Poole Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Poole
Poole
Poole
Poole
Poole

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.

Oakdale

While Oakdale isn't home to many top sights, Poole Harbour and Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts 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.

Lilliput

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

Haven Hotel

Haven Hotel

4 out of 5
161 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$373 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$373
16 July - 17 July
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing location, just what was required with temperatures hitting 35 degrees! Room was comfy, buffet breakfast was good with a good varied choice. Amazing views. Pool area & direct access to beach were a big plus. Only downside was the constant slamming of the door from the room next door at all ..."

Reviewed on 25 June 2026

Haven 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$238 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$238
19 July - 20 July
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! (1,001 reviews)
"It was a pleasure to be in a large air conditioned room during the recent heatwave. We were more than a little disappointed to find a £10 per night parking surcharge not mentioned anywhere on the booking or in Hotels.com. It’s not a good surprise late at night just off the ferry. Buffet Breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 25 June 2026

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Sandbanks Hotel

Sandbanks Hotel

4 out of 5
15 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$365 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$365
29 June - 30 June
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (891 reviews)
"The most AMAZING location, the beach was 1.5 minutes from our bedroom door. Staff were nice and helpful. Food was fabulous. The kitchen was understaffed one of the nights we ate there and we had to wait over 1 hour for food to arrive. Had we known this when we made our reservation we would have made ..."

Reviewed on 24 June 2026

Sandbanks 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.
Quayside Quarters

Quayside Quarters

3 out of 5
25 Thames St Poole England
Stay at this aparthotel in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and minibars. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"We had everything we needed - and more if you've forgotten anything - for our short stay. Lovely, spotless room (church view) just like the pictures, with gated parking. Apart from being a pleasant host, Jenny provided excellent, easy to follow check in information and details of places to eat and ..."

Reviewed on 23 June 2026

Quayside Quarters
Private Luxury By The Sea

Private Luxury By The Sea

Poole
Stay at this holiday home in Poole. Enjoy a fitness centre, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Nice location, quiet and relaxing"

Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Private Luxury By The Sea
Sur la Mer - luxury beach retreat

Sur la Mer - luxury beach retreat

Westbourne England
Stay at this apartment in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Bournemouth Beach and Poole Harbour are located ...
Sur la Mer - luxury beach retreat
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.

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