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

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
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
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Lilliput

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

Lilliput
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$220 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$220
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 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$326 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$326
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (819 reviews)
"Brilliant size rooms with kids room on the side perfect for our family , wonderful sea view to wake to each morning, breakfast was ok too ,"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Sandbanks Hotel
Haven Hotel

Haven Hotel

4 out of 5
161 Banks Road, Poole, England
The price is NZ$360 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
NZ$360
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
"Lovely views across the bay, quiet part of the beach. Breakfast at the Hotel was excellent"

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 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 Sandbanks Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"It was a very comfy room, so clean and in a very nice place. The directions and information about the accommodation were very clear to understand"

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Quayside Quarters
Stylish modern retreat overlooking Poole Quay

Stylish modern retreat overlooking Poole Quay

Poole
Stay at this apartment in Poole. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Sandbanks ...
Short break
"The property was immaculately clean, with towels, bed linens etc which made it so much easier to get away without palaver! A good size for 4 of us and didn’t feel at all cramped. Lots of nice touches about the place too …(eg. Tea and coffee and shower gel etc) Perhaps needed a few extras to make ..."

Reviewed on 19 Feb. 2023

Stylish modern retreat overlooking Poole Quay
Bed & Breakfast - 2 Double Rooms With Ensuites

Bed & Breakfast - 2 Double Rooms With Ensuites

2 out of 5
Poole
Stay at this residence in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Sandbanks Beach are located nearby.
Bed & Breakfast - 2 Double Rooms With Ensuites
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