Fun things to do.
There is lots to do in the area, whatever the weather or time of year. We have tried to steer clear of the obvious ‘go to the beach’ but that is obviously one fo the best things! We like to take a bottle of wine to the beach in the evening (there are plastic glasses in the kitchen) and enjoy the sunset from the beach.
The National Trust own and manage much of the land in the immediate area, including Studland, Brownsea Island, Knoll Beach and Old Harry Rocks. Their website holds information on the below and many, many more places: National Trust: Jurassic Coast
For the more adventure minded there is Horse Riding, Fishing, Foraging, Sea Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Boat Hire and Kite Surfing all available within close proximity.
Studland
Studland is famous for its long, sandy beaches (including a nudist beach), and visitors and locals flock to the area. All the beaches are managed by the National Trust and each has its own car park and facilities. Studland is accessible from the Sandbanks Ferry, 5 minutes walk from Sandhaven Court.
Brownsea Island
The birthplace of Scouting, Brownsea Island is an internationally important nature reserve featuring rare wildlife, including red squirrels, deer and wading birds. Located at the heart of Poole Harbour, it is owned by the National Trust and part of the Purbeck national Nature Reserve. It is a 10 minute boat ride from the boat operators next to the Ferry terminal, which is a 5 minute walk from Sandhaven Court.
Forage & Kayak
Based on Studland, Fore Adventure offer many interesting excursions and trips ranging from Sea Kayaking to Foraging, Fishing and feasting - check out their website on the link above.
Durdle Door
Understandably, Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is an extremely popular beauty spot. Access to the pebble and shingle beach is on foot via a path and steps over the hill from Lulworth Cove or down from the Car Park. It is a 30 minute walk from the car park and facilities are limited once there.
Swanage
Swanage is the most easterly town on the Jurassic Coast, and its blue flag sandy beach and sheltered waters make it a popular destination for families. Despite being just six miles from Poole and Bournemouth, Swanage feels a world away, and retains a sense of bustling but easy-going seaside charm with quaint theme parks and amusements. If you are a walker, it is possible to walk to Swanage from Sandhaven Court… but it is a 10 mile walk.
Learn to Kite Surf
For the adrenaline junkie, there are a few operators who offer Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) hire and Kite Surfing tuition. Most are based in front of Tesco on Shore Road which is a short walk from Sandhaven Court, with Poseidon Kite School being one of the better known.
Portland Bill
Portland Bill is located at the southernmost tip of the Isle of Portland. It is perhaps best known for its lighthouse which is open to visitors and it is possible to climb the steep steps during a guided tour. From the top you can enjoy impressive views across the english channel and watch yachts and fishing boats navigate a dangerous stretch of water, known as the Portland Race. It’s a great place to visit in bad weather as the tidal race can be a real spectacle.
Knoll Beach
Knoll Beach is a well organised beach and, like all the beaches in Studland, it is owned by the National Trust. There is a large car park and beach facilities include a beach shop, a licensed cafe/restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating, toilets and a watersports centre. It is a lovely walk or cycle from Sandhaven Court and is one of our favourite places to visit.
Hire a boat
These red boats can be seen bobbing around in Poole Harbour and are available for self hire from Shore Road from the Red Boat Hire Company. Brilliant for exploring the Harbour.
BBQ on the Beach
The designated area for BBQ’s is at the western end of Sandbanks beach, where they have permanent grilling areas for use at any time on a first come, first served basis. BBQ’s are permitted anywhere on the beach after 6pm, but care is required and please be socially responsible. The designated BBQ sites are a 5 minute walk from Sandhaven Court.
Retail Therapy
Bournemouth and Poole both offer good retailing, with Castlepoint providing the primary Out of Town Centre (link to Website above). Most national multiple retailers are represented across the two towns, including John Lewis, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. You should be able to find what you need.
Old Harry
Standing tall on Handfast Point at the southern end of Studland Bay is one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast – Old Harry. They are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and are managed by the National Trust. Walkable or cycle-able from Sandhaven Court. Stop at the Bankes Arms or The Pig on the Beach on the way past for Lunch.
Compton Acres
Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England. Having undergone extensive refurbishment in the past 10 years Compton Acres is now highly regarded as one of the most important historic gardens in the UK. There is a large free car park, cafe and garden centre.
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle ruins are one of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, they sit proudly upon a hill of this beautiful historical village with the same name.
Catch a Fish
There are a number of operators who offer sea fishing and a quick Google search will provide you with a number of options. We understand Silver Spray Charters offer a good option, to include options to target various different species and full tackle hire.
Ride a Horse
Over on Studland it is possible to organise horse riding for all levels from beginner to advanced at the Studland Trekking Centre.
Splashdown
A family favourite, Splashdown is an indoor & outdoor water park located on the A3049 (Poole) at Tower Park with 13 named water slides. In bad weather it is a good place to take kids.
Bournemouth Aquarium
The Oceanarium is another good place on a bad weather day, housing over 150 species of fish from all around the world.
Have a Massage
Sandbanks Massage Centre is a 5 minute walk away from the apartment, who offer a range of therapies. We can wholeheartedly recommend their treatments, with everything from a relaxing treatment to a deep tissue massage. They are located at the Sandbanks Yacht Club, next to Lazy Jacks.
The Saltwater Sauna
Located at Sandbanks Beach, this traditional Finnish sauna is bookable privately for a group (8 people) or as a single booking. The best in hot and cold therapy… if combined with a dip in the Channel!
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