Branksome Chine Beach
The stretch of Poole Bay sand between Branksome Chine and Alum Chine, with the wooded chine running inland behind it. BCP Council names the western side of Alum Chine to Branksome Chine Beach Office as open to dogs all year round, which makes this the go-to summer beach on this side of the bay. Dogs must be on the lead on the promenade.
Canford Heath
3.2 MI · 1H 45M · 100% OFF-ROADA 3.2-mile loop of the largest surviving lowland heath inside an English town, an hour and three quarters on sandy tracks and single-track paths with 70 metres of gentle climb and long views west to the Purbecks. Start from the Francis Avenue or Gravel Hill entrances, where parking is free on-street at the edge of the estate: there is no formal car park, so park considerately and expect a five-minute walk in. This is a European-protected reserve, so BCP runs a dogs-on-lead season from March to August with leads of no more than two metres to protect nightjar, Dartford warbler and woodlark nesting on the ground. Outside those months it is superb off-lead country, but there is no water anywhere on the heath and adders are common.
Hamworthy Beach
Small harbour beach beside Hamworthy Park on the western shore of Poole Harbour, sheltered, shallow and utterly unlike the open-sea beaches. BCP Council names Hamworthy beach as open to dogs all year round. Park and playground behind, and the water is flat enough for a nervous swimmer.