Poole Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal city with a bay, marina, and beach.
An aerial view of a coastal town with a prominent red ship docked at the pier, surrounded by dense greenery and a clear blue sky.
A coastal town with a sandy beach, houses, and a river.
A coastal fort with two towers, a sandy beach, and calm waters.
A castle with two towers, a boat docked at a pier, and a beach in the background.

Relax on one of Britain’s favourite beaches and amble along the coastal paths of this quaint town that has been inhabited since the Iron Age.

Pretty beaches, a natural harbour 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 theatre 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 kilometres) 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Poole

Find the best Poole areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Poole
Learn more about Poole

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.

Sandbanks

If you're spending some time in Sandbanks, Sandbanks Beach and Sandbanks Ferry Terminal are top sights worth seeing.

Lilliput

When in Lilliput, you can plan a visit to Compton Acres and Sandbanks Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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.

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.

Sandbanks Hotel

Sandbanks Hotel

4 out of 5
15 Banks Road Poole England
Stay at this beach hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
Sandbanks Hotel
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

4 out of 5
Thames Street Poole England
The price is NZ$234 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
NZ$234
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Harbour Heights Hotel

Harbour Heights Hotel

4 out of 5
73 Haven Road, Sandbanks Poole England
The price is NZ$244 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
NZ$244
10 Dec - 11 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Harbour Heights Hotel
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.
Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour

Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour

Poole Dorset
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
"The location was absolutely perfect! It was a stones throw from the sea and not much further on to the harbour itself, and all the shops too.The property had everything we needed and was nice and warm too.Thank you."

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2026

Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour
Large Four Bedroom - With Hot Tub and Parking - Sleeps 8

Large Four Bedroom - With Hot Tub and Parking - Sleeps 8

Poole England
Stay at this holiday home in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Had a lovely stay during the half term holidays with my 4 children, my sister and disabled mother. The house was clean and the host was always available to help with any issues. The location was ideal and a peaceful neighborhood, perfect for a peaceful getaway."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2026

Large Four Bedroom - With Hot Tub and Parking - Sleeps 8
Classic Yacht Nadine with Hot Tub, Poole Harbour Bay

Classic Yacht Nadine with Hot Tub, Poole Harbour Bay

Poole England
Stay at this beach houseboat in Poole. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Absolutely amazing stay! Wish it was for longer! The boat could have had some extra TLC but otherwise we will definitely return!"

Reviewed on 14 June 2026

Classic Yacht Nadine with Hot Tub, Poole Harbour Bay
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.

Stay near popular Poole attractions

Activities

Cities near Poole

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