Poole

Travel Guide

Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture
Brownsea Island featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Poole
Poole Harbour which includes a river or creek
Relax on one of Britain’s favorite 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

Default Image

Parkstone

Visitors to Parkstone rave about its stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and luxurious spas. You might also want to make some time to see Splashdown Waterpark or Tower Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Parkstone
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 Scaplen’s Court Museum or Poole Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Poole Old Town

Oakdale

Oakdale might not have many top sights, but Poole Harbour and Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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 CA $131 per night from May 4 to May 5
CA $131
CA $158 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
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! (1,000 reviews)
"This was our first stay in Holiday Inn Express! Liked the hospitality, ambience, location and complimentary breakfast!"

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2025

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 CA $178 per night from May 1 to May 2
CA $178
CA $213 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
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! (664 reviews)
"Great stay - in particular, the barman (Zack) was excellent and a good ambassador for the hotel and the brand. All staff we friendly and the hotel was convenient to the old town. The breakfast at £24 pp was a little expense and hence we had breakfast outside of the hotel, aside from this, it was ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2025

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Sandbanks Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel
4 out of 5
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England
The price is CA $208 per night from May 1 to May 2
CA $208
CA $249 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
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! (792 reviews)
My stay in Sandbanks
"Lovely service. Clean rooms. Great breakfast. Nice cosy swimming pool"

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2025

Sandbanks 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.
Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour
Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour
Poole
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (171 reviews)
Lovely property
"Lovely property and all equipped with everything we needed.All clean and would highly recommend."

Reviewed on Apr. 25, 2025

Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour
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 Bournemouth Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"We had a really lovely stay here. It was really close to loads of pubs and restaurants."

Reviewed on Apr. 14, 2025

Quayside Quarters
Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole  5 minutes walk to the  Beach
Sleeps 8/9
Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole 5 minutes walk to the Beach Sleeps 8/9
Sandbanks
Stay at this vacation home in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located nearby.
Superb location
"Plenty of room and a few minutes away from the beach. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Apr. 16, 2025

Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole 5 minutes walk to the Beach Sleeps 8/9
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

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

Cities near Poole