Poole Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A historic waterfront with a castle-like building, a dock, and a small bridge.
A castle with two towers, a boat docked at a pier, and a beach in the background.
A historic stone church with a bell tower, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A statue of two figures by a pond with lily pads and a fountain in the background.
A red and blue boat named 'Solent Scene' docked at a marina with industrial structures 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.

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.

Lilliput

When in Lilliput, you can plan a visit to Compton Acres and Branksome Chine 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 Splashdown Waterpark are some notable places to visit nearby.

Haven Hotel

Haven Hotel

4 out of 5
161 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$305 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
NZ$305
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very good! (1,009 reviews)
"Really good location. Lots to eat for breakfast. The hotel is in need of a renovation. The decor is dated but the hotel is functional. When I got to my room the TV would not turn on I tried getting assistance via the phone but that did not work. I went to reception to tell them about the TV and someone ..."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2026

Haven Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel

Sandbanks Hotel

4 out of 5
15 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$288 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
NZ$288
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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
Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG

3 out of 5
Walking Field Lane Poole England
The price is NZ$217 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
NZ$217
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,010 reviews)
"Clean and well maintained. Parking was also convenient"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2026

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
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.
Arum dog friendly caravan on Rockley Park, Poole

Arum dog friendly caravan on Rockley Park, Poole

Poole England
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Sandbanks Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Dealt with Vrbo, Haven and the private owners, which got a bit confusing, for me anyway! Accommodation was well equipped and in a perfect location within the park, really handy for the amenities. I would recommend staying at Rockley Park. It’s the perfect place for exploring the beautiful Dorset ..."

Reviewed on 8 May 2026

Arum dog friendly caravan on Rockley Park, Poole
Stylish modern retreat overlooking Poole Quay

Stylish modern retreat overlooking Poole Quay

Poole Poole
Stay at this condo in Poole. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Sandbanks Beach are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Nice Place, would stay again!"

Reviewed on 16 May 2026

Stylish modern retreat overlooking Poole Quay
Modern Apartment -Parking & WiFi

Modern Apartment -Parking & WiFi

Poole England
Stay at this apartment in Poole. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Sandbanks Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Do not book this modern apartment, we booked a three night stay and went home on the 2nd day as the apartment was filthy. We didn’t get there till late, my husband got in the shower and as the water hit the tiles dirt and debris fell onto the tray as the drain was blocked he ended up in dirty water. ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2026

Modern Apartment -Parking & WiFi
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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