Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset has just been named the most expensive coastal area in the UK with a current average asking price of £1,582,331, according to Rightmove.

The study analysed more than 200 coastal areas across Britain to find out which areas are the cheapest and most expensive.

Three areas in Dorset were named in the top 10 ranking for the most expensive coastal area with Sandbanks coming in first, nearby Canford Cliffs second and Lyme Regis ranking eighth.

In Canford Cliffs, which is just down the road from Sandbanks, the average asking price is an eye-watering £1,242,181 while further along the coast towards Devon, the average asking price in Lyme Regis is £521,932.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert said: “Whilst the pandemic-driven surge for seaside areas has calmed down and reversed back to more normal levels, areas around Great Britain’s coast continue to be popular with many people.

"Particularly at this time of year, many people consider what a home by the sea and away from the hustle and bustle of a city could look like, or perhaps explore estate agents’ windows while on holiday.”

Growing up near Sandbanks, the area's extortionate house prices and affluence weren't a shock to me. It was only when I moved away and visited other seaside towns and coastal villages that I became aware of just how expensive the area is - and it's easy to see why.

Also known as "Britain's Palm Beach", Sandbanks is one of the most exclusive areas in the world with a Blue Flag beach and stunning coastal views of Studland and Brownsea Island.

The beach itself, which has been described as "the jewel in the crown of the English coastline" has won the prestigious Blue Flag Award every year since 1987, more than any other beach in the country.

During the summer months, while busy, the beach feels like it could be on a tropical island - not on the south coast of England. Even in the autumn and winter, when the weather is cool and the winds bracing, Sandbanks is the perfect spot to enjoy a stroll or a dog walk... Just make sure to stop off at Jazz Café for a decadent hot chocolate or a coffee on the way back to warm up!

Growing up, my summer evenings were spent on the beach with friends enjoying a barbecue or a dip in the sea, and my afternoons were spent sunbathing with an ice cream or slacklining above the white sands.

If you're a fan of water sports, or are looking to try something new, Sandbanks is the ideal location. Paddle boarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, windsurfing and kayaking are all popular activities with equipment hire and experts on hand at The Watersports Academy.

With several yacht clubs, sailing clubs and marinas in the area, the area is also particularly popular with sailing enthusiasts but there's also the option to hire boats, have sailing lessons or charter your own yacht for the day.

While I was very fortunate to grow up in such proximity to the stunning peninsula, extortionate house prices and over-tourism are two of the biggest downsides.

Some of the properties currently for sale in Sandbanks on Rightmove include a five-bedroom, six-bathroom detached house for £7.75million; a six-bedroom detached house with its own private boat jetty for £7million; and a five-bedroom home with its own indoor pool, gym and cinema for £5.95million.

Some of these homes for sale are architecturally jaw-dropping with stunning glass fronts, swimming pools and panoramic views of the coast.

However, Sandbanks', and the wider area of Poole's popularity has meant that house prices on the whole are expensive. Even in Poole, homes had an overall average price of £431,201 over the last year which is considerably higher than the national average of £265,600.

For locals who grew up in the area and want to settle down there, buying a property can feel unattainable.

Millions of tourists visit Sandbanks every year which is great for the local area. However, the sheer volume of visitors on a sunny weekend or during a Bank Holiday can be overwhelming and can lead to miles of tailbacks, illegal parking and litter.

While I love visiting Sandbanks, I always try to avoid heading to the beach during peak times.

The white sands, clear waters and gorgeous views look just as impressive during the autumn and winter.