Explore the Area

What to see, do, and enjoy on Dorset’s coastline

The Sandbanks Ferry connects hundreds of thousands of visitors to Dorset’s stunning coastal destinations and a multitude of attractions every year.

Sandbanks, Poole, Bournemouth & Christchurch

Sandbanks is a peninsula on the south coast of Dorset which forms part of Poole Harbour, Europe’s largest natural harbour.

The area hosts an award-winning, Blue Flag beach with golden sand and crystal-clear waters, accessible in a couple of minutes by car from The Sandbanks Ferry terminal.

The lively coastal towns of Bournemouth and Poole are just a 15-minute drive from Sandbanks, with an abundance of things to do and thriving event programmes all year round.

Both areas provide a wide range of entertainment, arts, and culture across venues including the Bournemouth International Centre, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, and Lighthouse Poole. Plan your perfect day out with a variety of family-friendly attractions, from the Oceanarium to Bournemouth Pier and Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre.

There’s also an abundance of shopping featuring The Bournemouth Arcade, The Royal Arcade in Boscombe, Westbourne Arcade, The Dolphin Centre in Poole and Castlepoint Shopping Centre.

The historic harbour town of Christchurch is just a few miles from Bournemouth, offering the ideal mix of countryside and coast.

Christchurch is home to two picturesque rivers, a beautiful natural harbour and Christchurch Quay which hosts an outdoor splash park. Highcliffe Castle is a must-visit heritage attraction, and Christchurch’s numerous nature reserves are perfect for discovering wildlife.

Find out the latest events and information on food & drink, places to visit, and accommodation, by clicking on the following links:

Sandbanks & Poole | Bournemouth | Christchurch