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.

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.

Lilliput

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

Sandbanks Hotel

Sandbanks Hotel

4 out of 5
15 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$259 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
NZ$259
13 Oct - 14 Oct
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! (930 reviews)
"The setting is beautiful but the dated bedroom was disappointing. The bed was very comfortable and the room was quiet. A coffee machine is needed not the offer of horrid instant coffee The outdated bathroom was in poor condition. Breakfast was also disappointing, plenty of selection but average quality, ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Sandbanks Hotel
Haven Hotel

Haven Hotel

4 out of 5
161 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$263 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
NZ$263
13 Oct - 14 Oct
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! (1,002 reviews)
"This is a grand old hotel, right on the western tip of Sandbanks. The balcony views of Poole harbour and Studland are beautiful. The room was comfortable and well appointed. The breakfast was a standard hotel buffet that could have been improved to reach the high standards of the rest of the ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 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$167 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
NZ$167
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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 ...
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 Hamworthy 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
Sandbanks waterfront flat with panoramic views over Poole Harbour

Sandbanks waterfront flat with panoramic views over Poole Harbour

Poole Dorset
Stay at this apartment in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"A beautiful flat with several balconies giving great sea views and views of the boats etc. The rooms were comfortable and clean. As we were on public transport we would have appreciated the offer of paying a bit extra for towels as they tend to take up a lot of room in luggage. Mark was excellent ..."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

Sandbanks waterfront flat with panoramic views over Poole Harbour
Luxury ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- Near Sandbanks BEACH! Netflix & WiFi

Luxury ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- Near Sandbanks BEACH! Netflix & WiFi

Poole England
Stay at this apartment in Poole. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Good host ideal location for us as we were visiting family living nearby. Great cafe opposite for breakfast a bit pricey but great food & choice. Short walk to pub/places to drink. Would recommend"

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

Luxury ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- Near Sandbanks BEACH! Netflix & 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.

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