Shore Road Beach, Sandbanks, Poole

Description:

Shore Road is a popular sandy Blue Flag beach. It is located close to the Sandbanks beach  and signposted to follow the B3369 from Poole Civic centre.

There are 72 parking spaces plus 12 for disabled motorists and some parking on the road.

This beach has beautiful views to the Purbecks and accross the road to Poole Harbour. There is a swim zone section the usual KidsZone protection and RNLI for safety in the water. This beach is renowned for its sailing, windsurfing, jet-ski and kite-surfing, and is quoted as one of the top ten venues to learn to windsurf and Kite-surf in the world. The most popular place for windsurfing is the area inland towards the harbour where the water is only waist high. This is also a good place to fish.

In line with the popularity of the venue there are four local windsurfing shops, three of which currently run equipment hire and lessons in the area. There is also a dedicated water-sports organisation that has some equipment for hire.

The Sandbanks Hotel has a stunning position with Sands Brasserie restaurant and seating right down to the beach. Just across from here is Jazzy's café and bar. This tends to be the trendy meeting place for the young people but is equally popular with families and has a continental feel.

Local facilities are excellent with toilets, cafés, shops and (during summer) external showers.

There is a train station at Poole  and a good Wilts and Dorset bus service, number 152 from Poole daily until late September. From Bournemouth  the 150 runs every hour daily until mid-September. Yellow buses open-topped service runs through on its way to Sandbanks.

Dogs are not permitted on the beach from May 1 to September 30.

Places to visit on a rainy day are:-

Poole Park Gardens  spread along a 55 acre lake. Jungle playground, indoor ball pool and slides for the children up to 12, licenced cafe bar and mini railway. There are ducks, and geese and a train journeying through the park.

Kingston Lacey House, near Wimborne. A 17th century house owned by the National Trust. Open March 22 to November 2 - house closed Monday and Tuesday, open Bank Holidays.