Things to do in Sandbanks

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Doug Smith
Photo by Doug Smith
Photo by Helen Ashmore
Photo by Helen Ashmore
Photo by Ian Youngson
Photo by Ian Youngson
Photo by Lamma Maund
Photo by Lamma Maund
Photo by Minty Suetrong
Photo by Minty Suetrong

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

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.
Learn more
Durdle Door featuring a sunset, rugged coastline and a bay or harbor

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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Corfe Castle featuring heritage elements, tranquil scenes and a ruin

What to do in Sandbanks

Popular places to visit

Poole Harbour which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture

Poole Harbour

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

Poole Harbour
Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Sandbanks Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Sandbanks. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Sandbanks Beach
Poole Quay

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
Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture

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
Compton Acres featuring a pond and heritage architecture

Compton Acres

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
Poole Park

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
Poole which includes modern architecture, a bridge and a river or creek

Poole Twin Sails Bridge

Poole Twin Sails Bridge is just one of the places to see in Hamworthy, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Poole Twin Sails Bridge

RNLI College

Explore the campus of RNLI College during your stay in Poole. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

RNLI College

Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts

You can enjoy a show at Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts during your stay in Poole. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts
Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture

Poole