Beach Information - General
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Poole Beaches
Poole has some of the finest beaches in Europe set along three miles of fine golden sands, extending from the Sandbanks peninsular to Branksome Dene Chine (at the Bournemouth border) and are proud to be flying the European Blue Flag for its 20th year. These beaches include
The Blue Flag is the highest accolade for any beach and to gain this prestigious award we must have good quality bathing water, regular beach cleaning, provision for lifesaving equipment and first aid, suitable public conveniences, refreshments, good beach management and a commitment to the environment.
Other facilities at the beach include:
- beach huts for hire
- water sports including pedalos, catamarans and windsurfing;
- crazy golf
- children’s amusements
- disabled beach wheelchairs are available for hire, please call us for details and booking.
Safe bathing zones are provided at all of our main beaches and lifeguards are on duty (May to Sept) to ensure all can enjoy the sea safely. You can also enjoy a barbecue on the beach within the designated area at Sandbanks.
Other Poole beaches are:- Branksome Dene Chine, Lake Pier (Ham Common) and Hamworthy Park.
Beach Barbecues
There is a designated area set aside for you to enjoy beach barbecues at the western end of Sandbanks beach. This area is sectioned off for your safety. The facilities provided include metal tables for setting up and preparing your barbecue food and metal bins for disposing of hot ash.
Should you wish to enjoy a family (up to 12 people) barbecue at the beach you can do so at any time within the designated area. After 6pm you may use other areas of the beach. Terms & Conditions apply. If on the other hand you wish to organise a barbecue party for more than 12 people this is permitted after 6pm within the designated area only. You will need permission (BBQ request form) from the Council and seven days notice is required.
Barbecuing can be great fun but please bear in mind other people who are using the beach. Smoke from your barbecue may be offensive to other beach users and in extreme cases (if deemed to be hazardous or a nuisance) you may be asked to extinguish your barbecue.
Lifeguards and Seasonal Wardens – 1 May to 30 September
The Borough of Poole contract out their beach safety to the RNLI who provide lifeguards and first aid at Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliff Chine and Branksome Chine. The lifeguards are clearly identified by their yellow and red uniforms and are there for your safety.
Beach Wardens are identified by their turquoise and navy uniforms and regularly patrol all of the areas associated with our beaches. Their main function is to provide you with guidance and assistance where required.
Between October to April seasonal Beach Offices at Shore Road, Canford Cliffs and Branksome Chine are CLOSED. Sandbanks Beach Office however remains open throughout the year.
Swim Only Zones and Beach Zoning
As part of our safety strategy marked swim/bathing zones are marked out in the sea at Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs and Branksome Chine. These are identified by the yellow markers in the sea and clearly signed. Boats, Personal Watercraft, Wind/Kite Surfers, large solid body boards are not permitted within the marked swim zones. Swim zones will be further identified by the red/yellow flags.
In addition the Black/White chequered flags are placed at certain points and beach visitors should be aware that ‘hard crafts’ may be in this area. There may be further additional zone areas along the beach which have been set aside for other activities.
Beach Activities and Amusements
Pedalo hire, crazy golf & putting are available at Sandbanks for all the family. There is a wide selection of water sports provided by windsurfing schools at Shore Road/Banks Road which will offer tuition for all the family. When playing games on the beach please always consider other beach users.
Dogs on the Beach
Dogs are not permitted on any of our Blue Flag beaches between 1 May and 30 September. We have, however set aside two clearly marked beaches which are designated all year round dog beaches. These are located at east of the beach office at Branksome Chine to the Bournemouth boundary and the western end of Sandbanks beach beyond the promenade up to Haven Point. Dogs must be on a lead whilst on the promenade during this period. Currently between 1 October to 30 April there are no restriction for dogs on any of Poole’s beaches.
Cycling
Please view our cycling on the promenade page for permitted times and responsibilities.
Parking and Local Transportation
There is ample parking facilities available at all beaches via the pay and display scheme. The Borough of Poole offers a special car parking permit for visitors to Poole’s beaches from only £30 a week. Please note that this permit is only valid for parking in beach car parks including Sandbanks, Branksome Chine, Branksome Dene Chine, Beach Road, Banks Road (on street), Brudenell Road, Western Road and Shore Road (off street).
The Wilts & Dorset (01202 673555) and Yellow Bus (01202 636000) Services all serve Poole’s beaches daily. Please contact the bus companies directly for time table information.
Sailing Vessel Parking Licence
The Borough of Poole currently allows owners of sailing vessels to park on the beach within the designated area at Sandbanks between 1 March and 30 November. Should you wish to apply for a Licence to park your vessel on the beach you can do so by completing the Licence Application form.
Sandbanks Beach Office Opening Hours
October to March - 9.30am – 4.30pm (Monday to Friday only)
April - 9.30am - 4.30pm (Monday to Sunday)
May to September – 9.30am – 6.00pm (Monday to Sunday)
Contact us
Sandbanks Beach Office
Banks Road
Poole
Dorset
BH13 7QQ
Telephone:- 01202 708181
Fax:- 01202 701066
Email:- beachoffice@poole.gov.uk
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