Sandbanks, a small peninsula on the Dorset coastline, is a prestigious and picturesque area boasting stunning views and glistening waters. Its sandy beaches have earned a reputation as one of the finest stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom, attracting discerning visitors and beach enthusiasts alike. Beyond its natural beauty, Sandbanks has become synonymous with luxury living, featuring an array of sought-after properties and waterfront residences, complete with breathtaking views of the sea. As part of our Walk Around series, our Head of Country Buying and Southwestern counties specialist, Ben Horne, takes us on a virtual stroll around Sandbanks and details what makes the area so unique.
As a year-round destination, Sandbanks offers a range of outdoor activities, from sailing and water sports in the sheltered harbour to scenic walks along the coast. The Royal Motor Yacht Club regularly hosts sailing courses for amateur sailing enthusiasts. Windy days are something to witness, with the harbour sky often full of brightly coloured kites and boards, all looking to catch the best conditions. Water sports are popular both oceanside and harbourside, with multiple schools providing lessons in windsurfing, paddleboarding and kitesurfing. Jetskiing is incredibly popular on the oceanside, and further along, the coast towards Bournemouth provides surfers with their very own paradise.
If learning a sport isn’t for you, don’t worry, you can still enjoy time on the water. You can charter a yacht from companies in Sandbanks or on Poole Quay, or you can head to one of the local yacht clubs or marinas for your own mooring ready for summer sailing (Sandbanks Yacht Club, Parkstone Yacht Club, Salterns Marina).
Sandbanks and the surrounding areas provide a range of award-winning culinary choices, with acclaimed celebrity chef Rick Stein’s name-sake restaurant chain taking pride of place along the Sandbanks harbour front.
The surrounding area of Canford Cliffs offers further amenities contributing to the area’s status as a prime coastal hotspot. With upscale dining options, such as gastropub The Cliff, The Anchorage, serving sustainably sourced British fish & seafood, and ever-popular local wine and cheese bar chain Renoufs. You’ll also find boutique shops and a vibrant coastal culture close by in Westbourne.
Looking out from the Sandbanks peninsula, national landmarks are visible on both ocean and harbourside. Oceanside, you’ll be able to see Old Harry Rocks in the distance, large chalk stacks dating back to the Mesozoic era that sit just off the coastline of the Isle of Purbeck. Easily accessible via a short trip on the local chain ferry across the harbour, on your way, you’ll find Studland. The village is home to multiple national trust-owned beaches and the award-winning The Pig On The Beach Hotel and Restaurant.
Harbourside sits Brownsea Island, a small National Trust-owned island full of spectacular views, woodland trails, and rare species (such as the Red Squirrel). The island is accessible from Poole Harbour via regular ferry trips and is the perfect place for a family adventure.
Summer sees a host of events across Sandbanks and the local area.
Starting the summer season in the Poole Regatta, where you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy excellent racing both inside the harbour and out in the bay. Further sailing events take place throughout the summer, with Poole Week towards the end of August.
Early July sees Sandpolo, The British Beach Polo Championships, alongside its accompanying music event, Boogie on the Beach, featuring Soul, Motown and Disco classics. Later in July, music lovers can also enjoy Sandfest, an annual, independent one-day music festival with a range of music.
For more low-key family fun, every Friday sees fireworks in the harbour. Watch from a distance at Sandbanks or enjoy live music and entertainment on Poole Quay.
Closing out the summer, further along the beach towards Bournemouth is the Bournemouth Air Festival, the largest air festival in the UK. Enjoy four days of aerobatics, including the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon and Battle of Britain planes, accompanied by Funfair rides and market stands.
Ideally located within a few hours’ reach of London, Sandbanks attracts weekend home buyers looking for a coastal escape to enjoy a slower pace with family. As with the rest of the country, seaside and waterfront property comes at a premium. Anything with views of the water, whether harbourside or seaside, will attract higher prices, with Sandbanks becoming one of the most expensive places to live per square foot, rivalling Sydney Harbour. Those looking to buy in Sandbanks can find a range of property styles from modern penthouse apartments to contemporary seaside homes, with prices on the peninsula ranging from £2 million to £7 million plus for expansive luxury homes with their own private sea access.
For property advice in Sandbanks and the surrounding coastal areas, click here to speak to Ben directly.