Poole

Travel Guide

Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture
Brownsea Island which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
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 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 showing 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 €103 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€103
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (1,002 reviews)
Highly recommended
"Convenient with restaurant and bar facilities, staff very helpful and considerate a good central location."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Sandbanks Hotel

Sandbanks Hotel

4 out of 5
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €168 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€168
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (823 reviews)
"We Loved the hotel it was clean tidy and very nice i think complimentary water in the room was missing whilst the hotel we lovely i do feel it looked very tired bur 100% we will go back"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Sandbanks Hotel
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

4 out of 5
Thames Street, Poole, England
The price is €180 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€180
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (688 reviews)
Amazing Hotel
"Such a beautiful and grand hotel. Practically perfect in every way.Fantastic location to the quay and town.Loved everything about it"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
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.
Family Home on a secluded plot *5 minute drive to Sanbanks/ Branksome Beaches*

Family Home on a secluded plot *5 minute drive to Sanbanks/ Branksome Beaches*

Poole
Stay at this vacation home in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located ...
Very enjoyable stay
"Excellent location minutes from shops and beach and the house is located in a quiet and peaceful area of Poole. The host was incredibly helpful and responded to my emails by return. The house has been very well updated in many areas.The property is safe for children as two visiting grandchildren ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Family Home on a secluded plot *5 minute drive to Sanbanks/ Branksome Beaches*
For Students Only Corfe House in Poole

For Students Only Corfe House in Poole

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 ...
For Students Only Corfe House in Poole
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! (59 reviews)
"I had a very pleasant stay at Quayside Quarters. It’s in a quiet street just off the quay in Poole. My room was clean and comfortable and the owners made sure I got in OK and allowed me to leave my bag in the building for a couple of hours after I vacated the room. I would certainly like to stay ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Quayside Quarters
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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