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

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, Poole Harbour and Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts are some notable places to visit nearby.

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.

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$367 per night from 10 June to 11 June
NZ$367
10 June - 11 June
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Our room was very nice ( a suite ) and very well presented and clean. Staff were generally pleasant and did sort out the problems we encountered during our stay to the best of their ability. Breakfast was chaotic and not very well organised, tables not re-set, items missing and not replaced, had ..."

Reviewed on 8 June 2026

Haven Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel

Sandbanks Hotel

4 out of 5
15 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$354 per night from 23 June to 24 June
NZ$354
23 June - 24 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! (884 reviews)
"Lovely clean property with friendly, helpful staff right on the beach"

Reviewed on 8 June 2026

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$187 per night from 21 June to 22 June
NZ$187
21 June - 22 June
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on 9 June 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.
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! (62 reviews)
"Very comfortable room, clean with everything needed, if a little small. The host was very good, nothing too much trouble."

Reviewed on 8 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 Sandbanks 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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