RICK STEIN SANDBANKS AND BROWNSEA ISLAND FERRY
Shweta UK
Rick Stein Sandbanks and Browsea Island Ferry are located on and off the small peninsula at Poole Harbour. Famous for its clean and sandy beaches Sandbanks is one of the worlds most expensive stretches of coastal real estate with one waterside street of 13 houses, estimated to be worth £100m. We visited in April so rather than get to make the most of the award wining beaches, this weekend break was all about coastal walks, local seafood, nature and sunsets.
THE SANDBANKS HOTEL
The Sandbanks Hotel is simple and you choose to stay here given its proximity to the beach and Brownsea Island and you’ll have some of the prettiest sunsets on your doorstop.
COASTAL WALK
Taking under 40mins you can walk from the tip of Sandbanks up to Liliput to get views of the harbour. Watch out for the local surfers and cheeky seagulls who will try and steal your TJs Fish and Chips lunch! (Sandbanks Road in Lillyput). One of the biggest surprises were the houses that you see on this walk, some would look right at home in Miami.
RICK STEIN Sandbanks
Promises of fresh seafood and panoramic views of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island draw you into Rick Steins Dorset Sandbanks restaurant. The restaurant itself isn’t anything to write home about, especially given its prime location (it feels a bit too much like a chain that’s been done a thousand times before) but the food is good. I’d highly recommend the crab… it will get messy! Perhaps a little overpriced, but it is located on one of the world most expensive streets after all.
BROWNSEA ISLAND FERRY
Managed by The National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust, Brownsea Island is accessible from the ferry at Sandbanks. This island is a wonderful mix of flora and fauna showcasing some of the UK’s magical woodland creatures, such as the rare red squirrel. Spent the day wandering and discovering all sorts of hidden gems and surprises. Definitely a highlight of the trip.