Poole

Travel Guide

Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture
Brownsea Island showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Poole
Poole Harbour showing 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

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
Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
3 out of 5
Walking Field Lane, Poole, England
The price is S$170 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$170
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (1,001 reviews)
Boys weekend at Bovington Tank Museum.
"Easy to book, ample parking. Friendly efficient staff. Clean Hotel. Very pleasant air conditioned room. Spacious bathroom. Very good dining room. with bar. Excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Sandbanks Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel
4 out of 5
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England
The price is S$478 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
S$478
17 Jul - 18 Jul
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! (815 reviews)
"Lovely location , hotel was tired looking rooms not that well equipped or no fridge , two single beds put together ."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Sandbanks Hotel
Haven Hotel
Haven Hotel
4 out of 5
161 Banks Road, Poole, England
The price is S$279 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
S$279
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! (992 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
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
Student Only Corfe House
Student Only Corfe House
2 out of 5
Pitwines Close, Poole, England
Stay at this apartment in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Sandbanks Beach are located ...
Student Only Corfe House
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

Things to do

Reviews of Poole

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
57
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
72
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
20
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We visited RNLI college to view the Shannon boat from Launch A Memory campaign, especially to see our dads name on the boat. We 100%support the RNLI so the trip to Poole for this reason was very important for our family.⚓️

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Light up Poole was good, our second year of going.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A good place for shopping and to visit plenty to do and see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I lived near Poole many years ago and I always love to go back and visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

As only an over night stay I didn’t see much of Poole so hard to give a review but where we were was delightful

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Just stayed overnight so no impressions