Poole

Travel Guide

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
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

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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
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
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 Poole Harbour and Compton Acres.

Lilliput
Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG

3 out of 5
Walking Field Lane, Poole, England
$104 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$124 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,010 reviews)
"Needed more breakfast choices and Aircon was faulty"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Poole by IHG
Sandbanks Hotel

Sandbanks Hotel

4 out of 5
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England
$226 nightly
The price is $271 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$271 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and 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! (821 reviews)
"The beach area was well maintained, the staff were very professional and friendly. The room size was very good and terrace overlooking the sea was great"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Sandbanks Hotel
Haven Hotel

Haven Hotel

4 out of 5
161 Banks Road, Poole, England
$178 nightly
The price is $214 total per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
$214 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
Total includes taxes and 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 Jul 2, 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.
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 Jul 23, 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
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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Sandbanks Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
Bday trip
"As described"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 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.

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