The ‘World’s Most Sustainable Beach’ Is An Iconic United Kingdom Haven With Soft Sands And Crystal-Clear Waters

Soft sand and crystal clear water might not be the first things you associate with a UK holiday, but maybe they should be. While the UK is best known for the royal family, football and London’s vibrant pub scene, its beaches are often overlooked in favor of the warmer coastline of southern Europe. While this is likely due to the country’s unpredictable weather, for those keen to explore, the UK has a coastline worth bragging about. Sandbanks Beach in Poole, Dorset is one of Britain’s most iconic seaside destinations. Not only is it visually stunning, but it has also earned the title of “the world’s most sustainable beach,” according to Tripadvisor.

Currently making up a third of the world’s coastline, sandy beaches are vital, not only to the ecosystems they support, but also to tourism. As climate change worsens and sea levels rise, these beaches are slowly eroding. A study supported by the European Commission estimates that almost half of the planet’s sandy beaches could disappear in the next 80 years.

Sandbanks earned its sustainability designation based on four factors: environmental management, environmental education, water quality and safety. These were assessed using a combination of visitor reviews and data collected by BeCause and the Blue Flag program. In fact, the European Commission has praised Sandbanks for maintaining a consistently high level of cleanliness. Sandbanks has been flying the metaphorical blue flag for more than 30 years as a sign of its environmental efforts. Sustainability isn’t the only thing the beach does well. It’s also incredibly accessible. Accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-friendly toilets, ramps and mats to reach the sand, and even beach wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis, make this a beach everyone can enjoy.

Read more: 25 Best Beaches in the Caribbean

Everything you need to know to spend a day at Sandbanks Beach

Situated on the south Dorset coast, between Poole and Bournemouth, Sandbanks Beach extends over a narrow peninsula which forms a natural harbor wall at the mouth of Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbor in Europe. Houses lining the peninsula are some of the most expensive real estate in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. With fine, golden sand and clear, shallow waters, the beach is ideal for a relaxed family day out. The equipment is well thought out. A beach office offers clean toilets, freshwater showers, and umbrella and lounge chair rentals. Visitors can also enjoy beach volleyball, table tennis, mini golf and a children’s playground. Barbecues are allowed after 6 p.m. and there is a section reserved for dogs.

Sandbanks is along the 60 Harbor Breezer bus route, which takes 30 minutes to get from central Poole to Sandbanks Pavilion. Driving is slightly faster, with the 5-mile trip taking 20 minutes. From Bournemouth, 5 miles to the northeast, the journey is a similar length. The easiest public transport option is the Purbeck Breezer number 50, which runs from Landsdowne to the Pavilion in around 36 minutes.

Sandbanks offers 532 parking spaces at the Sandbanks surface car park and an additional 72 spaces on Shore Road, including 23 disabled spaces. An hour of parking costs about a few dollars from March 15 to the end of October. Out of season, you can park all day for about the same price as an hour in high season. You can also find Sandbanks on the Beach Check app, allowing you to check the traffic and crowds on the beach before you go. You may also want to research the best time to visit England for optimal weather, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach.

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