The world’s ‘Sustable Bay’ is an icon of the United Kingdom Haven with soft water and crystal clear water
Soft sand and crystal clear water may not be the first things you associate with a holiday in the United Kingdom, but perhaps they should be. While the UK is best known for its royal family, football, and active pub scene, its beaches are often overlooked instead of the warm shores of Southern Europe. While it may be due to the country’s lovely unpredictable weather, for those who are willing to explore, the UK has a very important Coastline. Sandbanks Beach in Poole, Dorset, is one of Britain’s most beautiful beaches. Not only is it very impressive, but it has earned itself the title of “world’s most sustainable beach,” according to TripAdvisor.
Currently making up one third of the world’s coastline, sandy beaches are important, not only for the environment they support, but also for tourism. As climate change worsens and sea levels rise, these beaches become less crowded. A study supported by the European Commission estimates that almost half of the world’s sandy beaches could disappear in the next 80 years.
Sandbanks earned its sustainable title based on four factors: Environmental stewardship, environmental education, water quality, and safety. This was evaluated through a combination of guest reviews and data collected through the Blue Flag program. In fact, the European Commission has praised sandbanks for maintaining a consistently high level of cleanliness. Sandbanks has unfurled a 30-year-old flag as a symbol of its environmental efforts. Sustainability isn’t the only thing the beach does well. And it’s well located. Accessible parking spaces, wheelchair accessible toilets, ramps, and mats to access the sand, and beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it something everyone can enjoy.
Read more: The best beaches in the Caribbean
Everything you need to know about spending the day at Sandbanks Beach
Footprints lead into the sand at Sandbanks Beach, Poole, Dorset. – Joegough / Getty Images
Located on the south coast of Dorset, between Poole and Bournanks, Sandbanks Beach is a small peninsula that forms a natural harbor wall at the mouth of Poole Harbor – Europe’s largest natural harbour. The homes that line the peninsula are among the most expensive properties in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. With fine golden sand and clear, shallow water, the beach is perfect for a relaxing, family-friendly day. The facilities are well thought out. The beach office offers clean toilets, fresh water displays, and umbrella and lounger rentals. Guests can also enjoy side volleyball, tennis, mini golf, and a children’s playground. Barbecues are allowed after 6 PM, and there is a designated dog section.
Sandbanks lies on the Breer Breezer bus route 60, which takes 30 minutes from Central Poole to Sandbanks Pavilion. The drive is a little faster, with the 5 mile trip taking 20 minutes. From Bournemouth, located 5 miles northeast, the drive is similar. The easiest public transport option is the number 50 Purbeck Boreezer, which runs from the ground to the Pavilion in around 36 minutes.
Sandbanks offers 532 parking spaces in the sandbanks suction car park, and an additional 72 on the beach road, including 23 designated production spaces. One hour of parking costs about a few dollars from March 15 until the end of October. Off season, you can park all day for the same price as one hour during Peak Souse. You can also find sandbanks in the Beach Check app, which lets you check traffic and how busy the beach is before you go. You may also want to research the best time to visit England for the right weather, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free Newsletter and add us as your favorite search source for access to the world’s best-kept travel secrets.
Read the first article on the islands.
