Things to do in Poole

Activities, attractions and tours

Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture
Brownsea Island which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Compton Acres which includes a garden, a fountain and a statue or sculpture
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What to do in Poole

Popular places to visit

Poole Harbour showing heritage architecture and a river or creek

Poole Harbour

Visit a forested part of this harbor’s archipelago after strolling along the charming promenade full of restaurants, pubs and boutiques.

Poole Harbour
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Sandbanks Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Sandbanks Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Sandbanks. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Sandbanks Beach
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Poole Quay

Explore the waterfront in Poole with a trip to Poole Quay. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

Poole Quay
Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture

Brownsea Castle

Ride a ferry to a forested island. Observe colorful peacocks and playful red squirrels beside this grand castle from the 1500s.

Brownsea Castle
Compton Acres which includes heritage architecture and a pond

Compton Acres

The fine historic gardens of late Victorian mixed style were set up in the early 20th century. Peruse the range of exotic sections remaining today.

Compton Acres
Aqua Lifeboat Quay and the RNLI training college viewed at dusk from across Holes Bay, Poole, Dorset.

RNLI College

Enjoy the student vibe at RNLI College as part of your travels around Poole. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

RNLI College
Grade II* listed Georgian Mansion House

Upton Country Park

Explore the great outdoors at Upton Country Park, a lovely green space in Poole. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Upton Country Park
Poole Museum which includes interior views

Poole Museum

Learn the story of Poole and its harbor from interesting items, such as the Iron Age boat kept in this restored Victorian depository.

Poole Museum
Poole which includes a bridge, modern architecture and a river or creek

Poole Twin Sails Bridge

Poole Twin Sails Bridge is just one of the places to see in Hamworthy, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Poole Twin Sails Bridge

Areas of 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
Poole Museum showing heritage elements and 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
Evening Hill, Poole

Lilliput

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

Lilliput
Poole : Poole Town Football Club Nobody is playing football here at the moment, but come Saturday Poole will be out on the pitch.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Poole worth visiting?
Famous for its cycling and underwater activities, discovering cool things to do in Poole is easy. Don't forget to add Sandbanks Beach to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Poole?
Sandbanks Beach and Swanage Beach are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Poole while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Poole?
Don't leave without exploring Sandbanks Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Poole.
Is three days enough to stay in Poole?
Three days will give you time to check out some popular city attractions, including Sandbanks Beach, Wimborne Minster and Studland Beach and Nature Reserve. The average stay in Poole is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Southampton isn't far away.
Is Poole a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Poole is a good destination to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Sandbanks Beach and Brownsea Castle. Then take a stroll around Poole Old Town, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Oakdale, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Poole with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Poole with kids.

What to do in Poole for adults?
Rockley Sands Beach and Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Poole. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Poole?
In Poole, Sandbanks Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Poole.

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