Whether you are looking for award winning sandy beaches, or perhaps a smaller more secluded beach, there are some great beaches in Poole to discover. Poole is the second largest town in Dorset, a popular tourist destination and plenty of things to do and hidden gems to explore.
Branksome Chine Beach
Pinecliff Road, Poole, BH1 6LP
There are some great views to be found at Branksome Chine beach. The beach is made up of sand, and has some good facilities which also include a beach shop.
You can find public toilets, lifeguards during the Summer season, drinking water and a popular beach cafe.
The nearest car park has spaces for 104 cars.
Branksome Dean Beach
Pinewood Road, Poole, BH13 6JP
One of the hidden gems in Dorset is Branksome Dean. A sandy beach just a short walk from Branksome Chine. You can expect to find public toilets, an ice cream kiosk, drinking water and refreshments. Beach huts are also available for hire.
The nearest car park has space for 135 cars.
Canford Cliffs Beach
Cliff Road, Poole, BH13 7HX
Another blue flag award winning beach in Poole, Canford Cliffs has picturesque views and is a popular spot for locals.
Facilities include public toilets, lifeguard cover during the Summer season and drinking water available.
There is a nearby car park with space for 50 cars.
Related post – Dog friendly restaurants in Poole
Flaghead Chine Beach
off Haven Road, Poole, BH13 7LP
If you’re looking for a quieter beach in Poole, you may wish to visit Flaghead Chine. The beach has plenty of sand and is wide, providing plenty of space to explore.
The trade off is the lack of facilities, however there are public toilets and drinking water as well as an ice cream kiosk
A small car park is nearby with space for 18 cars.
Hamworthy Park Beach
Lulworth Avenue, Hamworthy, Poole, BH15 4DQ
You can spot the Purbeck hills from Hamworthy Park beach. Located at the north of Poole Harbour, this is one of the most popular beaches in Poole due to its seasonal paddling pool area and children’s play area.
There are public toilets and refreshments available, with a nearby car park which has space for 42 cars.
Lake Pier Beach
BH15 4LR
A small sandy inner harbour beach which is surrounded by a nature reserve. This is one of the dog friendly beaches that welcome dogs all year round. You can enjoy a walk around the coastline and up into Hamm Common. From here, you will arrive at Rockley Park holiday park.
There is parking for 63 cars, with good public transport links.
Sandbanks Beach
Banks Road, Poole, BH13 7QQ
Possibly one of the more popular sandy beaches in Poole. The award winning blue flag beach attracts many visitors each year and can get very busy during peak seasons.
There is a large car park for over 500 cars available at Sandbanks, as well as some road parking, however spots are often gone very early in the morning along the roadside.
You can expect to find a lifeguard station, public toilets, shower facilities, a children’s play area, and a barbecue area. There is also an adventure golf course next to the car park.
On the opposite side of the road from the beach is a large shallow expanse of water. This is a popular spot for paddle boarding and kayaking.
Beach huts are available to hire for both short and long term let. If you’re wishing to take your dog to Sandbanks, there is a small section of dog friendly beach near the chain ferry to the west of the beach.
Sandbanks beach is also home to an annual beach festival each year in the Summer.
You may also like to read – Where to enjoy fish and chips in Poole
Shore Road Beach
Shore Road, Poole, BH13 7PJ
Another one of the Blue Flag award winning beaches in Poole, Shore Road is a popular beach for its kite surfing and great facilities.
You can expect to find public toilets, lifeguard station manned in the Summer season, refreshment kiosks, drinking water and water sports equipment hire.
The nearest car park has space for 71 cars.
Shell Bay
If you take the Sandbanks ferry across to Studland, you’ll come across the small Shell Bay beach. There are plenty of sand dunes as you look out across Poole Harbour.
The beach can get quite busy in the Summer months, and it’s worth noting there is a dedicated naturist area of the beach between Shell Bay and Knoll Beach.
