Poole Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture
Relax on one of Britain’s favorite beaches and amble along the coastal paths of this quaint town that has been inhabited since the Iron Age.

Pretty beaches, a natural harbor and rich history draw crowds to the charming town of Poole. Much of the activity revolves around the beach, where many cafés and restaurants face an elegant seaside promenade. Learn about Poole’s extensive history, from the Iron Age to D-Day landings.

Poole has a glorious array of Blue Flag beaches that are clean and suitable for kids. Visit Sandbanks Beach, which many consider one of Britain’s best. It lies next to the Sandbanks peninsula, with some of the country’s most expensive homes. Appreciate the gradual downward slope as you enter the cool sea. Lifeguards and first aid services are available in summer.

Poole Harbour is among Europe’s largest natural harbors. Romans landed here during their invasion almost 2,000 years ago. Today, participate in water sports, such as water skiing, wakeboarding and kite surfing.

Take the ferry to Brownsea Island to visit the wildlife sanctuary with red squirrels and deer. See a castle built by Henry VIII in the picturesque nature reserve.

Away from the beach and port, find Lighthouse, the cultural hub of the town. This modern structure hosts dramatic theater performances and musical concerts. Attend one of the various shows, from circus acts to comedy routines. Enjoy a local meal in the building’s café.

To find out about Poole’s intriguing history, visit the Poole Museum. Explore its four floors of exhibits that will enlighten you about prehistoric settlements, pirates and Poole’s role in the Normandy invasion.

The town of Poole is located between Bournemouth and Dorchester on England’s southern coast. Take a bus southwest for 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Bournemouth Airport, a journey that should take around 40 minutes. The train from London to Poole takes roughly 2 hours.

Visit the historic town of Poole with immaculate beaches and activities for the entire family. The town is warm in summer with occasional heat waves, when the beaches are popular, and cold to mild in winter.

Where to stay in Poole

Poole Museum which includes interior views

Poole Old Town

Visitors to Poole Old Town rave about its stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and luxurious spas. You might also want to make some time to see Scaplen’s Court Museum or Poole Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Poole Old Town
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Parkstone

Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and luxurious spas? A visit to Parkstone might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Splashdown Waterpark and Tower Park.

Parkstone

Oakdale

While Oakdale isn't home to many top sights, Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts and Poole Harbour are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oakdale
Holiday Inn Express Poole, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Poole, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Walking Field Lane, Poole, England
The price is NZ$243 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$243
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very clean, friendly welcome, staff willingness to assist, friendly staff."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express Poole, an IHG Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel
4 out of 5
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$248 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$248
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (731 reviews)
"You can't beat the location of Sandbanks hotel. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The food is excellent. I would not go into the swimming pool again as I found it very difficult to get in and out via the awful metal steps. As most of the guests were elderly I doubt if any of them would use ..."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Sandbanks Hotel
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
4 out of 5
Thames Street, Poole, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$268 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$268
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (572 reviews)
"The room we had (standard double) was large enough and of good quality with complimentary water. We stayed for 2 days and opted out of daily clean in place of £15 worth of drink vouchers for the bar. Staff were lovely, though there was no one around at all when we arrived at 1pm - so a poor first ..."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quayside Quarters
Quayside Quarters
3 out of 5
25 Thames St, Poole, England
Stay at this aparthotel in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and minibars. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Pier are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"A very clean and well decorated room, everything was as described on website, safe parking and very convenient for Poole Quay and ferry terminal."

Reviewed on 9 Oct. 2023

Quayside Quarters
Holly Cottage Poole. Quaint Thatch. Jurassic Coast
Holly Cottage Poole. Quaint Thatch. Jurassic Coast
Lytchett Matravers
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Wimborne Minster and Poole Harbour are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Pleasant
"The cottage is lovely. I was a little surprised/disappointed by the close proximity of other houses as the pictures make it look quite rural. A good sized cottage with a beautiful garden leading out onto a recreation ground which was ideal for the children and walking the dogs. The cottage was well ..."

Reviewed on 26 Nov. 2023

Holly Cottage Poole. Quaint Thatch. Jurassic Coast
Palma -  a house that sleeps 5 guests  in 3 bedrooms
Palma - a house that sleeps 5 guests in 3 bedrooms
Poole
Stay at this apartment in Poole. Enjoy a garden, balconies or patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Corfe Castle are located ...
Palma - a house that sleeps 5 guests in 3 bedrooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Poole

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 33.333333333333336%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 66.66666666666667%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

Cities near Poole