The Best Hotels in Sandbanks

Sandbanks Introduction

Jutting into the English Channel, the small peninsula of Sandbanks is a glittering gem of the Dorset coast. The main draw is the Blue Flag Sandbanks Beach, an expanse of golden sand that vanishes into crystal-clear waters, which is often admiringly referred to as "Britain's Palm Beach". This abundance of natural spectacle has made Sandbanks one of the country's most exclusive residential areas, and today it's home to a host of lavish, architecturally adventurous seafront mansions.

Hotels in Sandbanks

There are only a handful of hotels in Sandbanks, and competition for rooms can be fierce in the idyllic summer months. These are luxurious affairs, offering sublime sea views and alluring amenities like tranquil spas, indoor heated pools and beachfront restaurants. Expand your search to nearby coastal towns and you'll have a much wider range of hotels to choose from. If you're hoping for a wallet-friendly beach break, there are plenty of cosy guesthouses and inns, where room rates often include hearty cooked-to-order breakfasts and free parking. For a little extra, you could upgrade to a modern mid-range hotel with handy amenities like a casual restaurant and complimentary WiFi.

In the last hour, the most popular choices were:

• Sandbanks Peninsula - DHH has been booked 5 times; click Sandbanks Peninsula - DHH for more info.
• Harbour Heights Hotel has been booked 1 times; click Harbour Heights Hotel for more info.
• Haven Hotel has been booked 5 times; click Haven Hotel for more info.

Where to stay in Sandbanks

Base yourself on the Sandbanks peninsula and you'll be within easy walking distance of exclusive restaurants serving sublime fresh seafood, as well as chic cafes touting frothy cappuccinos and tempting homemade cakes. Nearby Bournemouth is one of the UK's most dynamic coastal towns, with an ever-bustling 7-mile beach and alluringly diverse nightlife. There's also a host of hotels in neighbouring Poole, renowned for its expansive harbour, thriving arts scene and eclectic shopping.

Things to see in Sandbanks

If you feel like getting away from it all, make a beeline for Brownsea Island, easily accessible by boat from Sandbanks. Owned by the National Trust, this blissfully unspoilt island is a haven for wildlife lovers, serving as it does as a home to sika deer, grey herons, red squirrels and even the odd peacock. If you're hankering for a culture fix or are at a loose end on a rainy day, head to Poole's Lighthouse, one of the UK's largest arts centres. This cutting-edge complex is home to a concert hall, theatre, gallery and cinema, and has played host to some of the biggest names in music, movies and performing arts. Or for a day of family fun, head to Splashdown water park, where you can race down an array of colourful flumes and slides.

How to get to Sandbanks

Sandbanks is around 5 miles from both Bournemouth and Poole. You can reach the peninsula from either town centre in around 15 minutes by car, or around 35 minutes by bus. Bournemouth railway station offers regular services to and from London, Manchester, Birmingham and numerous other British town and cities. Bournemouth Airport is around 11 miles from Sandbanks and welcomes regular flights from several major European cities.