Poole Harbour Tours

Poole Harbour featuring a river or creek and heritage architecture
Poole Harbour which includes a bay or harbor as well as a small group of people
Poole Harbour as well as a small group of people
Poole Harbour featuring a river or creek
Poole Harbour featuring heritage architecture

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

Poole Harbour is a large natural bay with several small islands in the southern part of the city. It has an intriguing history, with its shores having been inhabited for thousands of years. A boat from the Iron Age was discovered here. Watch the lifting of Poole Bridge, built in 1927 and spanning the waterway between the harbor and Holes Bay.

Ride a ferry to Brownsea Island to see its woodland and picturesque nature trails. Camp in the Outdoor Centre and learn about the history of Scouts and their connection to this particular island. Brownsea Castle and St. Mary’s Church are among the cultural highlights. Take photos of other forested parts of the archipelago, including Long Island, Furzey Island and Green Island. The islets are known for preservation of the rare red squirrel.

The harbor and its archipelago have many fascinating birds. Bring binoculars to search the water and the sky for the pied avocet, common shelduck and black-tailed godwit.

Discover various private marinas around the harbor to look at the yachts and sport boats. Many sites around the bay offer watersport activities and lessons. Practice kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

Dine at one of many pubs and restaurants facing the water. Purchase souvenirs from the shops.

Learn about the 2,300-year-old Poole Logboat, which was excavated here and now displayed in the nearby Poole Museum along with other nautically themed items.

The harbor’s water is surprisingly shallow. This site played an important role in the Romans conquest of southern England. More recently, it was a major port. Its principal role now is passenger transportation.

Poole Harbour is south of the city center. Ferries depart from the quay beside Poole Museum with another stop near Poole Yacht Club. The harbor is served by Upton Lake and exits into the English Channel in the southeast. Regular ferries take passengers to the various islands and the northern coast of France. Find parking, for a fee, behind the harbor.

Plan a trip to see Poole Harbour

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Three Falcons Hotel

Three Falcons Hotel

4 out of 5
City of Westminster
per person
Nov 7 - Nov 11
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Boston (BOS) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (338 reviews)
The room was comfortable and a good size. There is no hotel staff available to interact with on site and the elevator doesn’t run between 11pm and 7 am. With a room on the fifth floor that can be an issue. Although the neighborhood is quiet it is also remote from most tourists attractions. The restaurant below the hotel was outstanding.

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

4 out of 5
London City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Nov 7 - Nov 11
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Boston (BOS) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,617 reviews)
The buffet breakfast options were one of the best I have experienced. The room amenities and comfort was top notch

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Croydon by Charles Hope

Croydon by Charles Hope

3 out of 5
Fairfield
per person
Nov 5 - Nov 11
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to London (LHR)
8.4/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
Great property in a great location. Apart from a few minor broken things in the unit, it was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed. Will certainly be back!

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Popular places to visit

Poole Quay

Poole Quay

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

Poole Quay
Poole Museum featuring 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 featuring a bridge, a river or creek and modern architecture

Poole Twin Sails Bridge

Two illuminated sails appear to cross one another in the center of this inventive bridge on Upton Lake near Poole.

Poole Twin Sails Bridge
#Details! The oldest Pub on Poole Quay, the Poole Arms with its distinctive green tiling dates from the 1600s and by all accounts offering great seafood dishes. #Photos Detail Sweepstakes

Poole Park

After visiting Poole Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Poole. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Poole Park
Brownsea Castle featuring 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 featuring a pond and heritage architecture

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

Best Lodging Options Near Poole Harbour

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG

3 out of 5
Walking Field Lane, Poole, England
Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

4 out of 5
Thames Street, Poole, England
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Poole Quay Hotel

Poole Quay Hotel

3 out of 5
The Quay Poole Dorset, Poole, ENG
Poole Quay Hotel
Antelope Hotel by Greene King Inns

Antelope Hotel by Greene King Inns

3 out of 5
High Street, Poole, England
Antelope Hotel by Greene King Inns
The Merchant House

The Merchant House

4 out of 5
10 Strand Street, Poole, England
The Merchant House
Harbourside House Holiday Home

Harbourside House Holiday Home

3 out of 5
5 Vallis Cl, Poole, England
Harbourside House Holiday Home
Anchorage

Anchorage

3 out of 5
3A Thames St, Poole, England
Anchorage
Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour

Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour

Poole
Stunning Waterside Cottage in Poole Harbour
Modern Apartment -Parking & WiFi

Modern Apartment -Parking & WiFi

Poole
Modern Apartment -Parking & WiFi
See all 2,058 properties in Poole Harbour
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.

Things to do near Poole Harbour

Explore the vibrant activities around Poole Harbour, including relaxing spa treatments and invigorating swimming options. Enjoy leisure pursuits at Poole Park, where you can unwind amidst beautiful scenery and partake in various outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax or engage in fun adventures, Poole Harbour offers a delightful mix of experiences for every tourist.

Food and drinks

Visit Horton Estate Vineyard for a romantic outdoor experience and enjoy their exquisite wines. For a unique brew, check out Wayland's Sixpenny Brewery, where you can savor local craft beers in an entertaining atmosphere. Don't miss bistro-style dining at Bistro Poole for a taste of local flavors.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience in Poole Harbour, visit Castle Point Shopping Centre, just 7 miles away, where you'll find a variety of family-friendly stores. If you're up for a drive, check out New Forest Cider, located 14 miles away, for unique local gifts.

Recreation

Vitality Stadium offers a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for energizing workouts and engaging events, located 6 miles from Poole Harbour. For a relaxing round of golf, Meyrick Park Golf Course provides scenic outdoor views just 4 miles away, while Boscombe Chine Gardens Mini Golf Course, 6 miles away, is ideal for family fun and adventure.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Altitude High Ropes Adventure, located 7 miles from Poole Harbour, where you can conquer zip lines and ropes courses amidst outdoor adventure vibes. For a scenic hike, explore Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, 10 miles away, offering breathtaking views and a touch of exploration.

For climbing enthusiasts, Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre, situated 12 miles from Poole Harbour, provides a fantastic climbing experience surrounded by sports and adventure vibes. Embrace the great outdoors and challenge yourself with these adventurous activities!

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, where you can catch a live show just 5 miles from Poole Harbour. For a thrilling night, visit Genting Casino Bournemouth, also 5 miles away, or have fun at Giggles, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone located 4 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Poole Harbour

Whether you’re a beach lover, history buff, or outdoor enthusiast, Poole Harbour offers a variety of attractions to explore. Visit the iconic Corfe Castle, take in the views from the lighthouse in Poole, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Torquay Harbour and the inner harbour. With its stunning beaches and cultural experiences, Poole Harbour is a perfect destination for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.

  • Bournemouth International Centre: This versatile event venue, located just 5 miles from Poole Harbour, hosts a range of conferences and events. With modern facilities and a professional atmosphere, it’s perfect for business travelers or those looking to attend exciting shows and performances.
  • Bournemouth Beach: Also 5 miles away, Bournemouth Beach offers stunning sandy shores and vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and a variety of water sports, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade lined with shops and eateries.
  • Brownsea Island: Just 1 mile from Poole Harbour, this serene island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore scenic walking trails, spot wildlife, and relax on beautiful beaches, making it an ideal spot for picnics and nature walks.

Best time to go to Poole Harbour

The best time to visit Poole Harbour can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Poole Harbour falls in July and August. July has moderately high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Poole Harbour falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour is a budget-friendly destination with free access to attractions like Bournemouth Beach and Poole Quay. For the best savings, consider visiting between November and January when prices drop. Book hotels 1-3 months in advance, or check last-minute deals on Expedia, which can offer significant discounts. Use Expedia’s price filter and package deals to combine hotel and flight bookings for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership can also unlock exclusive offers and cash rewards for future stays. Enjoy your trip while keeping costs low!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Poole Harbour are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Poole Harbour is usually 1-3 months out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Poole Harbour hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.