Seaside hotspot beloved by famous footballers voted one of world's best beaches

11 September 2023 , 16:19

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Sandbank Beach is a glorious destination for a day trip (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

A seaside town home to a galaxy of stars including top footballers, TV celebrities, chefs and rock gods has now been rated as one of the planet's top attractions.

Sandbanks, a neighbourhood not only famously rich in breathtaking on the coast of Poole, Dorset, has long been occupied by footy stars, including Harry and Jamie Redknapp, Tony Pulis, Graham Souness and Darren Anderton. It also counts a number of other sports and entertainment stars as residents, including Liam Gallagher, cricket's Sir Geoffrey Boycott, celebrity chef Rick Stein and comedian Karl Pilkington.

The beach is so popular that users of the travel platform TripAdvisor have placed Sandbanks Beach within the top 10 per cent of the platform's attractions. And despite the area dripping in riches, it is still highly accessible to tourists and locals on the lookout for a day out.

Sandbank Beach has long been a destination for the famous (Fine & Country)

And visitors not content with sunbathing or a leisurely stroll won't be disappointed, as the beach is packed full of activities. There is the chance to hire a boat, try out water sports with The Watersports Academy and even get into the swing of things with a round or two of crazy golf. For people happy to travel slightly further afield a day out at Compton Acres and Brownsea Island is within easy reach.

In late August, Sandbanks Beach joined UK attractions such as the Bournemouth Beach Lodges and Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf when it entered the highest ranks.

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Millie Earl, a Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councillor and portfolio holder for connected communities, told the Daily Express: “It’s a great achievement to be in the top 10 per cent of a TripAdvisor award worldwide, as it’s the general public’s reviews who have placed us in this coveted position."

Visitors can take boat trips out into Poole harbour and the surrounding area (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

She added: “The Seafront Rangers, Lodges and Smugglers staff all take great pride in their work and it’s great when it’s acknowledged through something like this. My congratulations to everyone involved in keeping the high standards that ensure good reviews from our visitors.” The beach itself is a shining star among the UK's attractions, having received 36 consecutive Blue Flag accolades, with the latest this year. Blue Flags are voluntary awards that recognise clean coastlines, clean water, and free access for tourists and visitors. The awards are also another worldwide initiative, meaning that Sandbanks Beach is now doubly globally recognised.

Liam Doyle