Sandbanks Beach named the best beach in Dorset and England

Sandbanks Beach is the best beach in the county, and the third best in the UK, according to a survey from HomeToGo.

The beach, with excellent water quality, was given 3.9 stars out of 5 by visitors, placing it third on the UK list.

Describing the beach, HomeToGo said: “Well-appointed and highly awarded, Sandbanks has held Blue Flag status for 30+ years and boasts a play area, crazy golf, volleyball nets, deckchairs and more.”

Sandbanks Beach (HomeToGo)

Ironically, part of the play area and crazy golf are currently out of bounds to the public, with no date set for their reopening.

Read more: Sandbanks play park closed for Easter

The index considered a shortlist of beaches rated at least three out of five by visitors, with a water rating of good or excellent, and also took into account the cost of staying a night nearby.

These are the other beaches on the top in the top 5, based on those criteria:

1. Llandanwg Beach, Gwynedd

Llandanwg Beach, Gwynedd (HomeToGo)

What they said: “A sheltered, scenic beach in prime position on the west coast of the Snowdonia National Park, with sand dunes, rock pools and Rhinog mountain views.”

2. Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire

What they said: “This golden sand, Blue Flag beach - one of Pembrokeshire's most popular - has plenty for swimmers, surfers and wildlife watchers to enjoy.”

4. Marloes Sands Beach, Pembrokeshire

What they said: “This serene, Green Coast awarded beach comprises sandy stretches and rugged rock formations - a top spot for bird watching and seeing seals.”

5. Sheringham Beach, Norfolk

What they said: “Visit this Blue Flag Beach, surrounded by the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at low tide to enjoy its sandy shores and rock pools.”