I'm a regular to UK's 'poshest' seaside town is just like Spain but I have mixed feelings about it
Sandbanks may be renowned for its millionaires, celebrities and for Harry Redknapp talking to Sky Sports News near his home, but my family has been visiting for over a century and it seems the rest of the world is finally catching up. With an exclusive postcode attracting the wealthy and famous, Sandbanks has gained a reputation for having one of the highest land values globally.
However, having visited all my life, it feels like home to me. I'm the sixth generation of my family to visit Sandbanks, where my great-great-grandfather and his brothers constructed one of the first properties on what was once just vast sand dunes - a property that still stands a century later.
As the weather improved, I decided there was no better place to soak up the sun than the stunning Sandbanks in Dorset. With its expansive beaches, breathtaking views and just over two hours from London, what's not to adore?
We've always considered it a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With Banks Road being the sole access point to the beach from the mainland, Sandbanks strives to maintain its tranquil and luxurious appeal, reports the Express.
However, with new bars and restaurants popping up and a sprinkling of celebrities calling Millionaires' Row home, it's quickly becoming the destination of choice for Brits seeking sun and sand without venturing overseas.
The weekend was no different, with the warm weather causing a bit of a kerfuffle. With only one road leading into the peninsula, be prepared for a battle to find parking and expect queues due to the one-way system, particularly when the Swanage ferry disembarks.
Setting an early alarm is certainly advisable to secure a prime spot. I'd also suggest booking a table for dinner over the weekend, as popular spots like Rick Stein's and new eateries The Tandy and Rockwater tend to fill up quickly.
Having visited cocktail bar Lazy Jack's and The Tandy, it's clear why Sandbanks is fast gaining a reputation as the 'new Palm Beach'. The Tandy features a DJ behind the bar and a daily happy hour, making it a hotspot for beach-goers over the weekend.
I've often been turned away from Lazy Jack's due to it being too crowded.
To dodge the crowds, I opted for the quieter side of Sandbanks where paddle boards and kayaks are available for hire. You can sail around the luxury boats in the marina and bask in the sun next to the yacht club, with kayak rentals starting from £15 per hour.
No beach day is complete without a sunset stroll. In the evening, I ventured past the iconic Millionaires' Row, home to eight-figure properties boasting stunning views and expansive driveways.
I continued past the renowned Haven Hotel, along the sandy beach with a breathtaking view of Old Harry Rocks in the distance. It was truly unparalleled.
Sandbanks offers a number of splendid walks, with Bournemouth just shy of four miles away and the breathtaking Canford Cliffs roughly two miles distant. For those who relish long strolls, the awe-inspiring Hengistbury Head along the beach is an excellent choice, with its nine-mile stretch dotted with various beach pit stops for a refreshing drink and a rest.
However, my top pick, and indeed my personal favourite, is the walk from Shell Bay to Old Harry Rocks. A brief trip on the chain ferry, costing a mere £1 return, leads you to tranquil, unpopulated beaches en route to Swanage.
This route rewards you with a magnificent view of Sandbanks, allowing you to avoid the throngs and enjoy a serene walk without the worry of stumbling over someone's beach towel.
As a frequent visitor to Sandbanks, I admit to being somewhat partial, but in my opinion, nothing surpasses the silky sand of the award-winning beach and the spectacular scenery. When the weather is favourable, there's no need to jet off to Italy or Spain for your fix of sea, sand and sun.
My only gripe is that it seems impossible to keep such a gem under wraps, and what was once a secluded spot for a weekend getaway is now a bustling and somewhat pricey holiday destination.
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