Poole

Travel Guide
Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture
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

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
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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

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, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Poole, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Walking Field Lane, Poole, England
The price is ₩135,025 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩135,025
per night
May 27 - May 28
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (999 reviews)
"This hotel is walking distance to the Quay and Harbour where there is a great selection of pubs, bars and restaurants. Will definately stay again"

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Holiday Inn Express Poole, an IHG Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel
Sandbanks Hotel
4 out of 5
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England
The price is ₩236,937 per night from May 24 to May 25
₩236,937
per night
May 24 - May 25
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (733 reviews)
"You can't beat the location of Sandbanks hotel. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The food is excellent. I would not go into the swimming pool again as I found it very difficult to get in and out via the awful metal steps. As most of the guests were elderly I doubt if any of them would use ..."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Sandbanks Hotel
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
4 out of 5
Thames Street, Poole, England
The price is ₩215,149 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩215,149
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (574 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, great room & service. Room was large & great bath & shower. Comfy big bed."

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

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.
Beautiful 3-bed Caravan at Rockley Park Poole
Beautiful 3-bed Caravan at Rockley Park Poole
3 out of 5
Poole
Stay at this 3-star chalet in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Sandbanks Beach are located nearby.
Beautiful 3-bed Caravan at Rockley Park 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 Bournemouth Pier ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
"Our stay at quayside quarters was lovely. Jenny was extremely helpful, great location with a short walk to the quay. Room was well equipped with everything we needed. Will definitely recommend and stay again :)"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Poole

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 36.36363636363637%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 45.45454545454545%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 18.181818181818183%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 27, 2019

Our reason for going to Poole was to catch the ferry to Guernsey Island. We stayed two nights and if we had the trip to plan again, we would have included another day or two in Poole to see the sights and also Bournmouth.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 19, 2019

It’s a great coastal town, sand banks pubs and controlled development

4/5 - Good

Billy
Aug 21, 2018

We love Poole and Sandbanks and we try to go as often as we can. However we will be staying somewhere else from now on.

Cities near Poole