Things to do in Poole

Poole is a coastal tourist resort, attracting visitors with its large natural harbour and Blue Flag beaches. The town also supports cross-channel freight and ferries from its commercial port.

Poole Beach

Poole has miles of award-winning golden sands, and Sandbanks Beach has won more Blue Flags than any other UK resort due to its pristine water and sands, and its safe environment, provided by the RNLI, which holds its headquarters in Poole.

Poole Harbour

Poole’s impressively sizeable natural harbour (the second largest natural harbour in the world!) was once one of the most important seaports for trading in Europe Although trading has decreased, the port remains busy with trade and ferries from across the channel, to Jersey, Guernsey and France There are also plenty of shops to visit and restaurants to dine in

Brownsea Island

Only accessible by boat, this National Trust gem is the largest island in Poole Harbour and is a magnet for visitors during the summer months due to its stunning scenery. The island also holds plenty of history, as it is the founding place of the Scout movement, and is home to Brownsea Castle, which was built by Henry VIII to protect Poole Harbour.

Compton Acres

Further inland, there are several beautifully kept gardens, which each have a different theme, ranging from Italian to Japanese There is also a cafe and bakery on the grounds to ensure you are content as you wander the tranquil gardens and enjoy the peace, quiet and beauty surrounding you.

Upton Country Park

A little out of town, this Georgian Mansion is open to the public on certain days, with well-informed volunteers to give guided tours, and plenty of green space surrounding it to play games There are also trails available for those that enjoy walking or cycling, with some that even go along the shoreline

Tower Park

For some of those rainy days, this multi-venue entertainment complex offers everything you need for a good day out Tower Park hosts plenty of restaurants and has a cinema, bowling venue and a respectable water park, with some exhilarating slides

Lighthouse

Lighthouse is Poole’s Centre for Arts and Entertainment, the largest regional arts centre in the UK and a symphonic concert hall, home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. There is also a mid-scale theatre, independent cinema and art galleries and function rooms, for visitors to experience a mixture of art all under one roof

The Old Town and Quay

Following the bombing that Poole suffered in the Second World War, a 6-hectare conservation area was created in the town centre to preserve Poole’s most notable buildings, thus leaving a sizeable room of buildings that display the town’s Georgian heritage Within the area, there is plenty to eat, and the Poole Museum is located in the centre, with free entry, the museum holds history all the way back from the Iron Age up to the present day

Written By Daniel Martin