Ferry ride across the bay

A ferry ride across Poole Bay is one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the Dorset coastline. Sailing from Poole Quay, passenger boats cross the vast natural harbour, the second largest in the world after Sydney, weaving between wooded islands and moored yachts. The most popular short hop is the Sandbanks chain ferry, which links the affluent Sandbanks peninsula to Studland on the Isle of Purbeck in just a few minutes.

Longer excursions take visitors out to Brownsea Island, famous for its red squirrels and as the birthplace of the Scout movement, or along the Jurassic Coast towards Old Harry Rocks and Swanage. From the water you get uninterrupted views of the chalk cliffs, golden beaches and the gentle hills behind, very different from the perspective offered on the South West Coast Path.

Several operators run sightseeing cruises throughout the season, with regular sailings from Poole Quay and Bournemouth Pier. Look out for terns and oystercatchers feeding in the shallows, and the occasional seal hauled out on a sandbank. It is an easy, scenic way to combine a relaxed boat trip with a day exploring the harbour villages.