach where dogs can run free during the summer can be tough in Dorset, but Hamworthy Park is wonderfully dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted on the beach off-lead all year round, meaning your four-legged friend can enjoy a swim in the sea even in August! (Note: Dogs must be kept on a lead while walking on the paved promenade and are not allowed inside the fenced play areas or paddling pool).
Picnics and Harbour Views
Behind the beach and the promenade lies 26 acres of sprawling, perfectly kept green grass. It is the ideal place to unroll a blanket, set up a picnic, and let the kids play football while you take in the views. If you didn’t pack lunch, the excellent Café in the Park serves highly-rated hot and cold food, meaning you can easily spend the entire day here without needing to leave.
The Grandeur of Upton House
Standing proudly at the heart of the park is Upton House. Built in 1816 for the wealthy merchant Christopher Spurrier, this elegant Georgian mansion boasts stunning architecture and sweeping views down to the water. While the building is frequently used as a premium wedding venue, the ground floor and the grand entrance hall are often opened to the public for guided history tours, art exhibitions, and special seasonal events, including magnificent Christmas markets.
The Walled Garden and Summer Splash
For families and horticulture lovers, the Walled Garden is the jewel of the estate. Meticulously maintained by a team of dedicated gardeners and volunteers, it provides a quiet, sensory experience packed with colorful borders and rare plants. During the summer months, the center of the garden comes alive with an interactive, timed water-splash fountain. It is surrounded by perfectly kept lawns, making it the ultimate spot to unroll a picnic blanket while the kids cool off.
The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Destination
If you have brought your dog on holiday, Upton Country Park is an absolute must-visit. It is famous locally for being incredibly welcoming to four-legged friends. There are massive, designated off-lead areas where dogs can safely run through the meadows and woodlands. The estate even features a dedicated, self-service “DIY Dog Wash” station near the car park, complete with warm water and dog-friendly shampoo, so you can clean off those muddy paws before getting back into the car!
Shoreline Walks and Bird Watching
Because the estate borders the northern shores of Holes Bay (a tidal inlet of Poole Harbour), it offers spectacular waterfront walking routes. The paths meander through mature woodlands and open out onto the shoreline. The bay is a designated Nature Reserve and a vital feeding ground for wading birds. Make sure to visit the timber bird hide on the water’s edge, where you can peacefully watch avocets, black-tailed godwits, and kingfishers in their natural habitat.
A Jam-Packed Animal Timetable
The heart of Farmer Palmer’s is the animals. Rather than just walking past enclosures, children are actively encouraged to get involved. The park runs a brilliant timetable of events every half hour. Your little ones can hand-feed the sheep and goats in the Big Barn, gently hold a guinea pig, watch a live cow-milking demonstration, and even cheer on their favorite during the hilarious daily Pig and Goat Racing!
Indoor and Outdoor Play
This is a true “whatever the weather” attraction. Outside, kids can tackle the bumpy (and highly entertaining) Tractor Trailer ride, dig in the sand, or brave the slides of Straw Mountain. If the heavens open, head straight into the Little Farmer’s Fun Barn. It features a massive, multi-level soft play area to tire them out, alongside a charming Wendy House Village where toddlers can let their imaginations run wild.
The World of Dinosaur Roar
As if farm animals weren’t enough, the park has teamed up with The Natural History Museum to create the World of Dinosaur Roar Discovery Trail. Tucked away in a peaceful woodland walk alongside the river, children can hunt for engaging dinosaur displays and interactive activities. It’s a brilliant way to break up the day and enjoy some fresh air away from the main play zones.
The Hen House Restaurant
You don’t need to pack a picnic (although you are welcome to use their outdoor benches if you do). The Hen House Restaurant is famous for serving genuinely good, home-cooked food. Rather than standard fast food, you’ll find freshly prepared lasagnes, jacket potatoes, and children’s picnic boxes. They cater excellently to dietary requirements, have a fantastic array of homemade cakes for the adults, and provide everything a parent could need to make mealtime stress-free.
Thrills for the Adrenaline Junkies
Splashdown is famous for its high-octane flumes. If you are feeling brave, step up to the Screamer—a high-speed, near-vertical drop that takes you from the top of the tower to the bottom in under five seconds. For a disorientating thrill, the Spacebowl drops you into a massive watery funnel where you spin like a coin before plunging into the plunge pool below. Meanwhile, the Infinity bowl features laser lights and music that you select yourself before you slide!
Fun for the Little Ones
You don’t have to be a teenager to enjoy the water. Splashdown caters brilliantly to younger children. Ricky’s Reef is a dedicated, shallow toddler pool designed specifically for children under the age of 7. It features interactive water play areas, mini-slides, and a 3D reef effect. Just next to it is the Buccaneer SplashZone, an interactive water playground with tipping buckets and water cannons that is perfect for slightly older kids building up their confidence before hitting the big tower.
The Tower Park Complex
The best thing about Splashdown is its location. It is the anchor attraction of the Tower Park Leisure Complex. Once your swimming session is over, you don’t even need to move your car to keep the family entertained. You can walk straight out of the waterpark and into a massive Cineworld multiplex, challenge the kids to a game at Hollywood Bowl, or grab a meal at one of the many family-friendly chain restaurants like Nando’s, Pizza Express, or TGI Fridays located right on the piazza.
From Rescue to Rehabilitation
The story of Monkey World is what makes a visit here so special. Every primate you see has a unique, often heartbreaking background. Many of the chimpanzees were rescued from the illegal pet trade, used as photographer’s props on Spanish beaches, or saved from laboratory testing. When you read the plaques outside their massive enclosures, you learn exactly where they came from and how the dedicated team at Monkey World has slowly rehabilitated them back into natural, happy family groups.
Meet the Stars of ‘Monkey Life’
If you have ever watched the long-running television documentary Monkey Life, visiting the park feels like stepping onto a film set. The sanctuary is home to the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa. You will also meet the critically endangered Bornean and Sumatran orangutans, agile gibbons that swing spectacularly through the high canopy, and cheeky woolly monkeys. Because the enclosures are vast and designed for the apes’ comfort rather than purely for human viewing, finding and watching them interact is incredibly rewarding.
The Great Ape Play Area
If you are visiting with children, Monkey World holds a fantastic trump card. Located near the café is the Great Ape Play Area—the largest outdoor adventure playground in the South of England. It is a sprawling complex of massive climbing frames, slides, and obstacle courses designed to let kids burn off energy by climbing just like the monkeys they’ve been watching all day.
Supporting a Vital Cause
Monkey World does not receive any government funding; it relies entirely on visitor entry fees, gift shop purchases, and its famous Primate Adoption scheme. By choosing to spend your day here, buying lunch at the watering hole café, or adopting an ape in the gift shop, you are directly funding future rescue missions and the ongoing care of these incredible animals. It is a day out that genuinely makes a difference.
A Century of History Under One Roof
The scale of The Tank Museum is staggering. The collection is spread across several massive, hangar-like halls, each dedicated to a different era. The layout guides you chronologically, starting with the very first tanks designed during World War I—including ‘Little Willie,’ the world’s first prototype tank. As you walk through the decades, the machines grow in size and complexity, culminating in the sleek, modern Challenger 2 tanks used by the British Army today.
The Trench Experience
One of the most impactful exhibits is the immersive World War I Trench Experience. Visitors walk through a meticulously recreated life-size trench, complete with the sounds, sights, and even the smells of the Western Front in 1916. It culminates in a dramatic diorama of a Mark I tank looming over the trench edge, giving you a very real sense of what soldiers experienced over a century ago.
Meet the Famous Tiger 131
For history buffs and movie fans, the absolute star of the show is Tiger 131. Captured in the North African desert in 1943, it is the only fully functioning German Tiger I tank left anywhere in the world. It is so famous that it was actually loaned to a Hollywood studio to star alongside Brad Pitt in the 2014 movie Fury. Seeing it up close in the World War II hall is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Built for Families
While the subject matter is serious, the museum is brilliantly designed to keep children engaged. Every hall features interactive consoles, dressing-up stations, and hands-on exhibits. There is a fantastic indoor soft-play area right next to the café—allowing parents to grab a much-needed coffee while the kids burn off some energy—as well as a massive outdoor tank-themed playground. During the summer, you can even buy tickets to ride in a real tracked vehicle around the outdoor arena!