Poole

Travel Guide

Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture
Brownsea Island showing 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 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 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
Fully refundable
The price is HK$760 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
HK$760
HK$912 total
31 Aug - 1 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Needed more breakfast choices and Aircon was faulty"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 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 HK$1,252 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
HK$1,252
HK$1,503 total
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
Haven Hotel

Haven Hotel

4 out of 5
161 Banks Road, Poole, England
The price is HK$1,382 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
HK$1,382
HK$1,658 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Poole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"Lovely views across the bay, quiet part of the beach. Breakfast at the Hotel was excellent"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Haven 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.
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*
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! (58 reviews)
"A really beautiful and very pleasant stay. The location was ideal with everything we could ever need within walking distance. I really appreciated the communication before our arrival, to see if there were anything we needed and to make sure we had everything prior to check-in, we really felt well ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Quayside Quarters
Student Only Corfe House

Student Only Corfe House

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 ...
Student Only Corfe House
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