Sandbanks

This beautiful sandy beach is also clean, with coveted blue flag status. Sandbanks is actually a spit of sand, crossing the mouth of Poole harbour. The Royal Yachting Association has its headquarters for the South of the country here. As you might expect, there’s a sailing school and all the usual seaside fun. Importantly, there are also three hotels for lunch or dinner, when you’ve worked up an appetite.

The Haven Hotel here, was used by Marconi for some of his early telegraphic experiments, and had one of the world’s first radio sets.

If you want to follow a trail around Poole’s historic past, the Cockle Trail uses brass plaques to guide you around the town. You’ll also find eating places for every possible taste and budget, from Michelin Guide listed restaurants, such as the Guildhall Tavern, Shell Bay and Rick Stein’s, to pizzerias and pubs.