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.

15%+ off winter escapes close to home

Book a getaway and you can save on select hotels and homes.¹

Where to stay in Poole

Default Image

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
Oakdale

Oakdale

While Oakdale isn't home to many top sights, Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts and Poole Harbour are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oakdale
Poole Old Town

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
Lilliput

Lilliput

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

Lilliput
Haven Hotel

Haven Hotel

4 out of 5
161 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$308 per night from 10 May to 11 May
NZ$308
10 May - 11 May
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)
Breakfast was lovely

Reviewed on 5 May 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$175 per night from 17 May to 18 May
NZ$175
17 May - 18 May
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! (1,004 reviews)
Hotel was as described. Spacious, clean and staff were helpful. Ample car parking. Location was very good for Poole with a lot of the town within 15 minutes walk including the harbour.

Reviewed on 5 May 2026

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Sandbanks Hotel

Sandbanks Hotel

4 out of 5
15 Banks Road Poole England
The price is NZ$383 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$383
20 May - 21 May
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! (874 reviews)
Fabulous location. Very convenient for what we had planned during our stay. Nice sizable from, with balcony facing Poole Harbour...wrong time of year to take full advantage!

Reviewed on 3 May 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.
Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour

Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour

Poole Dorset
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
Great location, an easy stroll into Poole and great local restaurants and bars, loved reading upstairs and watching the boats sail past, so relaxing. Lovely welcome hamper, and enjoyed the tea and cookies in the garden, just great. had an issue with fining the thermostat, but Andy was straight on ...

Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026

Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour
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 Bournemouth Beach and Poole Harbour are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
Perfect stay at the Harbour
An excellent location and the directions provided by the host were spot on. In a beautiful peaceful location and a stones throw from the harbour front. Once inside the property we were not disappointed. Spotlessly clean and the welcome book included all the details we needed, not only about the accommodation ...

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Quayside Quarters
Harbourside House Holiday Home

Harbourside House Holiday Home

3 out of 5
5 Vallis Cl Poole England
Stay at this holiday home in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bournemouth Beach and Poole Harbour are located ...
Harbourside House Holiday Home
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

Cities near Poole

Explore a world of travel with Expedia