Welcome to the quieter side of Sandbanks. Located at the extreme western end of the promenade near Haven Point and the chain ferry, Cubs Beach (also known as Midway Beach) offers the same pristine golden sand as the main beach, but with a much more relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.
Because of its position near the mouth of Poole Harbour, Cubs Beach offers unparalleled views.
You can sit on the soft sand and watch luxury yachts sail by, wave at the Sandbanks Chain Ferry crossing to Studland, and look out across the water towards the majestic Purbeck Hills.
Dog lovers rejoice! While the main Sandbanks beach has strict dog bans in the summer, Cubs Beach is a designated year-round dog-friendly zone.
Let your four-legged friends run free, splash in the shallow waters, and enjoy a true seaside holiday without any date restrictions.
While Cubs Beach itself is kept undeveloped to preserve its tranquility, it is just a short, flat walk along the promenade to the cafes, toilets, and watersports hires of the main Sandbanks beach.
You can park at the main surface car park or find pay-and-display bays along Banks Road – then just walk along the beach towards Haven Point.
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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.
Can I take my dog to Cubs Beach in August? Yes! Unlike the main Sandbanks beach, Cubs Beach (from the extreme western end of the promenade right down to Haven Point) is dog-friendly 365 days a year.
Are there lifeguards at Cubs Beach? The dedicated RNLI lifeguard zones are primarily located on the main Sandbanks Beach during the summer season. While the waters at Cubs Beach are very safe, calm, and sheltered, it falls outside the main flagged patrol zones, so please swim responsibly.
Can I have a BBQ here? Yes, disposable BBQs are allowed after 6:00 PM. However, you must use a raised BBQ to protect the sand from burning (which is a hazard for barefoot children the next day), and you must ensure you dispose of the coals safely in the red hot-ash bins located along the promenade.