Things to do in Sandbanks

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo by Doug Smith
Photo by Doug Smith

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Top places to visit

1. Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a natural arch carved into the limestone cliffs on the Jurassic Coast of England. The geological feature is the unquestionable highlight of the Lulworth Estate, which is open to the public and consists of 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares) of picturesque terrain. Go for a romantic stroll along the stony beach and take photographs of this stunning geological feature.
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Durdle Door featuring a bay or harbour, rocky coastline and a sunset

2. Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour is a large natural bay with several small islands in the southern part of the city. It has an intriguing history, with its shores having been inhabited for thousands of years. A boat from the Iron Age was discovered here. Watch the lifting of Poole Bridge, built in 1927 and spanning the waterway between the harbor and Holes Bay.
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Poole Harbour which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture

3. Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach is one of England’s most popular and attractive sandy areas. For decades, locals and travelers have been relaxing under umbrellas against the roar of the English Channel’s waves. Discover the varying parts of the beach during your vacation, from the more active central bays to the spacious havens a little farther out from the city.
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Bournemouth Beach

4. Bournemouth International Centre

The Bournemouth International Centre, or the BIC, is a large events space and conference center that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. Come here to take in everything from wrestling to stand-up comedy shows, from food and drinks festivals to musicals. And of course, if you are visiting Bournemouth for a conference or business event, there is a good chance it will be held here in the BIC.
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Go to a performance, conference, exhibition or other event at this large venue, which sits on the beautiful coast of Bournemouth.

5. Corfe Castle

Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Corfe Castle was once a sturdy stone fort. Although only ruins remain, the crumbling castle atop a scenic green hill, is now one of Britain’s most-visited historic structures. Walk where kings and knights once walked as you explore the quaint alleyways, steps and tumbledown walls.
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Corfe Castle featuring tranquil scenes, building ruins and heritage elements

Popular places to visit

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Poole Harbour

4.5/5(412 reviews)

Visit a forested part of this harbor’s archipelago after strolling along the charming promenade full of restaurants, pubs and boutiques.

Poole Harbour
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Sandbanks Beach

4.5/5(36 reviews)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Sandbanks Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Sandbanks. Stroll along the waterfront in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.

Sandbanks Beach
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Brownsea Island

4.5/5(109 reviews)

Combine sightseeing at the church and castle with a search for playful red squirrels as you meander through the dense woodland of this island.

Brownsea Island
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Poole Quay

Explore the waterfront in Poole with a trip to Poole Quay. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

Poole Quay
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Compton Acres

4.5/5(22 reviews)

The fine historic gardens of late Victorian mixed style were set up in the early 20th century. Peruse the range of exotic sections remaining today.

Compton Acres
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Brownsea Castle

Ride a ferry to a forested island. Observe colorful peacocks and playful red squirrels beside this grand castle from the 1500s.

Brownsea Castle
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Poole Park

Explore the great outdoors at Poole Park, a lovely green space in Poole. Make time to visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Poole Park
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Poole Museum

Learn the story of Poole and its harbor from interesting items, such as the Iron Age boat kept in this restored Victorian depository.

Poole Museum
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Branksome Chine Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Branksome Chine Beach during your trip to Poole? Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Branksome Chine Beach
Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture

Poole

Swanage

Swanage

Compton Acres showing heritage architecture and a park

Canford Cliffs