Poole

Travel Guide

Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle which includes 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

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

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

Oakdale

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

Oakdale
Poole Museum which includes interior views and heritage elements

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
Evening Hill, Poole

Lilliput

While Lilliput might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Compton Acres and Branksome Chine Beach.

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 ₩90,775 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
₩90,775
₩118,656 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Staff were lovely,room was basic,as expected,but clean and roomy ,would have liked a bigger bed.but overall a pleasant 1 night stopover.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

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 ₩157,236 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
₩157,236
₩188,683 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (749 reviews)
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Reviewed on Feb 21, 2026

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Harbour Heights Hotel

Harbour Heights Hotel

4 out of 5
73 Haven Road, Sandbanks Poole England
The price is ₩184,792 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
₩184,792
₩221,751 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (490 reviews)
Friendly welcome. Comfortable stay. Lovely breakfast. Thank you.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Harbour Heights 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.
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 Bournemouth 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 aparthotel in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and minibars. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
Perfect stay at the Harbour
An excellent location and the directions provided by the host were spot on. In a beautiful peaceful location and a stones throw from the harbour front. Once inside the property we were not disappointed. Spotlessly clean and the welcome book included all the details we needed, not only about the accommodation ...

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Quayside Quarters
Harbourside House Holiday Home

Harbourside House Holiday Home

3 out of 5
5 Vallis Cl Poole England
Stay at this vacation home in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located ...
Harbourside House Holiday Home
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%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

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

4/5 - Good

Billy

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