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 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.

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
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Lilliput

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

Lilliput
Poole Museum featuring 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 Poole Museum or Scaplen’s Court Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Poole Old Town

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
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$128 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
NZ$128
11 Jan - 12 Jan
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Very nice and good staff

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

4 out of 5
Thames Street Poole England
The price is NZ$208 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
NZ$208
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (731 reviews)
Good room with own courtyard for our dog but the dog charge was a little high compared with other hotels at £25.

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Shah of Persia, Poole by Marston's Inns

Shah of Persia, Poole by Marston's Inns

4 out of 5
173 Longfleet Road Poole England
The price is NZ$122 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
NZ$122
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this inn in Poole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Poole ...
7.8/10 Good! (248 reviews)
Friendly staff and clean and comfortable room.

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Shah of Persia, Poole by Marston's Inns
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (189 reviews)
Great stay. Wonderful facilities and very dog friendly.

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour
2 bedroom accommodation in Holton Heath

2 bedroom accommodation in Holton Heath

Holton Heath
Stay at this chalet in Poole. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and The Courtyard Craft Centre are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
The lodge was spacious & well equipped. Think for us it’s a late check in > 4pm ( our lodge wasn’t ready by that time either) and an early check out @ 10 am. So realistically it’s only a 3 day stay. But a clean site.

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2025

2 bedroom accommodation in Holton Heath
Beautiful 2 Bedroom Apartment inc. Parking & Wifi

Beautiful 2 Bedroom Apartment inc. Parking & Wifi

Poole England
Stay at this apartment in Poole. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
What a great apartment so comfortable and immaculate. The location is really good right on the high st. Loved the stay everything from booking to our stay was so well managed. Beds were very comfortable, all utensils etc were in the property we genuinely wanted for nothing.Nice to have secure parking ...

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025

Beautiful 2 Bedroom Apartment inc. Parking & 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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