Tour · Sandbanks

Sandbanks Chain Ferry

A four-minute crossing of the harbour mouth to Studland, carrying cars, bikes and foot passengers on chains across the channel.

The chain ferry crosses the mouth of Poole Harbour on chains laid across the channel, which is why it can work in a tideway that would defeat a conventional ferry.

The crossing

Four minutes from Sandbanks to Shell Bay on the Studland side. Cars, bikes and foot passengers. It saves a long road detour round the harbour through Wareham.

Worth knowing

It runs year round but can be suspended for maintenance or severe conditions. Large vehicles face restrictions. Queues build on summer weekends.

It is also, for four minutes, one of the better views in Dorset.

Highlights

  • Four-minute crossing of the harbour mouth
  • Takes cars, bicycles and foot passengers
  • Runs year round
  • Saves a long road detour through Wareham
  • Vehicle restrictions apply to large vehicles
Common questions

Sandbanks Chain Ferry good to know

How long is the Sandbanks ferry crossing?

About four minutes across the mouth of Poole Harbour between Sandbanks and Shell Bay on the Studland side.

Does the Sandbanks ferry run all year?

Yes, it operates year round, though it can be suspended for maintenance or in severe conditions. Check before relying on it for a specific journey.

Can you take a bike on the Sandbanks ferry?

Yes, it carries bicycles as well as cars and foot passengers, which makes it the quickest way from Poole into the Purbeck lanes.

Can a coach use the Sandbanks ferry?

Vehicle restrictions and limited capacity apply. Check current limits before routing a large vehicle over it.

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Where to stay in Poole

Sandbanks hotels, harbourside flats a street back from the Quay and the quieter beds out at Hamworthy and Broadstone, with the areas each one suits.

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