Poole City Guide

Poole has a stunning natural harbour, the world's second largest after Sydney, and is famed for its magnificent beaches. Its three miles of golden sands from Sandbanks to Canford Cliffs are some of the finest in Britain. They have held blue flags since 1989, and are pristine, leading to its nickname as the St. Tropez of the South coast.

The town of Poole centres round the bustling old Quay, where you can find lovely restaurants and stylish bars, with fantastic views over the harbour. From the harbour, you can take a cruise boat around the port or a ferry to the National Trust's Brownsea Island, with its peaceful walks and wide variety of wildlife.

Top Attractions

Cockle Trail

Experience Poole's colourful past by walking the Cockle Trail around the Quay and Old Town. Pick up a leaflet from Poole Welcome Centre on Poole Quay and follow the 78 brass plaques that will guide you through over 750 years of Poole's history.

Waterfront Museum

This museum celebrates the nautical influences and history of the region since Roman times, and includes fascinating smugglers' tales.

Poole Pottery Factory Outlet

For over 100 years, the famous Poole Pottery has been designing and creating beautiful ceramic collections. Browse and purchase items from this stunning collection on Poole Quay.

Beaches

Sandbanks beach is winner of more European Blue Flags than any other British resort and received a 100% rating by the Tidy Britain Group. Neighbouring Shore Road and Branksome Chine beaches provide a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and watersports. A short ferry trip takes you to yet more great beaches at Shellbay and Studland.

Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is a short boat trip across the harbour. This beautiful 500-acre island of heath and woodland belongs to the National Trust, and is open to visitors throughout the summer.

Nearby

Twenty miles from Poole is the beautiful New Forest, with over 200 square miles of heathland, streams and ancient villages. Cycle, walk or picnic amongst the ancient woods of oak, beech, holly and yew. The Jurassic Coast is a stretch of Dorset coastline with breathtaking scenery and beautiful coves, and is a World Heritage Site. Monkey World is a 30-40 minute car journey from Poole and was established to create a rescue centre for monkeys, who have been rescued from all over the world.

Eating and Drinking

There are a number of charming restaurants at the old Quay, with lovely views over the harbour. At The Custom House you can enjoy a morning coffee and croissant, or alternatively stop for lunch in Oyster Quay, a stylish café that serves a buffet between 12-3pm. The Warehouse Brasserie is also a good waterside eaterie, specialising in local fish and seafood.

Fine (and expensive) dining can be enjoyed at Benjamins in The Mansion House Hotel, and La Roche Brasserie in the Haven Hotel, located at the mouth of Poole Harbour. A taxi ride away from the centre, in Merley, Les Bouviers also has a big local following.