Branksome Chine

This popular Blue Flag beach with a promenade is extra wide this year.

Where is it? At the bottom of the B3065, head straight down The Avenue. Or follow the B3369 from Poole Civic Centre.

Best features: Fine quality golden sand. Has a beach office and RNLI Beach Rescue Lifeguard cover.

Local facilities and shops: Ice-cream kiosks, restaurants, takeaway, bar and beach shop. Beach huts and deckchairs are available.

Great for the kids? Wide selection of watersports nearby and gently shelving beach with a safe swimzone. Lost children’s patrol from May to September.

How far are the loos? At the car park are five women’s and five men’s toilets with facilities for the disabled and baby changing in the ladies. At neighbouring Branksome Dene Chine are three ladies’ and three gents’ loos with the same again on the prom.

Parking: Two car parks available, one beside the beach, one up a hill – 460 spaces in all.

Public transport: Wilts and Dorset buses provide an hourly 151 service Monday to Saturday from Poole and Bournemouth. Yellow Buses open-top service 12 runs through here on its way to Sandbanks.

How about pets? No dogs allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30, to the east of the beach hut office.

Wet weather options:

Bowlplex, Poole Road, Branksome Ten-pin bowling, video games and food.Open seven days a week, from 9.30am until late. Contact 01202 765489.

Tower Park, Canford Heath A ten-screen cinema, Splashdown water rides, Megabowl ten-pin bowling, Gala bingo, restaurants, fast food and amusements. Free parking. 01202 723671.