Key Features
- Property code: SUMHOU
- Preferred changeover day: Saturday
- Check in: 3:30pm
- Check out: 10:00am
- 2 or more bathrooms
- Central heating
- Parking (see description for details)
- Dishwasher
- Ground floor accommodation
- Garden or outside space
- Nearby pub or restaurant
- Nearby shop
- Short breaks available
- Tumble dryer
- Village
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Description
Following the winding path past architectural plants and koi ponds, The Summer House is a character cottage that is nestled in a secluded spot. Entering the property, the house opens up to a vaulted ceiling and glass elevation leading on to a large balcony that wraps around the house. The Summer House is a beautiful & charming property set within the lush grounds of Compton Acres Gardens.
The property boasts a unique location amongst the gorgeous oak and pine trees, from the balcony you can gaze over the tree-top canopy to view the glistening water of Poole harbour beyond. The open-plan living space is bright and provides guests with ample space to unwind and host if they wish. Each bedroom offers a calming, sanctuary-like space for guests to enjoy - with the master bedroom benefiting from an en-suite bathroom also. During the gardens opening times, immerse yourself in the captivating gardens of Compton Acres. Take a stroll around the Italian Garden, idyllic courtyards and Japanese Garden or enjoy a bite for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the lovely restaurant.
On a warm summer's evening, guests can sit in the beautiful Italian Villa courtyard, sipping an Aperol Spritz and enjoying the wonderful Mediterranean aromas from the woodfired oven, you could easily imagine that you are in Italy itself! Alternatively, guests may wish to venture down from the property for a round of golf at Parkstone Golf Club - one of the best-known and finest courses on the South Coast.
Nearby, guests will enjoy the surrounding areas of Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs village, Lilliput & Westbourne where an array of restaurants, cafes, shops and other activities like watersports can be found and enjoyed. The award-winning blue flag beaches of Sandbanks are just a short 5-minute drive away, or the equally as wonderful Canford Cliffs or Branksome Beach.
NB - Please note that smoking is not permitted past the carpark area and no naked flames or bbqs of any description are allowed within the Compton Acres site due to it being a high risk fire area.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed.
Linen & towels included.
Key Features
- Property code: SUMHOU
- Preferred changeover day: Saturday
- Check in: 3:30pm
- Check out: 10:00am
- 2 or more bathrooms
- Central heating
- Parking (see description for details)
- Dishwasher
- Ground floor accommodation
- Garden or outside space
- Nearby pub or restaurant
- Nearby shop
- Short breaks available
- Tumble dryer
- Village
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Description
Following the winding path past architectural plants and koi ponds, The Summer House is a character cottage that is nestled in a secluded spot. Entering the property, the house opens up to a vaulted ceiling and glass elevation leading on to a large balcony that wraps around the house. The Summer House is a beautiful & charming property set within the lush grounds of Compton Acres Gardens.
The property boasts a unique location amongst the gorgeous oak and pine trees, from the balcony you can gaze over the tree-top canopy to view the glistening water of Poole harbour beyond. The open-plan living space is bright and provides guests with ample space to unwind and host if they wish. Each bedroom offers a calming, sanctuary-like space for guests to enjoy - with the master bedroom benefiting from an en-suite bathroom also. During the gardens opening times, immerse yourself in the captivating gardens of Compton Acres. Take a stroll around the Italian Garden, idyllic courtyards and Japanese Garden or enjoy a bite for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the lovely restaurant.
On a warm summer's evening, guests can sit in the beautiful Italian Villa courtyard, sipping an Aperol Spritz and enjoying the wonderful Mediterranean aromas from the woodfired oven, you could easily imagine that you are in Italy itself! Alternatively, guests may wish to venture down from the property for a round of golf at Parkstone Golf Club - one of the best-known and finest courses on the South Coast.
Nearby, guests will enjoy the surrounding areas of Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs village, Lilliput & Westbourne where an array of restaurants, cafes, shops and other activities like watersports can be found and enjoyed. The award-winning blue flag beaches of Sandbanks are just a short 5-minute drive away, or the equally as wonderful Canford Cliffs or Branksome Beach.
NB - Please note that smoking is not permitted past the carpark area and no naked flames or bbqs of any description are allowed within the Compton Acres site due to it being a high risk fire area.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed.
Linen & towels included.
Bedroom 1 - Master bedroom with king bed and ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 2 - Double bed with access to the family bathroom
Bedroom 3 - Twin beds OR Superking bed (please specify before your stay) and access to the family bathroom
Balcony with table and chairs. Lawn with garden furniture.
Leave your busy lives behind and head to Sandbanks for carefree days soaking up the sunshine on endless golden beaches, enjoying exhilarating water sports and excellent day trips and attractions, or sampling delicious local seafood in a choice of laid-back beachside restaurants. Holidays in Sandbanks really do offer something for everyone and its stunning scenery, combined with a convenient location just 3.5 hours from London, make it a popular holiday destination for couples, families and larger groups alike.
The stunning Sandbanks Peninsula juts out at the mouth of Poole Harbour, with a beautiful wide sandy beach running along its entire 7-mile length, offering safe swimming in sparkling, Blue Flag-status water, volleyball and play areas, scenic coastal dog walks, and the simple pleasures of relaxing on the soft sand soaking up the gentle Dorset sunshine.
What’s more, the sheltered waters on the harbour side of peninsula provide the ideal playground for sailors, paddle boarders, kayakers and boat enthusiasts, while the chain ferry links the tip of Sandbanks and Studland across the bay, opening up further beaches and World Heritage coastline. Another short ferry ride takes you to the National Trust-owned Brownsea Island in the middle of Poole Harbour, which is well worth a visit for its unique wildlife, heathland and lagoon.
Although summer holidays in Sandbanks are popular, its mild climate is also well suited to spring and autumn breaks with some excellent walking, shopping and world-class restaurants to enjoy. So whatever your reason for visiting Sandbanks, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in this beautiful corner of Dorset.
Parking for two cars - NB The house is a 4 minute walk through the gardens from the parking spaces. A luggage trolley is available on request.
This property offers a complimentary concierge and event planning service for the ultimate holiday experience. From private catering, butler services and drivers to restaurant reservations, boat trips, super cars and spa treatments, we’re here to help craft a totally unique and tailored stay. For more information or to request a consultation, please contact us.
The Anchorage
(Less than a mile)
(1)
Super stylish bar and restaurant in leafy Canford Cliffs offering a wide ranging menu focusing on high quality fresh local meat, fish and seafood.
Anchorage 47 Haven Rd, Canford Cliffs, Poole BH13 7LH (T: 01202 609000)
Yes but was told no longer accepting walk ins at 7pm which is mad as it was not busy. Did not return.
July 2023
Baffi - Canford Cliffs
(Less than a mile)
(1)
One of a small local chain of modern Italian restaurants specialising in wood fired Neopolitan pizzas . Add some fresh antipasti, salad or a mouth watering dessert to your order for a truly authentic Italian experience, all created with super fresh high quality ingredients. Some interesting Italian wines and aperitifs to choose from too. Kids menu available.
Baffi Pizza 44 Haven Road, Poole BH13 7LP (T: 01202 708666)
Delicious pizza and covered everyone’s tastes. Amazing for the whole family.
June 2023
The Canford
(Less than a mile)
(2)
Gastropub offering great food and wine, real ales and a wide range of other drinks in colonial style surroundings. You’ll find plenty of seating inside and outside in the garden and menus making the most of the freshest local ingredients.
The Canford 53 Cliff Drive, Canford Cliffs,Poole BH13 7JF (T: 01202 701531)
Lovely pub with amazing outside space x Dog friendly too xx
October 2023
Absolutely lovely
August 2023
Koh Thai - Lilliput
(Less than a mile)
(8)
Contemporary Thai restaurant serving acclaimed Thai cuisine in stylish surroundings. Just minutes from Sandbanks this cool little eatery also cooks up some great cocktails at the bar.
Koh Thai Lilliput 292 Sandbanks Rd, BH14 8HX (T: 01202 914997)
Great good and service, well worth a visit.
November 2023
Wonderful food and atmosphere.
September 2023
Never had a bad experience here. Staff always friendly and efficient and the food tastes very fresh and full of flavour. The place has nice vibe to it. The evening closing time is later than some other restaurants too; 10.30pm on a Saturday night. If you have the energy to walk up Evening Hill from Sandbanks, harbourside, to get here, you'll get great views especially at sunset.
July 2023
Great friendly restaurant, delicious food, good value
July 2022
What an excellent restaurant. The service was wonderful and the food was amazing. Well worth a visit.
June 2022
Food was good but service was very very slow and not up to standard. We had our meals served the other way round, our main courses arrived first, them followed by the starters and the cocktails turned up last!!!
October 2021
A seriously good thai restaurant - a good 'modern' vibe, great music, excellent cocktails, made properly, a good menu with a good range of food and excellent staff.
October 2021
Highly recommended. The food was absolutely delicious. Service was done with a smile but it was a little slow on the evening we visited. The side dishes to share were well worth trying. A very nice clean venue.
June 2021
Rockets & Rascals Poole
(Less than a mile)
(3)
A friendly and welcoming dog-friendly café serving delicious, fresh and healthy food, which is a popular spot with cyclists thanks to its adjoining bike shop. Whether meeting friends for breakfast, a family lunch or refuelling from your cycle ride, you can enjoy freshly baked cakes, vegan and gluten free treats, salads and sandwiches, as well as juices, smoothies and freshly-ground coffee. If you’re in a rush or planning a picnic, you can also get your food boxed up and take it away with you.
Rockets and Rascals (T: 01202 708842) salterns court, Sandbanks Rd, Lilliput, Poole, BH14 8HS
Great cafe and lunch place, so friendly staff and clientele, terrace seating al fresco.
July 2023
A lovely friendly welcome and a tasty breakfast.
October 2021
Such a cool place. Really friendly knowledgeable & helpful staff. Can highly recommend.
June 2021
Compton Acres
(Less than a mile)
(7)
Explore ten acres of beautiful gardens full of unusual plants and flowers from around the world. There’s also a plant centre, choice of cafes and a bakery selling tempting cakes and snacks . Dogs on leads welcome.
Click here for further details
Beautiful gardens, dogs allowed. Especially loved the Japanese garden. Superb tea shop/restaurant.
November 2023
Lovely attraction. Unexpectedly large gardens, all presented in different areas. The Italian and Japanese gardens were beautiful. The cafe served very good soup.
October 2023
Wonderful gardens & sculptures. The Japanese gardens are spectacular.
September 2023
Really really good. Great coffee shop and friendly staff.
July 2023
This place was truly amazing. Beautiful garden designs. I particularly like the water features and the Japanese garden.
May 2023
Highly recommend to visit this attraction. A wonderful hidden gem in Poole. The gardens were beautiful and you feel like you're somewhere else in another country! A must see!
October 2021
Far far better than we expected
May 2021
Poole Harbour Watersports
(Less than a mile)
Operating for over 20 years in the harbour’s safe, sandy waters providing windsurfing and kite surfing courses; SUP tours, tuition and hire, kayak tours and hire and kids clubs. AALA and British Kitesports Approved.
Click here for further details
The Watersports Academy
(Less than a mile)
(2)
Located at the Sandbanks hotel and offering a host of exciting water based activities all overseen by qualified instructors. Take your pick from windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, dinghy sailing, SUP, kayaking and more, and enjoy direct access to Poole Harbours shallow and sheltered waters, the ideal place to learn a new skill or perfect an old one. Yacht charter and Power Boating also available.
Click here for further details
We had a brilliant hour kayaking around Poole harbour. Was suitable for the whole family.
June 2023
Excellent facilities and friendly, knowledgeable staff
June 2021
Poseidon Kite School
(Less than a mile)
Focused on delivering the highest level of service, Poseidon Kite School offers everything from beginners lessons to advanced tuition, equipment rental and retail. Passionate and dedicated to their students, the team is made up of only the highest calibre instructors, all running lessons to the British Kitesurf Association (BKSA) standard.
Click here for further details
Jetski Safaris
(Less than a mile)
(2)
Friendly company offering thrilling powerboat rides and jetski safaris to get you out on the water in the spectacular Poole Harbour and surrounding Jurassic coastline.
Click here for more details
Save £10 per booking with code toadhall10 or on presentation of your Toad Hall Cottages discount card
Absolutely loved it
August 2023
Tried to book via the website only to find out that in 2021 they were no longer offering jet ski safaris.
June 2021
Canford Cliffs Beach
(Less than a mile)
A beautifully quiet and tranquil stretch of golden sandy beach where you can enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters or relax in the sunshine on the soft sand with a picnic and a book. Apart from toilets on the promenade, there are no facilities at the beach itself but the shops, bars and restaurants of Canford Cliffs are within easy walking distance.
Shore Road Beach, Sandbanks
(Less than a mile)
(1)
Shore Road is a golden sandy beach with a promenade that stretches for miles along the beautiful Sandbanks peninsula - perfect for a seaside stroll or cycle (except during peak times in July & August from 10am to 6pm when cycles are not permitted).
Famed for its Mediterranean-style cafes and outstanding views across the harbour to the Purbeck hills and Brownsea Island, this beach is very family-friendly thanks to its gentle slope into clean waters and seasonal lifeguard cover.
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1st May - 30th September, however they are permitted on the promenade on a lead all year round.
This Blue Flag standard beach has several watersports hire shops and many other beach facilities, including plenty of parking, cafe/restaurant, beach shop, beach huts and deck chairs for hire, toilets and outdoor showers, and reusable water bottle drinking water refill points.
House very near to the clean, sandy beach….excellent
July 2023
Branksome Chine Beach
(Less than a mile)
(2)
Branksome Beach is a wide, golden stretch of sand popular among locals and visitors alike, in part due to its Blue Flag status which highlights high standards of cleanliness on the beach and in the bathing waters.
The beach benefits from a promenade behind and many facilities including beach huts, shop, bar and restaurant. There is also good disabled access and a safe swim zone.
Watersports include swimming and windsurfing and there is lifeguard cover in the summer months.
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from the 1st May - 30th September, however they are allowed on the promenade on a short lead.
Up to its usual standard
October 2023
Excellent beach with a couple of miles walk possible along the promenade, soft sand and plenty of options for refreshments. Barbeques are also permitted.
June 2023
Alum Chine Beach
(2 miles)
(2)
Alum Chine is a wide sandy beach with a paddling pool and large adventure playground, making it the perfect beach to visit if you have young children in tow.
Meanwhile, the scenic sub-tropical gardens behind the beach with stunning views out to the Solent are a big draw for the older visitor. Due to the mild micro-climate along this stretch of the south coast, it's possible to grow many exotic species successfully.
The beach also boasts Blue Flag status, beach huts for hire and a large car park, as well as a regular bus service to and from Bournemouth Centre. The popular Land Train also links Alum Chine with other beaches along the long sandy stretch of Bournemouth seafront.
There's a popular family-friendly Italian restaurant, Vesuvio, and many ice cream vendors to keep you refreshed during the day.
A variety of watersports are available here including kayaking/canoeing, fishing, swimming, sailing and windsurfing.
Dogs are allowed on parts of the beach throughout the year although they are banned from certain areas - check local signage for details.
The kids playground was very attractive to our grandchildren who visited
October 2023
Fantastic beach with large dog friendly area
July 2023
Sandbanks Beach
(2 miles)
(29)
Set on a small peninsula, just a stone's throw from some of the most expensive and exclusive homes in the country, the world-renowned Sandbanks beach is one of the most beautiful and clean beaches on the South Coast of England.
This spacious, family-friendly beach is blessed with soft golden sand, crystal clear waters and breathtaking views of across the English Channel; and has earned the coveted Blue Flag status for 30 consecutive years.
Beach facilities include a crazy golf course, children's play area, barbecue area, toilets and a cafe.
There is a designated area for dogs at the western end of Sandbanks beach (near the chain ferry). Dog owners are requested to always keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
Best place in the world for dog walking - Our dog Alfie had just the best weekend ??
October 2023
Great beach, but don't tell anyone (let's keep it to ourselves)!
September 2023
GORGEOUS beach
September 2023
Excellent sandy beach less than 5 minutes walk from house.
September 2023
Amazing
September 2023
Excellent - great for kids and very clean
August 2023
It's hard to beat sandbanks, it's the perfect family beach and nearby Studland is beautiful and still a little bit wild and rugged, in a very good way.
August 2023
Amazing dog friendly beach. Very clean and the water is so clear. Great for dog walking, paddling and shell spotting.
August 2023
Gorgeous beach with great facilities. Large dog friendly area.
July 2023
Gorgeous beaches with good facilities .
July 2023
Just the best beach (but don't tell anyone - we like it keep it to ourselves)
July 2023
Excellent for children and dogs
June 2023
Best dog beach ever.
May 2023
Beautiful clean beach Lovely spot for swimming Great for children
May 2023
Very busy beach, not particularly tidal so sea never far out. Pleasure to sit and watch all the boats and water sports. My husband was bitten by a jelly fish so recommend beach shoes!
August 2022
What a beautiful Sandy child friendly beach. Calm little coves, plenty of clean facilities and a new er ending supply of seashells despite how many we took
June 2022
Great beach for children. We enjoyed walking along and the beach cafe and the crazy golf.
April 2022
Beautiful fine sandy beach
April 2022
We stayed at 1 Westpoint and the beach is just a short walk from the house which was excellent. I recommend also to take the short ferry ride to Shell Bay beach which was lovely too.
October 2021
Beautiful, clean beach
June 2021
Excellent beach
June 2021
Great beach for little ones
September 2020
The cleanest beach we have been to in Britain and in these strange times, grest social distancing from everyone there
August 2020
Amazing beach - who needs the med when you have sandbanks
August 2020
Had an excellent stay over New Year. Clean, well equipped and warm. Everything we hoped for. Handy for beach and ferry, with Swanage, Poole and Bournemouth not far away. Would definitely like to return.
January 2020
We rented a hut on Sandbanks which was brilliant as with 5 children, we had a lot of stuff that could be left there all week. The only thing that lets this beach down is the cost of parking for the day and the terrible shortage of ladies loos. People are using the loos to change in and this results on ridiculously long queues on sunny holiday days. The beach is beautiful and very clean and safe for small children..
September 2019
Fantastic beach out of season, very dog friendly
November 2018
Excellent. Clean and child safe
July 2018
A nice property with good location to nearby beach and ferries. (Although ferry traffic gets busy on Panorama Road at times) Layout of property good on 3 levels. Only disappointment was level of cleanliness dirty floors and balcony furniture. Something easily remedied
July 2018
September 2023
The location is wonderful & quiet. The experience was truly relaxing & the whole family enjoyed their stay.
August 2023
Loved our stay. Great location, amazing view, quality furnishings and ample crockery and cutlery. Plan to visit again.
July 2023
Amazing house and a lovely stay . Cleaning was ok
July 2023
We absolutely loved our stay at The Summer House. It’s an oasis of tranquility set in beautiful gardens. The welcome food and drink hamper was delicious and enjoyed by all. The two terraces had stunning views of the golf course and harbour with a large dining table both inside and outside to make the most of alfresco living. We hope to return!
July 2023
Generally an excellent stay and a lovely property. Just needs a few small bits addressed to make it superb.
June 2023
We had a very memorable time. The location could not be bettered and the house is really lovely
September 2023
The location is wonderful & quiet. The experience was truly relaxing & the whole family enjoyed their stay.
August 2023
Loved our stay. Great location, amazing view, quality furnishings and ample crockery and cutlery. Plan to visit again.
July 2023
Amazing house and a lovely stay . Cleaning was ok
July 2023
We absolutely loved our stay at The Summer House. It’s an oasis of tranquility set in beautiful gardens. The welcome food and drink hamper was delicious and enjoyed by all. The two terraces had stunning views of the golf course and harbour with a large dining table both inside and outside to make the most of alfresco living. We hope to return!
July 2023
Generally an excellent stay and a lovely property. Just needs a few small bits addressed to make it superb.
June 2023
We had a very memorable time. The location could not be bettered and the house is really lovely
The Anchorage
(Less than a mile)
(1)
Super stylish bar and restaurant in leafy Canford Cliffs offering a wide ranging menu focusing on high quality fresh local meat, fish and seafood.
Anchorage 47 Haven Rd, Canford Cliffs, Poole BH13 7LH (T: 01202 609000)
Yes but was told no longer accepting walk ins at 7pm which is mad as it was not busy. Did not return.
July 2023
Baffi - Canford Cliffs
(Less than a mile)
(1)
One of a small local chain of modern Italian restaurants specialising in wood fired Neopolitan pizzas . Add some fresh antipasti, salad or a mouth watering dessert to your order for a truly authentic Italian experience, all created with super fresh high quality ingredients. Some interesting Italian wines and aperitifs to choose from too. Kids menu available.
Baffi Pizza 44 Haven Road, Poole BH13 7LP (T: 01202 708666)
Delicious pizza and covered everyone’s tastes. Amazing for the whole family.
June 2023
The Canford
(Less than a mile)
(2)
Gastropub offering great food and wine, real ales and a wide range of other drinks in colonial style surroundings. You’ll find plenty of seating inside and outside in the garden and menus making the most of the freshest local ingredients.
The Canford 53 Cliff Drive, Canford Cliffs,Poole BH13 7JF (T: 01202 701531)
Lovely pub with amazing outside space x Dog friendly too xx
October 2023
Absolutely lovely
August 2023
Koh Thai - Lilliput
(Less than a mile)
(8)
Contemporary Thai restaurant serving acclaimed Thai cuisine in stylish surroundings. Just minutes from Sandbanks this cool little eatery also cooks up some great cocktails at the bar.
Koh Thai Lilliput 292 Sandbanks Rd, BH14 8HX (T: 01202 914997)
Great good and service, well worth a visit.
November 2023
Wonderful food and atmosphere.
September 2023
Never had a bad experience here. Staff always friendly and efficient and the food tastes very fresh and full of flavour. The place has nice vibe to it. The evening closing time is later than some other restaurants too; 10.30pm on a Saturday night. If you have the energy to walk up Evening Hill from Sandbanks, harbourside, to get here, you'll get great views especially at sunset.
July 2023
Great friendly restaurant, delicious food, good value
July 2022
What an excellent restaurant. The service was wonderful and the food was amazing. Well worth a visit.
June 2022
Food was good but service was very very slow and not up to standard. We had our meals served the other way round, our main courses arrived first, them followed by the starters and the cocktails turned up last!!!
October 2021
A seriously good thai restaurant - a good 'modern' vibe, great music, excellent cocktails, made properly, a good menu with a good range of food and excellent staff.
October 2021
Highly recommended. The food was absolutely delicious. Service was done with a smile but it was a little slow on the evening we visited. The side dishes to share were well worth trying. A very nice clean venue.
June 2021
Rockets & Rascals Poole
(Less than a mile)
(3)
A friendly and welcoming dog-friendly café serving delicious, fresh and healthy food, which is a popular spot with cyclists thanks to its adjoining bike shop. Whether meeting friends for breakfast, a family lunch or refuelling from your cycle ride, you can enjoy freshly baked cakes, vegan and gluten free treats, salads and sandwiches, as well as juices, smoothies and freshly-ground coffee. If you’re in a rush or planning a picnic, you can also get your food boxed up and take it away with you.
Rockets and Rascals (T: 01202 708842) salterns court, Sandbanks Rd, Lilliput, Poole, BH14 8HS
Great cafe and lunch place, so friendly staff and clientele, terrace seating al fresco.
July 2023
A lovely friendly welcome and a tasty breakfast.
October 2021
Such a cool place. Really friendly knowledgeable & helpful staff. Can highly recommend.
June 2021
Compton Acres
(Less than a mile)
(7)
Explore ten acres of beautiful gardens full of unusual plants and flowers from around the world. There’s also a plant centre, choice of cafes and a bakery selling tempting cakes and snacks . Dogs on leads welcome.
Click here for further details
Beautiful gardens, dogs allowed. Especially loved the Japanese garden. Superb tea shop/restaurant.
November 2023
Lovely attraction. Unexpectedly large gardens, all presented in different areas. The Italian and Japanese gardens were beautiful. The cafe served very good soup.
October 2023
Wonderful gardens & sculptures. The Japanese gardens are spectacular.
September 2023
Really really good. Great coffee shop and friendly staff.
July 2023
This place was truly amazing. Beautiful garden designs. I particularly like the water features and the Japanese garden.
May 2023
Highly recommend to visit this attraction. A wonderful hidden gem in Poole. The gardens were beautiful and you feel like you're somewhere else in another country! A must see!
October 2021
Far far better than we expected
May 2021
Poole Harbour Watersports
(Less than a mile)
Operating for over 20 years in the harbour’s safe, sandy waters providing windsurfing and kite surfing courses; SUP tours, tuition and hire, kayak tours and hire and kids clubs. AALA and British Kitesports Approved.
Click here for further details
The Watersports Academy
(Less than a mile)
(2)
Located at the Sandbanks hotel and offering a host of exciting water based activities all overseen by qualified instructors. Take your pick from windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, dinghy sailing, SUP, kayaking and more, and enjoy direct access to Poole Harbours shallow and sheltered waters, the ideal place to learn a new skill or perfect an old one. Yacht charter and Power Boating also available.
Click here for further details
We had a brilliant hour kayaking around Poole harbour. Was suitable for the whole family.
June 2023
Excellent facilities and friendly, knowledgeable staff
June 2021
Poseidon Kite School
(Less than a mile)
Focused on delivering the highest level of service, Poseidon Kite School offers everything from beginners lessons to advanced tuition, equipment rental and retail. Passionate and dedicated to their students, the team is made up of only the highest calibre instructors, all running lessons to the British Kitesurf Association (BKSA) standard.
Click here for further details
Jetski Safaris
(Less than a mile)
(2)
Friendly company offering thrilling powerboat rides and jetski safaris to get you out on the water in the spectacular Poole Harbour and surrounding Jurassic coastline.
Click here for more details
Save £10 per booking with code toadhall10 or on presentation of your Toad Hall Cottages discount card
Absolutely loved it
August 2023
Tried to book via the website only to find out that in 2021 they were no longer offering jet ski safaris.
June 2021
Canford Cliffs Beach
(Less than a mile)
A beautifully quiet and tranquil stretch of golden sandy beach where you can enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters or relax in the sunshine on the soft sand with a picnic and a book. Apart from toilets on the promenade, there are no facilities at the beach itself but the shops, bars and restaurants of Canford Cliffs are within easy walking distance.
Shore Road Beach, Sandbanks
(Less than a mile)
(1)
Shore Road is a golden sandy beach with a promenade that stretches for miles along the beautiful Sandbanks peninsula - perfect for a seaside stroll or cycle (except during peak times in July & August from 10am to 6pm when cycles are not permitted).
Famed for its Mediterranean-style cafes and outstanding views across the harbour to the Purbeck hills and Brownsea Island, this beach is very family-friendly thanks to its gentle slope into clean waters and seasonal lifeguard cover.
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1st May - 30th September, however they are permitted on the promenade on a lead all year round.
This Blue Flag standard beach has several watersports hire shops and many other beach facilities, including plenty of parking, cafe/restaurant, beach shop, beach huts and deck chairs for hire, toilets and outdoor showers, and reusable water bottle drinking water refill points.
House very near to the clean, sandy beach….excellent
July 2023
Branksome Chine Beach
(Less than a mile)
(2)
Branksome Beach is a wide, golden stretch of sand popular among locals and visitors alike, in part due to its Blue Flag status which highlights high standards of cleanliness on the beach and in the bathing waters.
The beach benefits from a promenade behind and many facilities including beach huts, shop, bar and restaurant. There is also good disabled access and a safe swim zone.
Watersports include swimming and windsurfing and there is lifeguard cover in the summer months.
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from the 1st May - 30th September, however they are allowed on the promenade on a short lead.
Up to its usual standard
October 2023
Excellent beach with a couple of miles walk possible along the promenade, soft sand and plenty of options for refreshments. Barbeques are also permitted.
June 2023
Alum Chine Beach
(2 miles)
(2)
Alum Chine is a wide sandy beach with a paddling pool and large adventure playground, making it the perfect beach to visit if you have young children in tow.
Meanwhile, the scenic sub-tropical gardens behind the beach with stunning views out to the Solent are a big draw for the older visitor. Due to the mild micro-climate along this stretch of the south coast, it's possible to grow many exotic species successfully.
The beach also boasts Blue Flag status, beach huts for hire and a large car park, as well as a regular bus service to and from Bournemouth Centre. The popular Land Train also links Alum Chine with other beaches along the long sandy stretch of Bournemouth seafront.
There's a popular family-friendly Italian restaurant, Vesuvio, and many ice cream vendors to keep you refreshed during the day.
A variety of watersports are available here including kayaking/canoeing, fishing, swimming, sailing and windsurfing.
Dogs are allowed on parts of the beach throughout the year although they are banned from certain areas - check local signage for details.
The kids playground was very attractive to our grandchildren who visited
October 2023
Fantastic beach with large dog friendly area
July 2023
Sandbanks Beach
(2 miles)
(29)
Set on a small peninsula, just a stone's throw from some of the most expensive and exclusive homes in the country, the world-renowned Sandbanks beach is one of the most beautiful and clean beaches on the South Coast of England.
This spacious, family-friendly beach is blessed with soft golden sand, crystal clear waters and breathtaking views of across the English Channel; and has earned the coveted Blue Flag status for 30 consecutive years.
Beach facilities include a crazy golf course, children's play area, barbecue area, toilets and a cafe.
There is a designated area for dogs at the western end of Sandbanks beach (near the chain ferry). Dog owners are requested to always keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
Best place in the world for dog walking - Our dog Alfie had just the best weekend ??
October 2023
Great beach, but don't tell anyone (let's keep it to ourselves)!
September 2023
GORGEOUS beach
September 2023
Excellent sandy beach less than 5 minutes walk from house.
September 2023
Amazing
September 2023
Excellent - great for kids and very clean
August 2023
It's hard to beat sandbanks, it's the perfect family beach and nearby Studland is beautiful and still a little bit wild and rugged, in a very good way.
August 2023
Amazing dog friendly beach. Very clean and the water is so clear. Great for dog walking, paddling and shell spotting.
August 2023
Gorgeous beach with great facilities. Large dog friendly area.
July 2023
Gorgeous beaches with good facilities .
July 2023
Just the best beach (but don't tell anyone - we like it keep it to ourselves)
July 2023
Excellent for children and dogs
June 2023
Best dog beach ever.
May 2023
Beautiful clean beach Lovely spot for swimming Great for children
May 2023
Very busy beach, not particularly tidal so sea never far out. Pleasure to sit and watch all the boats and water sports. My husband was bitten by a jelly fish so recommend beach shoes!
August 2022
What a beautiful Sandy child friendly beach. Calm little coves, plenty of clean facilities and a new er ending supply of seashells despite how many we took
June 2022
Great beach for children. We enjoyed walking along and the beach cafe and the crazy golf.
April 2022
Beautiful fine sandy beach
April 2022
We stayed at 1 Westpoint and the beach is just a short walk from the house which was excellent. I recommend also to take the short ferry ride to Shell Bay beach which was lovely too.
October 2021
Beautiful, clean beach
June 2021
Excellent beach
June 2021
Great beach for little ones
September 2020
The cleanest beach we have been to in Britain and in these strange times, grest social distancing from everyone there
August 2020
Amazing beach - who needs the med when you have sandbanks
August 2020
Had an excellent stay over New Year. Clean, well equipped and warm. Everything we hoped for. Handy for beach and ferry, with Swanage, Poole and Bournemouth not far away. Would definitely like to return.
January 2020
We rented a hut on Sandbanks which was brilliant as with 5 children, we had a lot of stuff that could be left there all week. The only thing that lets this beach down is the cost of parking for the day and the terrible shortage of ladies loos. People are using the loos to change in and this results on ridiculously long queues on sunny holiday days. The beach is beautiful and very clean and safe for small children..
September 2019
Fantastic beach out of season, very dog friendly
November 2018
Excellent. Clean and child safe
July 2018
A nice property with good location to nearby beach and ferries. (Although ferry traffic gets busy on Panorama Road at times) Layout of property good on 3 levels. Only disappointment was level of cleanliness dirty floors and balcony furniture. Something easily remedied
July 2018
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