Poole Beaches Guide

Beach safety

To stay safe at the beach, always swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags and never swim alone.  For exact locations and patrol times of the lifeguarded beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole visit the RNLI website.

We want you to enjoy your time at the beach in safely, so if you're heading to our coast, please follow the @RNLI's beach safety messages:

• Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• Check the weather and tide times before you go
• If you get caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it – instead, relax and float until you are free from the rip, then swim to safety
• If you find yourself in danger in the water, relax and float.

RNLI Beach Safety: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

Blue Flag and Seaside Awards

We’ve retained the international Blue Flag award status since it was first introduced in 1996 and as of 2025 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have now secured 9 Blue Flag awards for Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, Branksome Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Avon Beach, Friars Cliff and Highcliffe.

Read all about the news and list of sponsors in the press release.

We have also secured a total of 10 Seaside Awards for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Fantastic awards like this recognise the highest standards for water quality, environmental management, safety and services and environmental education.

Sandbanks Beach

Naturally beautiful, with its golden sand, Sandbanks Beach is an Tripadvisor award-winning Blue Flag beach achieving the highest standard of cleanliness. Sandbanks has held the highly coveted international Blue Flag for 35 years, making it one of the best beaches in the world. Slacklining posts have been installed and equipment is available to hire from the beach office. Activities at Sandbanks include crazy golf, children's play area and Sandbanks Beach Cafe. You can find great inspiration on all that Sandbanks has to offer with our 24-Hour in Sandbanks Itinerary.

Shore Road Beach

Fine golden sands, gradual sloping beach and clean, safe water makes Shore Road Beach an ideal place to visit. Watersports hire and tuition is available nearby and there is a dedicated 'launch' zone for kitesurfers and windsurfers.  

Canford Cliffs Beach

Canford Cliffs is a natural and tranquil area featuring volleyball nets and football posts.  Situated  between Shore Road and Branksome Chine the beach can be accessed from Cliff Drive, where you can find on-road parking.  The steep sandy cliff face provides a haven for wildlife.   The picturesque wooden beach huts along the chine date back to 1920.

Branksome Beaches

Which include Branksome Chine and Branksome Dene beaches. There are a range of places to buy food and drink and rock groynes create individual bays to enjoy.

Alternatively, visit one of our harbour beaches at Hamworthy Park or Rockley Park.

Dorset is full of award-winning beaches. Find out more information about Dorset Beaches and Bournemouth Beaches.

Advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety in the UK and abroad can be found via the NHS website.