Shore Road is a popular Blue Flag beach.

Where is it? Follow the B3369 from Poole Civic Centre.

Best features: Scenic views to the Purbecks and from across the road, into Poole Harbour. Has a continental feel with its Mediterranean-style café and beach brasserie.

Local facilities and shops: Beach cafés Sands Brasserie, Jazzy’s and bars close by.

Great for the kids? Venue for summer fun every Thursday night in August, with beach barbecue and live music culminating in a firework display. Swimming with swimzone, sailing and windsurfing available. RNLI beach rescue and beach station.

How far are the loos? Toilets on the promenade, nine for women, four for men, facilities for the disabled and a baby-changing room.

Parking: 72 car parking spaces plus 12 for disabled motorists. Nearby road parking.

Public transport: Trains to Poole. Wilts and Dorset bus service 152 runs from Poole daily until late September. From Bournemouth the 150 runs every hour daily until mid-Septembr. Yellow Buses open top service12 runs through on its way to Sandbanks.

How about pets? No dogs allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30.

Other points of interest: Level access to the promenade, suitable for the disabled, steps and ramp down to the beach.

Wet weather options:

Poole Park Gardens spread alongside 55-acre lake. Jungle playground, indoor ball pool and slides for kids up to 12, licensed café bar and mini railway. Kids will love the ducks.

Kingston Lacy House, near Wimborne A 17th century house owned by National Trust. Open March 22 to Nov 2 – house closed Mon and Tues, open Bank Holidays.