Poole Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture
Brownsea Island featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Poole
Poole Harbour featuring a river or creek

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 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

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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
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

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.

Oakdale
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$192 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
NZ$192
includes taxes & fees
8 June - 9 June
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Excellent value
"Accepting that this a budget hotel, we felt it was excellent throughout. The Colombian receptionist was extremely pleasant and helpful. We simply wanted a convenient stop prior to catching the ferry plus EV charging facilities. It filled all the boxes"

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Sandbanks Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel
4 out of 5
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England
The price is NZ$327 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
NZ$327
includes taxes & fees
1 June - 2 June
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (799 reviews)
The superb Sandbank's Hotel
"We had a lovely couple of days at the Sandbanks Hotel. The room was a little tired but we had a beautiful view overlooking the seafront . The bed was very comfortable and the room had everything that we needed. Breakfast was really nice and plentiful with excellent choices. We would definitely recommend ..."

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Sandbanks Hotel
Haven Hotel
Haven Hotel
4 out of 5
161 Banks Road, Poole, England
The price is NZ$351 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
NZ$351
includes taxes & fees
5 June - 6 June
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (972 reviews)
Haven Hotel
"Such a beautiful historical hotel,went to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.The room was decorated for us.Such a lovely surprise.Balcony view was spectacular on the harbour.Outdoor pool and spa area lead to the beautiful beach.Staff so friendly.Food was top notch too.Loved it that much ,stayed over ..."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Haven 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 3-star aparthotel in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and minibars. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"Excellent stay here,can not fault it,keep up the good work"

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

Quayside Quarters
Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole  5 minutes walk to the  Beach
Sleeps 8/9
Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole 5 minutes walk to the Beach Sleeps 8/9
Sandbanks
Stay at this vacation home in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located nearby.
Superb location
"Plenty of room and a few minutes away from the beach. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole 5 minutes walk to the Beach Sleeps 8/9
A hidden gem a stones throw from Sandbanks beach
A hidden gem a stones throw from Sandbanks beach
poole
Stay at this vacation home in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located nearby.
A hidden gem a stones throw from Sandbanks beach
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%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 67%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

Cities near Poole