10 Best Things to Do in Poole, Dorset
What is Poole Famous For?
Poole is a quaint town on the southern coast of England that has a rich history and many outdoor attractions to enjoy. Famous for its impressively large harbor, Poole has served as an important trading seaport throughout the years and was also a major departing point for the Normandy landings.
Today, visitors come from far and wide to experience water sports in the harbor, visit the pretty beaches and enjoy British-seaside vibes on the waterfront. Seafood is the order of the day, beautifully fresh thanks to Poole’s coastal location. Below are some highlights you shouldn’t miss on your visit to this pretty town, which many call ‘the jewel of Dorset’.
What are the best things to do in Poole?
1. Poole Harbour
A gorgeous waterfront
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo, Budget, Adventure
Poole Harbour is undoubtedly the biggest attraction in town. This impressively large natural harbor was once one of the most important seaports for trading in Europe. While trade has declined, the port is still busy, and ferries run between here and Cherbourg in France.
The harbor is home to numerous islands, the largest being Brownsea. In the summer, the waters turn a beautiful shade of blue more commonly found in southern Europe than off the coast of England. Poole Harbour is an excellent spot for windsurfing, and there are many other water sports on offer for thrill-seekers including sailing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. It’s also possible to go scuba diving and snorkeling.
Location: Poole Harbour, Poole, UK
Poole Harbour
2. Brownsea Island
The largest island in the harbor
Good for: Families, History, Photo, Budget
Accessible only by boat, Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour and a magnet for visitors during the summer months. The scenery on the island is stunning, from rugged rocky beaches to the dramatic Brownsea Castle, which was built by Henry VIII with the aim of protecting Poole Harbour.
Owned by the National Trust, the island is a fantastic place to explore and a great way to do so is by going on a guided walking tour. This is also an interesting way to learn about the history of the island, which was the founding place of the Scout movement. There’s even a campsite so there’s still time to earn those merit badges.
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole BH13 7EE, UK
Brownsea Island
3. Old Town Poole
The city’s charming historical quarter
Good for: Couples, Shoppers, History, Food
The Old Town is a charming area of Poole, full of cobbled streets and impressive architecture. Pass by merchant terraced houses and be sure to stop by the impressive Guildhall on Market Street.
This area, located a short walk from the quayside and harbor, is also home to several excellent restaurants. The Crown Hotel serves fine-dining fare at affordable prices, while the bistro at the Hotel du Vin is the place to go for seasonal French cuisine. Head to the waterfront for Rockfish Poole Seafood Restaurant for the catch of the day, including sea bass and Devon lobster.
Old Town Poole
4. Poole Quayside
Independent stores in a stunning location
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo, Shoppers
A few minutes’ walk away from Poole Harbour, the Quayside neighborhood offers perhaps the chicest part of Poole. There are plenty of high-quality restaurants in this area as well as traditional pubs, and also the oldest Italian restaurant in Poole, La Lupa. They serve excellent pizza in the classic Neapolitan style.
The Quayside is a great place to shop away from the high street where you can find several independent shops offering art, pottery, and homemade fudge, all of which make great souvenirs.
Location: The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ, UK
Poole Quayside
5. Sandbanks Beach
A wide, golden beach
Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure
Sandbanks Beach is considered to be one of Britain’s prettiest beaches, winning the Blue Flag every year for over 3 decades. This means it’s not only beautiful, but also meets the highest environmental standards. The soft yellow sand and the incredible views out over the swimmable blue water make for an excellent summer’s day out.
There is a play area for children and designated sections of the beach specifically for dogs and barbecues. There is a water sports area for those wishing to try surfing or kayaking, rentals are available and beginners are welcome. For fun on dry land, there’s also a popular mini golf course.
Location: Banks Rd, Poole BH13 7QQ, United Kingdom
Sandbanks Beach
6. Hamworthy Park
Quaint beach huts and traditional seaside scenes
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Families, History
Hamworthy Park is a beautiful open space just across the water from Poole Harbour. The area was previously an Iron Age fort founded by the Romans as a base for invasion. Traveling just outside of the city center is well worth it for this charming park, loved by locals for it’s great vibe and excellent facilities.
The best time to visit Hamworthy Park, which joins onto Hamworthy beach, is sunset. The park’s vibe is distinctly seaside-esque, with vintage beach huts dotted along the front. Come earlier in the day for a picnic under the trees, or book an activity with South Coast Adventures who offer bushcraft and axe throwing on land and kayaking and paddleboarding in the water.
Location: Hamworthy Park, Lulworth Avenue, Poole, BH15 4DH, UK
Hamworthy Park
7. Compton Acres
Lush greenery in private gardens
Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury, Photo
Compton Acres is an absolute must for garden enthusiasts visiting Poole. The grounds contain several beautifully kept gardens, each with a different theme. There is a woodland-style garden as well as a beautiful Japanese garden, which was designed by a Japanese architect.
With an onsite café, bakery, and head chef there’s no reason not to spend the whole day wandering around this lush, tranquil paradise and staying just a little longer for a bite to eat. Visit the Plant Centre to take some greenery home for yourself.
Location: 164 Canford Cliffs Rd, Poole BH13 7ES, United Kingdom
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 1202 700 788
Compton Acres
8. Upton Country Park
Explore the woodland in this spectacular park
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Couples, Families
Upton Country Park is a haven away from Poole’s bustling downtown. It houses Upton Country House, a Georgian Mansion open to the public on certain days with well-informed volunteers give guided tours of the house. The park is free and open daily, so is a great place to get some fresh air with your family. Dogs are welcome too.
The extensive parklands feature several trails for walks and cycling, including some that go along the shoreline or into the woods. There’s an adventure playground full of timber play equipment designed for children, and the Walled Garden is an excellent place to relax and enjoy a picnic.
Location: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJ, UK
Open: October–March from 8 am to 6 pm, April–September from 8 am to 9 pm
Phone: +44 120 212 7770
Upton Country Park
9. Tower Park
Indoor entertainment for those rainy days
Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife
Tower Park is a multi-venue entertainment complex and one of those places for the rainy days that English weather seems to bring around. Offering all manner of entertainment in one location, it would be easy to spend the whole day here with your family and still not have done everything.
You’ll find a water park, movie theater, and bowling alley to keep yourself busy, as well as a bingo hall that’s popular with locals. And for afterwards, there are plenty of high-quality chain restaurants onsite so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Location: Tower Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, BH12 4NY, UK
Open: Daily 6 am to midnight (hours for individual venues vary)
Phone: +44 1202 722917
Tower Park
10. Farmer Palmers Farm Park
A fun-filled day out for little ones
Good for: Adventure, Families, Food
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park is a firm favorite with families and those visiting with small children. Specifically targeted at kids under 8 years old, there’s a dinosaur trail, obstacle course, “straw mountain” climbing and play area, and pedal tractors for them to race around on.
Getting lost in the summer maize maze is a fun way to spend an afternoon and there are also trails for those who want to explore the picturesque wider area. It’s infant-friendly too, with soft play and a range of facilities such as a large number of high chairs in the restaurant and plenty of baby changing stations in the bathrooms.
Location: Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU, UK
Open: Daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm (varies by season)
Phone: +44 1202 622 022
Farmer Palmers Farm Park
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