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The Peninsula’s Hidden Gem

While the main stretch of Sandbanks Beach draws visitors from all over the world, those in the know head slightly further west. Situated between the bustling main beach and the iconic Haven Point chain ferry, Cubs Beach (often referred to locally as Midway Beach) is a tranquil haven.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read a book, a safe place for a morning swim, or somewhere to let the dog run off the lead in the height of summer, this beautiful, sheltered stretch of coastline is the perfect choice.

A Paradise for Dog Walkers

If you are visiting Sandbanks with your furry friend between May 1st and September 30th, Cubs Beach will be your absolute go-to destination. It serves as the peninsula’s designated, all-year-round dog beach. With a gently shelving shoreline and incredibly calm, clear waters, it is exceptionally safe for dogs to swim and paddle. Don’t forget to make use of the handy dog-wash stations located just up the promenade after a long day of sandy paws!

Watching the World Float By

One of the greatest appeals of Cubs Beach is its prime location. Nestled right near the mouth of Poole Harbour—the second-largest natural harbour in the world—the beach provides front-row seats to a constant parade of maritime activity.

Spread out your picnic blanket and watch Sunseeker yachts, traditional sailboats, and paddleboarders glide through the water. You also get a fantastic vantage point of the Sandbanks Chain Ferry as it makes its continuous, historic crossing over to the Isle of Purbeck.

Seamlessly Connected

Despite feeling like a secluded, hidden retreat, Cubs Beach is exceptionally well-connected. A short, five-minute walk east along the seafront promenade takes you straight into the heart of the main Sandbanks resort, giving you instant access to the mini-golf course, sensory play area, and beachfront dining whenever you need it.

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.

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.

Safe and Shallow Water Sports

The defining feature of Poole Park is its massive saltwater lagoon. Because the water is remarkably shallow (between 1 and 1.5 meters deep) and completely sheltered from the coastal winds, it is arguably the safest place in the South to learn water sports. Rockley Watersports operates a fantastic centre right on the water’s edge. Here, you can hire everything from stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to their famous swan pedalos. They also offer excellent RYA sailing courses for youngsters.

If you prefer to stay dry, find a bench near the water and watch the Poole Radio Yacht Club race their incredibly fast, remote-controlled model yachts across the water!

The Ark: All-Weather Family Fun

Located right in the center of the park is The Ark, a multi-award-winning indoor family activity centre. It is the perfect retreat if the clouds roll in. Inside, you will find:

• Soft Play: Three levels of adventure with slides and interactive zones (for children up to 11), plus a dedicated toddler zone.

• Ice Skating: A real, indoor ice-skating rink offering public sessions, parent-and-toddler skates, and fun family disco nights.

• Pottery Studio: A creative space to paint your own ceramics.

Outdoor Play and The Miniature Railway

If the sun is shining, the park features two large outdoor playgrounds, including the fantastic Jungle Adventure Play Park, which boasts state-of-the-art climbing frames. Don’t miss a ride on the Poole Park Railway, a beloved miniature train that chugs along a scenic half-mile track around the freshwater lake. For the competitive family members, there is also a fantastic crazy golf course and bookable tennis courts.

Dining and Relaxation

You certainly won’t go hungry here. The Kitchen is a stunning, glass-fronted waterside restaurant serving excellent lunches and locally sourced dinners with panoramic views over the lagoon. For something quicker, Scoops Ice Cream Parlour and The Ark’s café offer great coffee, cakes, and snacks.

If you are looking to escape the bustle of the play areas, head to the eastern end of the park. Here, you can watch a local match at the beautiful Cricket Pavilion, or take a quiet stroll through the vibrant Rose Garden. Finally, while feeding the ducks and swans on the freshwater lake is a cherished park tradition, please remember to bring birdseed, sweetcorn, or peas—bread is incredibly harmful to the birds and the water quality!

A Blue Flag Beach Day

At the heart of the town is Swanage Beach, a magnificent crescent of golden sand that regularly wins Blue Flag awards for its cleanliness and water quality. Because the bay is sheltered, the waters are usually very calm, making it a brilliant spot for swimming or hiring a pedalo. The beach is backed by a traditional promenade lined with ice cream kiosks, seafood huts, and brightly colored beach huts that you can hire by the day.

All Aboard the Swanage Railway

You cannot visit Swanage without hearing the nostalgic whistle of a steam train. The Swanage Railway is one of the most successful heritage railways in the country. Run largely by passionate volunteers, the line stretches for six miles through the beautiful Purbeck countryside, passing the ruins of Corfe Castle. Buying a ticket and riding in a beautifully restored 1940s carriage is an absolute must-do experience that delights kids and grandparents alike.

Stroll the Victorian Pier

Built in 1895, Swanage Pier is a stunning piece of maritime history. It is one of the few fully timber piers left in the UK. Taking a stroll to the very end offers fantastic views back across the town and the sweeping bay. Grab a coffee from the pier café, visit the small maritime museum, or simply lean over the railings to watch the local fishermen. The pier is also world-famous in the scuba diving community as one of the best and safest shallow dive sites in the country, teeming with marine life beneath the wooden pylons.

Gateway to Durlston Country Park

If you want to escape the bustle of the town center, head just a mile up the hill to the southern edge of town, where you will find Durlston Country Park. This 320-acre National Nature Reserve features dramatic sea cliffs, wildflower meadows, and the famous Great Globe—a massive 40-ton limestone sphere carved with a map of the world in the 1880s. Durlston is also a premier location for spotting dolphins and peregrine falcons along the Jurassic Coast.

A Geological Masterpiece

Lulworth Cove is world-famous for its unique geology. It was formed approximately 10,000 years ago when a river, swollen by melting ice, breached the hard outer band of Portland limestone. Once the water broke through, it rapidly eroded the softer clays and chalk behind it, hollowing out the perfect horseshoe shape you see today. Because the beach is made of white shingle rather than fine sand, the water remains spectacularly clear and brilliantly blue.

Discover the Lulworth Crumple

Just a five-minute walk west of the cove is another mind-bending geological site known as Stair Hole. Here, you can see the famous “Lulworth Crumple”—layers of rock that were folded and crushed together by the same tectonic forces that created the Alps. It is a spectacular sight and provides a sneak peek into exactly how Lulworth Cove itself looked thousands of years ago before the sea fully broke through.

A Paddler’s Paradise

Because the narrow entrance to the cove acts as a natural breakwater, the bay is effectively a massive, saltwater swimming pool. It is arguably the best spot in Dorset for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking. You can launch right from the slipway and paddle safely around the curving white cliffs. During the summer, you can easily hire equipment right on the beach or book a guided kayak tour to explore the hidden caves and rock arches just outside the cove.

The Ultimate Two-For-One Hike

If you are feeling energetic, Lulworth Cove is the starting point for one of the most famous walks in the UK. A wide, well-maintained (but very steep!) path leads from the car park directly over the hill to Durdle Door. The walk takes about 30 minutes each way and rewards you with sweeping, elevated views of both landmarks. Hiking over the hill, snapping photos of the arch, and returning to Lulworth for a pint of local ale and fresh seafood at The Boat Shed Café is the definitive Dorset day out.

A Sheltered Paddler’s Paradise

Because Middle Beach is tucked neatly into the curve of Studland Bay and protected by the cliffs behind it, the water here is often incredibly calm. This makes it a favored launch spot for locals bringing their own kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. From here, it is a highly popular and scenic paddle along the coastline towards the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks.

Step Back into WWII History

One of the most unique features of Middle Beach is its profound connection to World War II. During the war, Studland Beach was the site of “Exercise Smash,” the largest live-fire rehearsal for the D-Day landings. Situated right on the low cliff above Middle Beach is Fort Henry, a massive, Grade II listed concrete observation bunker. It was built in 1943, and it was from inside this very bunker that Winston Churchill, King George VI, and General Eisenhower watched the troops practice the Normandy invasion. Today, the bunker is open to the public and offers a fascinating (and sobering) piece of history alongside spectacular views of the bay.

A Quieter Slice of Purbeck

Compared to Knoll Beach, Middle Beach has a much less commercial vibe. The beach itself is narrower, and the sand gives way in places to pebbles and fascinating rock pools, especially at the southern end towards South Beach. It is the perfect spot for those who want to avoid the biggest summer crowds, unroll a towel under the shade of an overhanging coastal oak tree, and lose themselves in a good book with the sound of the waves lapping just feet away.

The Ultimate Family Beach Day

Knoll Beach is purpose-built for a stress-free day by the sea. The water here is famously calm and shallow, warming up nicely in the summer sun and providing a safe environment for young children to splash and swim. With a fantastic café, a well-stocked National Trust shop (in case you forgot your sunscreen or bucket), and clean shower facilities right on the edge of the sand, parents can truly relax while the kids play.

A Hub for Water Sports

If you prefer a more active day out, Knoll Beach is the premier spot for water sports in the bay. During the summer, you can hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and pedalos directly from the beach. Because the bay is sheltered from the prevailing winds by the Purbeck Hills and Old Harry Rocks, the water is often as flat as a lake, making it the perfect place for beginners to find their balance on a paddleboard.

The Famous Naturist Beach

It is important for visitors to know that the northern end of Knoll Beach (walking left as you face the sea, heading towards Shell Bay) is one of the most famous and historic designated naturist beaches in the UK. It has been an official clothing-optional area since the 1920s. The area is very clearly signposted on the beach and through the dunes, so you will not wander into it accidentally! It is a peaceful, highly respected section of the beach managed perfectly in harmony with the surrounding family areas.

Explore the Heath and Pines

Don’t just stick to the sand! Immediately behind Knoll Beach lies a stunning mature pine woodland and the vast expanse of the Studland heathland. You can follow marked trails directly from the visitor centre to explore this rare habitat, keeping an eye out for Dartford warblers, sand lizards, and perhaps even a grazing Sika deer.

Discover the Four Faces of Studland

Studland Bay isn’t just one beach; it is a four-mile stretch divided into four distinct areas. Whether you want a bustling family day out with ice creams and water sports, or a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, Studland has a spot for you.

• Shell Bay: The very first beach you reach after stepping off the Sandbanks ferry. Backed by towering dunes, it offers spectacular views right back across the water to your accommodation.

• Knoll Beach: The vibrant heart of Studland Bay. This is the largest beach, featuring the main National Trust visitor centre, a fantastic café, water sports hire, and safe, shallow waters perfect for children. (Note: The far end of Knoll Beach is a designated naturist area).

• Middle Beach: Slightly more sheltered and framed by low cliffs, Middle Beach is a favorite for kayakers, paddleboarders, and those looking to escape the busiest crowds.

• South Beach: The smallest and most intimate of the four. Popular with locals, this narrow, sandy cove is closest to Studland village and the famous Bankes Arms pub.

A Haven for Wildlife

Behind the golden sands lies the Studland National Nature Reserve, a vast expanse of lowland heath. This is one of the few places in Britain where you can find all six native species of British reptiles, including the rare sand lizard and smooth snake. The dunes themselves are a delicate, shifting ecosystem home to rare wildflowers and insects, making the bay a paradise for nature photographers.