This panoramic image was taken very late in the day, as the sun was setting behind Brownsea Island in the middle of Poole Harbour. The panorama was taken on the harbour side of the Sandbanks ferry about mid way across the entrance to Poole harbour as it crossed over from Studland and Shell Bay back to Sandbanks.

Sandbanks Ferry - Poole visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Sandbanks Ferry' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Dorset.

The Sandbanks Ferry is a chain, car ferry crossing the entrance to Poole Harbour, linking Sandbanks with Shell Bay beaches and Studland beach. The ferry crossing, which has been in operation since 1923, is a good alternative to the 25 mile route round Poole Harbour, although at the height of the summer waiting times can be so long that the road route may be preferred.

The Sandbanks Ferry is a toll ferry, operated by 'Bournemouth - Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company. It runs on a 20 minute schedule, depending on the passage of large commercial shipping and container ferries for France passing through the channel. The current ferry, 'Bramble Bush Bay' can carry up to 48 cars and has been in service since 1994. The 50 bus from Bournemouth to Swanage also uses the Sandbanks Ferry, with stops on either side.

A good day-trip around Poole Harbour for those visiting Bournemouth and Poole can start at the Sandbanks Ferry. On the Studland side there are numerous beaches, with Shell Bay beach, Knoll Beach and South Beach being popular. Above South Beach stop for a drink at the Banks Arms and walk out to Old Harry Rocks.

From here the road continues over the Purbeck Hills before joining the B3351 road. This road heads east to Swanage, another popular seaside resort, and west along the hills to Corfe Castle village, famous for the ruins of Corfe Castle, owned by the National Trust. The village also has several other attractions, tea shops and good pubs.

The return leg of the 'round Poole Harbour' route passes over the River Frome and through Wareham, an ancient market town with a tourist information centre, various hotels, shops and good restaurants. From there the route continues back through Upton and Hamworthy before heading back to Poole.

Sandbanks Ferry
Ferry Office, Shell Bay,
Studland, Swanage, BH19 3BA.
Phone: (01929) 450203
Website

Car: From Poole follow the Sandbanks road round Poole Harbour past Evening Hill and then along the back of Sandbanks Beach. The road becomes Panorama Road which continues to the Sandbanks Ferry. On the Isle of Purbeck, take Ferry road to the end.
Bus: Stops on Ferry Road both on Sandbanks and Shell Bay approaches.