Things to do in Poole
Things to do in Poole
Poole is a lively seaside town on England’s south coast in Dorset, just a few miles from Bournemouth. It’s best known for its huge natural harbour – the largest in Europe – which is a base for boat trips and watersports adventures.
But the town has plenty to offer beyond its harbour too, from beautiful sandy beaches to a charming Old Town and bustling Quay packed with shops, cafes and restaurants.
Poole is well connected to the rest of the UK by road, rail, coach and bus. The town is located around 5 miles from Bournemouth and roughly 100 miles from London. If you’re travelling from further afield, Poole also has ferry connections to France and the Channel Islands.
With good motorway connections, Poole is easy to reach by car. Most routes into the town involve the A31, which links Dorset with the wider UK motorway network. If you’re travelling from London, the most direct route is via the M3 and M27 before joining the A31. The journey usually takes around 2–2.5 hours. From Bristol, you can reach Poole via the A36 and A350 in about 2 hours, whilst the drive from Southampton takes around 1 hour via the M27 and A31.
If you’re coming from the Midlands, the journey from Birmingham takes roughly 3 hours. Head south on the M5, join the A30 or A303, and then follow the A35 or A31 towards Poole.
Poole is also easily accessible by train. Direct services run from London Waterloo to Poole, with the journey usually taking between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes. You can also travel to Poole by train from other destinations across the region, including Southampton in around 1 hour, Weymouth in about 40 minutes, and Bournemouth in less than 10 minutes.
Connections requiring a change are also available from many other cities, including Birmingham and Manchester. Once you arrive, Poole train station is just a short walk from the town centre and many of the town’s main attractions.
National Express operates regular coaches from London to Poole in around 3 hours. Coaches take you to Seldown Coach Park, just a short distance from the city centre and Poole Quay.
Although the journey can take slightly longer, coaches are often a cheaper alternative to travelling by train. If you’re travelling from nearby, local bus operators such as Morebus run regular services from places including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Wimborne.
Once you’ve arrived, getting around Poole is easy, with many of the town’s main attractions located close to one another. The main high street, Poole Quay and the historic Old Town are all within easy walking distance, making them simple to explore on foot. Local buses and boat trips can also take you to places a little further away, such as Sandbanks.
Poole is also home to a busy ferry port, offering crossings to destinations including Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands, as well as Cherbourg and St Malo in France.
With many of its main sights located close together, walking is one of the best ways to explore Poole. The high street, Old Town, Poole Quay and Poole Park are all within walking distance, making it easy to get around on foot. You can take your time exploring, stop at the shops or enjoy a coffee in one of the town’s cafes.
Cycling is also a popular way to explore Poole and the surrounding coastline, with many cycle paths throughout the area.
A car is ideal if you’re planning to explore beyond the town centre. It gives you the flexibility to visit beaches on The Jurassic Coast, or nearby towns like Bournemouth, as well as discovering hidden gems and more rural spots that can be harder to reach by public transport.
Taxi services like Uber are also available if you don’t fancy driving. Bear in mind that traffic can be busy, especially during the summer months.
You can also explore Poole by bus. Poole Bus Station is located next to the Dolphin Shopping Centre, within walking distance of many of Poole’s attractions. Most services in the area are operated by Morebus which connects various parts of the town centre, along with nearby towns and coastal areas such as Sandbanks and Bournemouth. Travelling by bus is often one of the cheapest ways to explore.
For a more scenic way to see Poole, you can also explore by boat. As the town is home to one of the largest natural harbours in the world, boats are a popular way to travel around the town. You can take boat trips around the harbour, to Brownsea Island or the Isle of Purbeck.
Poole is a great destination to visit all year round. The best time to go depends on what you’re looking for - whether it’s the sun-soaked beaches and outdoor adventures of summer, or the cosy charm and quieter atmosphere of the winter months.
With the weather warming up and landscapes coming to life with blooming flowers, spring is a great time to visit Poole. Temperatures generally range from 10°C to 17°C, but coastal breezes can sometimes make it feel cooler, so be sure to bring layers and waterproofs. Spring is also one of the quieter seasons in Poole, making it an ideal time to visit if you prefer to avoid the summer crowds.
Comfortable temperatures also make it the perfect time for outdoor adventures, such as hiking from Poole to Bournemouth or cycling along the South West Coast Path. With the landscapes starting to transform from cooler winter tones to lush greens, spring is also very scenic. Perfect for Visiting Brownsea Island without the summer crowds and spotting wildlife such as birds and squirrels.
Summer is one of the best times to visit Poole. The weather is at its warmest, and the town comes alive with a buzzing atmosphere, especially at Poole Quay, with lively waterfront restaurants and cafes. Parks and beaches fill up quickly as locals and visitors alike make the most of the sunshine. Temperatures usually range from 18°C to 23°C, and thanks to Poole’s coastal location, refreshing sea breezes keep things comfortable. Along with your sunglasses, SPF, and swim stuff, we’d still recommend packing layers just in case.
The long daylight hours and warmer weather make it the perfect season for outdoor activities like sailing in Poole Harbour, enjoying a picnic in Poole Park, taking a trip to the Isle of Purbeck or exploring the nearby Jurassic Coast.
Perfect for: Beach days at Sandbanks, relaxing on the soft golden sands and swimming in the calm waters.
If you’re after a quieter atmosphere and stunning scenery, autumn is the perfect time to visit Poole. With the summer crowds slipping away, the town becomes more peaceful. The landscapes are also beautiful, transforming into shades of gold and red. Temperatures usually range from 18°C in September to around 10°C in November, and despite being a little cooler, the weather makes outdoor activities like exploring Poole Harbour or hiking in the surrounding countryside more comfortable. Rain is also more common in autumn so along with your layers, make sure to pack waterproofs too.
The quieter atmosphere also makes it a great time for peaceful seaside walks at Sandbanks or enjoying a relaxing afternoon at Poole Quay with its charming cafes and restaurants. It’s also a great time to explore the colourful Dorset countryside or spot squirrels on Brownsea Island.
Perfect for: Exploring the Isle of Purbeck and visiting Corfe Castle surrounded by beautiful autumn countryside.
With fewer crowds and a slower pace, winter is a relaxing time to visit Poole. Daytime temperatures generally range from around 5°C to 9°C, but coastal winds can make it feel a lot cooler, so warm, cosy layers are a must. The colder weather makes it a great time to explore some of Poole’s indoor attractions, whether that’s browsing the shops at the Dolphin Centre, learning about the town’s past at Poole Museum, or enjoying family-friendly activities at Tower Park leisure complex.
Winter is also a great time to wander around Poole Quay and the historic Old Town. After a day of sightseeing, you can warm up in one of the cosy cafes or traditional pubs overlooking the harbour and the dramatic coastal scenery.
Perfect for: Cosy and peaceful walks around Poole Quay and the harbour, followed by a hearty meal in a traditional pub.
Poole Harbour is the town’s most famous landmark. It’s the largest natural harbour in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The waters are often dotted with boats, and visitors can take scenic trips around the harbour or enjoy a range of watersports.
Sandbanks Beach is a blue-flag beach, known for its soft golden sands and clear shallow waters. This popular beach is located on a small peninsula next to Poole Harbour and is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island can be reached by ferry from Poole Quay. It’s a beautiful place, with scenic woodland walking trails and amazing wildlife including rare red squirrels and seabirds.
Poole Quay is often considered the heart of the town, known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful harbour views, and wide range of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. It’s also the main departure point for many boat trips around the harbour and to nearby attractions. Right next to the Quay you’ll also find the charming Old Town, where historic Georgian buildings and narrow streets give you a glimpse into Poole’s past.
Located next to the harbour, Poole Park boats 110 acres of beautiful parkland featuring a saltwater lagoon, lakes and playgrounds. Whether you fancy a scenic stroll or a sunny picnic, it’s the perfect place to relax.
Thanks to its coastal location and huge harbour, Poole is a popular place for outdoor activities. The calm, shallow waters of Poole Harbour provide the perfect setting for water-based activities, from sailing and paddleboarding to kayaking and windsurfing. From here, you can also take sightseeing cruises or boat trips across the harbour to Brownsea Island. offers the perfect starting point for adventures, from sailing to paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing.
From the harbour, you can also take sightseeing cruises or boat trips to Brownsea Island. Sandbanks Beach is also a great place for outdoor activities with clean water and golden sands. Beyond Sandbanks, there are plenty more beaches on the Jurassic Coast for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. The area is also home to many scenic walking and cycling routes.
Popular trails include the Poole Harbour Trail, sections of the South West Coast Path and the Cockle Trail, all of which offer beautiful views.
Poole is home to a variety of attractions that showcase the town’s history and culture. These include Poole Museum, which is located in the Old Town. It gives visitors a glimpse into the town’s maritime history and is great for a rainy day. Next door you’ll also find Scaplen’s Court, a former merchant’s house turned museum. Just wandering around Poole’s Old Town is also a great way to get a feel for the town’s past, with its narrow cobblestone streets and historic warehouses.
For a cultural fix, The Lighthouse is a must-visit. It’s one of the largest arts centres outside London and features a theatre, concert hall, cinema, and art gallery, offering something for everyone.
Poole is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding coastline and countryside of Dorset. Popular day trips from Poole include Brownsea Island, with regular ferries departing from Poole Quay and Sandbanks, which take about 20 minutes. The National Trust island is known for its peaceful atmosphere and wonderful wildlife. For beach lovers, the Jurassic Coast is a must-visit, located around 30 minutes away. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove and is perfect for a scenic day by the sea.
If you prefer the countryside to the coast, The New Forest National Park is just a short drive away with its charming villages, forested trails and amazing wildlife. For a bit more hustle and bustle, Bournemouth is also only 15 minutes away. This vibrant town offers museums, parks, beaches, and a wide variety of shops, bars, and restaurants, making it perfect for a fun day out.
Poole offers a variety of activities to suit every age group. Some of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Poole include Poole Park, a huge green space with children’s play areas, a miniature railway, crazy golf and a large lake where you can rent a pedalo. Sandbanks Beach is also popular with families, especially in the summer months. You can build sandcastles, take a swim, or enjoy fish and chips on the beach.
Other popular family-friendly attractions include Tower Park, a buzzing leisure complex with a cinema, bowling and places to eat, and Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park where you can see farm animals and enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities.
Poole can easily be done on a budget. To save money, we’d recommend booking your transport and accommodation in advance as the sooner you book, the cheaper the price tends to be. Sometimes if you stay outside of the centre, you can also save money on accommodation. Choose a self-catering apartment or cottage to cook your own meals. You’ll also find plenty of free activities in the town, from coastal walks at Sandbanks Beach to visiting Poole Harbour and Poole Museum.
Whilst Poole Quay is a popular destination, the hidden historic streets of the Old Town can often be missed. Make sure to wander the charming lanes, browse independent shops, and admire the town’s historic buildings for a quieter, more authentic experience.
Just outside of the town, Upton Country Park is a great day out, with woodland walks and a beautiful Georgian house, whilst closer to the harbour you’ll find Baiter Park. It’s often quieter than Poole Park and offers scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Poole’s culinary scene is strongly influenced by its coastal location, with a focus on fresh seafood. Dishes such as crab, lobster, scallops and mussels feature on many menus and can be enjoyed at the town’s waterfront restaurants. Fish and chips is also a local favourite, with plenty of takeaways located near Poole Quay and along the coastline.
You’ll also find traditional Dorset delicacies, including Dorset apple cake served with clotted cream, Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, a crumbly blue cheese, and Dorset Knobs, a dry savoury biscuit often enjoyed with cheese.
Poole offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every type of traveller. You’ll find everything from modern hotels to cosy guesthouses and self-catering apartments. For those travelling on a budget, there are also several campsites and caravan parks in the area. If you want to be close to the main attractions, then we’d recommend staying near Poole Quay.
Meanwhile, Sandbanks is a great choice for beach lovers looking to stay near the coast. Generally, accommodation becomes more affordable the further you stay from the town centre, and parking is often easier to find outside the centre too.
Poole is equally perfect for a short weekend break as it is for a longer getaway. How long you stay really depends on whether you plan to explore just the town itself or venture further afield to discover the surrounding coastline and countryside.
Arrive in Poole and check into your accommodation. After, spend the rest of the day exploring Poole Harbour, Poole Quay and the Old Town. Finish with dinner overlooking the harbour.
Take a ferry to Brownsea Island and enjoy a scenic walk and some wildlife watching before catching the ferry back to the Quay for some fish and chips on the waterfront. In the afternoon, head to Sandbanks for some beachside relaxation.
In the morning, take a scenic sightseeing cruise around the harbour or try paddleboarding or kayaking. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in Poole Park before heading back home.
Why we love it: This is ideal for couples and families who want a short seaside break. Three days allow you to experience Poole’s highlights and also enjoy a day trip.
After checking into your accommodation, head to Poole Quay to get your bearings. Spend some time exploring the charming Old Town, wander its historic streets, and visit Poole Museum. End the day with dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Poole Harbour.
Take the ferry to Brownsea Island and spend the day exploring its beautiful landscapes and keeping an eye out for wildlife, including red squirrels.
Head to Sandbanks for a relaxing day at the beach. Sunbathe on the golden sands, take a swim, or enjoy some watersports. In the evening, return to Poole for a scenic harbour cruise at sunset before finishing the day with a meal by the water.
Venture beyond the town to explore the surrounding landscapes. Beach lovers can visit the Jurassic Coast to see places like Durdle Door, whilst hikers and nature lovers can take a trip to the New Forest National Park.
Spend a relaxing morning in Poole Park with a stroll around the lake. Afterwards, head to Poole Quay for a classic fish and chips lunch before browsing the shops in the town centre ahead of your journey home.
Why we love it: Five days gives you plenty of time to enjoy Poole itself without rushing, whilst still leaving room to explore the beautiful coastline and countryside nearby.
Yes, you can get a ferry to Poole from the Channel Islands and France. If you’re travelling from the Channel Islands, ferries from Guernsey to Poole take about 3 hours and are operated by Brittany Ferries, whilst ferries from Jersey to Poole take approximately 4 hours 30 minutes and are operated by DFDS Seaways.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling from France then you can get a ferry to Poole from St Malo in about 6 hours, and from Cherbourg in around 4 hours 30 minutes. These services are operated by Brittany Ferries.
We’d recommend booking your travel and accommodation in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer months. At this time of year, it’s also a good idea to arrive early at popular spots like Sandbanks to avoid the largest crowds. Even in summer, coastal breezes can make the weather feel cooler than expected, so packing a few extra layers is always a good idea.
If you’re planning to explore beyond the town, such as the surrounding countryside or the Jurassic Coast, having a car can also give you more flexibility and make it easier to reach more remote locations
If you only have one day to explore Poole, start your morning at Poole Quay. Watch the boats bob in and out of the harbour, visit Poole Museum, and wander through the charming streets of the Old Town. In the afternoon, head to Sandbanks Beach for a few relaxing hours by the sea. Later, return to Poole Quay for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants whilst soaking up views of the harbour.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
