Things to do in Poole

Things to do in  Poole

Journey to the Jurassic Coast

Adjacent to Bournemouth and on the edge of Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, Poole is also home to the second-largest natural harbor in the world. That maritime significance has played a key role in its history, from early Viking invasions to D-Day crossings and its present-day Channel ferry routes. There are lots of things to in Poole in the summer in particular, when crowds come to relax on the Blue Flag–certified Sandbanks beach; wander the bustling Quay or charming Old Town; see the ruins of Corfe Castle; or set out on a coastal ramble.

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Top 2 attractions in Poole

#1

Brownsea Island

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With ancient woodlands, windswept heathlands, and freshwater lakes hemmed in by grassy sea cliffs and sandy beaches, Brownsea Island crams a startling variety of scenery into its small landmass. The mostly uninhabited island, which is run by the National Trust, is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour.More
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#2

Poole Harbour

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Poole Harbour serves as the gateway to Brownsea Island and the Jurassic Coast, home to Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks. The natural harbor—one of Europe’s largest—is a hot spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, while Poole Quay is home to a promenade lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants.More
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Explore Poole by interest

Top activities in Poole

Poole Harbour and Island Cruise from Poole

Poole Harbour and Island Cruise from Poole

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323
From
$17.86
Jurassic Coastal Cruise from Poole

Jurassic Coastal Cruise from Poole

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392
From
$26.81
Bike & Brunch Experience in Poole Harbour

Bike & Brunch Experience in Poole Harbour

From
$44.68
E-Bike Guided Tour Cycling Corfé Castle

E-Bike Guided Tour Cycling Corfé Castle

From
$82.98
Guided E-Bike Day Trips Dorset

Guided E-Bike Day Trips Dorset

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48
From
$108.51
Poole Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

Poole Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

From
$19.15
per group
Boat Rental in Poole Harbour

Boat Rental in Poole Harbour

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7
From
$191.48
per group
1-Hour Paddle Board on Southampton

1-Hour Paddle Board on Southampton

From
$25.53
4x4 Land Rover Safari Across Purbeck Hills and Jurassic Coast

4x4 Land Rover Safari Across Purbeck Hills and Jurassic Coast

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26
From
$178.72
Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Poole, UK

Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Poole, UK

From
$10.21
PRIVATE 4x4 Land Rover Safari - Purbeck Hills and Jurassic Coast

PRIVATE 4x4 Land Rover Safari - Purbeck Hills and Jurassic Coast

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7
From
$675.30
per group
E-Bike Half-Day Trip to Harrys Rock or Corfé Castle

E-Bike Half-Day Trip to Harrys Rock or Corfé Castle

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47
From
$95.74
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All about Poole

When to visit

With its many beaches—and proximity to Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast—Poole is at its busiest during the summer months. That’s also true of its events calendar, and festivals like the Poole Quay Summer Fireworks, Poole Seafood Festival, and SandFest draw crowds. For a slightly calmer experience of the coastal city, aim for a spring visit: Poole enjoys more temperate weather than much of the rest of the UK during April and May.

Getting around

Poole is served by the main line Poole Railway Station and can be reached by National Express and Megabus buses. There are also numerous local bus lines that serve the wider region. The Poole Ferry Terminal connects the city to Channel Islands and France, while the Poole Quay operates local ferry services. The city is broadly pedestrian- and cycle-friendly.

Traveler tips

Don’t confine yourself to the mainland on your trip to maritime Poole. Poised as it is on one of the world’s largest natural harbors, Poole offers ferry access to several small harbor islands. Brownsea Island, run by the National Trust, is a highlight: Come to explore its scenic nature trails, admire its lagoon views, glimpse wildlife including red squirrels and kingfishers, and see the Brownsea Castle.

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People Also Ask

What is Poole famous for?

The Dorset port town of Poole is known for its natural harbor—one of the world’s largest—and maritime heritage. Other defining attributes include its Georgian Old Town, popular Sandbanks beach, and boat-lined Quay. It’s also famous for watersports and proximity to the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, whose cliffs are layered with fossils.

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How much time do you need in Poole?

In peak season, a week is ideal for experiencing Poole’s summer attractions, including its beaches, watersports, and cruises to places like Brownsea Island and Jurassic Coast. At other times, two days is enough to explore Poole’s historical center, museums, and gardens, and nearby parks and reserves like the New Forest.

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What is there to do in Poole on a rainy day?

Start at the Poole Museum, whose artifacts include a 2,000-year-old logboat. Then, view the antique lifeboat at the Lifeboat Museum and embrace the rain on a walk along the Quay. Finally, hit Tower Park’s indoor splash park or bowling alley before a show at the arts center.

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What is there to do in Poole in the winter?

In winter, stroll by the visiting tall ships and yachts at Poole Quay and unravel the town’s past at Poole Museum and on the Cockle Walking Trail. Absorb the winter beauty while walking the gardens at Compton Acres—then refresh with hot chocolate at its cozy tearoom.

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What is there to do in Poole for kids?

Aside from hitting the beaches, you can take ferries to Brownsea Island’s wildlife-spotting trails and adventure course, learn history at Poole Museum, or enjoy the miniature train, paddle-boarding, and kayaking at Poole Park. The Tower Park complex provides family fun with an aqua park, soft play area, and bowling.

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Is Poole or Bournemouth better?

Poole is better for slower-paced vacations. It’s smaller than neighboring Bournemouth, with quieter beaches, and harbor cruises and ferries to Brownsea Island leaving from its Quay. Bournemouth, meanwhile, boasts more beaches and leisure attractions, with an amusement-packed pier, stroller-friendly promenade, adventure park, aquarium, gardens, and vibrant restaurant and nightlife scenes.

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