Poole holidays

How to reach Poole

• Flight time: The nearest airport to Poole receiving domestic flights is Southampton Airport. Flights to Southampton from the likes of Newcastle and Edinburgh take about an hour and 15 minutes.

• Transfer time: From Southampton Airport, it takes about 30 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by bus to reach Poole. Trains take about an hour.

• Price: A taxi from Southampton Airport to Poole costs around £25–£35, while the bus fare is approximately £6. A train from Southampton Airport Parkway to Poole costs between £10–£15.

• By Train: Poole is well-connected by train, with direct services from London Waterloo taking approximately 2 hours. The main train station, Poole Railway Station, is conveniently located close to the town centre.

• By Car: Poole is accessible via the A35 and A350 roads. If you're driving, be aware that parking can be limited in the town centre, so consider using one of the Park and Ride services.

• By Coach: National Express and other coach services provide regular routes to Poole from various UK cities, offering a budget-friendly travel option.

• By Ferry: Poole Harbour has ferry services to the Channel Islands and France, making it a great starting point for further adventures.

Weather and best time to visit Poole

The key to making your holidays to Poole truly memorable is knowing the right time to visit, though you’ll get the most out of all the town has to offer during the sunnier summer months.

• Spring (March to May) sees Poole beginning to warm up, with average temperatures around 12°C to 16°C. It's less crowded, making it a great time to explore attractions without the queues. Expect moderate rainfall and about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.

• Summer (June to August) is the perfect time for spending long, lazy days on the beach, with consistent sunshine and temperatures typically above 20°C, and sometimes nearer the 25°C mark. Don’t forget your sun cream and shades though.

• Autumn (September to November) sees fewer tourists but the weather remains very pleasant, with temperatures around 10°C to 16°C. The changing colours of the leaves in the nearby New Forest are well worth seeking out.

• December to March is the off season, and while many outdoor attractions close, the town is able to showcase its more sedate side.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language, but because this is a popular destination for foreign language students staying in nearby Bournemouth, you’ll hear all kinds of languages spoken.

• Local habits and customs: Poole is a friendly and welcoming town. Casual attire is widely accepted, but some dining and nightlife venues may require a more formal dress code.

• Health and safety: Poole is generally safe, but as with all popular tourist destinations, it's wise to keep an eye on personal belongings when on the beaches.

• Currency: The currency used is the British Pound Sterling (£). ATMs are widely available and card payments are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: Poole has an excellent public transport network. A day pass for unlimited bus travel around the town will cost about £5. Taxis and bike hire are also readily available.

• Time zone: GMT, moving to British Summer Time from late March to late October.

Best things to do in Poole

With what is said to be Europe’s largest natural harbour, a picturesque Old Town and all manner of fun activities, Poole offers a surprisingly varied number of things to do for such a small place.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Brownsea Island: Whether looking out to, or from, Brownsea Island, the views are extremely memorable.

• Evening Hill: A popular viewpoint offering panoramic views over Poole Harbour and beyond – and yes, the evening is indeed the best time to visit, as the sunsets are truly fantastic.

The best districts

• Old Town: Wend your way through the old smuggler’s passages and alleys of Poole’s historic Old Town - it’s just like being back in the 17th century, well, almost.

• Poole Quay: The heart of the town, the Quay is framed by smart pubs and restaurants, ideal for dining alfresco while watching the boats come and go.

Parks and gardens

• Poole Park: Whether you want to expend some energy (check out the fitness trail or play a game of tennis) or just chill (walk the Rose Garden or play in the pottery studio), this 110-acre beauty is just the ticket.

• Compton Acres: Spectacularly sited over 10 acres on steep slopes above Poole Harbour, this is one of the finest privately-owned gardens in England – seven different areas, each with a different theme, from formal Italian to understated Japanese.

Historical monuments

• Poole Museum: The highlight of this compelling, four-floored museum is a rare Iron Age logboat, a fine 33ft-long specimen carved out of a single tree trunk. But there’s tonnes more.

• Scaplen’s Court: A magnificent medieval building, and one of the oldest in Poole, Scaplen’s Court offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Day trips in the area

• Brownsea Island: Jump on a ferry and channel your inner Scout (for this was the birthplace of scouting and guiding) on this diversely landscaped island, which also has some pretty, shingly beaches.

• Jurassic Coast: Spend a day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a remarkable fossil-filled landscape that peaks at Golden Cap, whose brilliant outcrop of auburn sandstone is crowned with gorse.

• Corfe Castle: These romantic ruins, crowning the hill behind the picturesque village of the same name, are perhaps the most evocative in England.

Activities for families in Poole

Poole is a fantastic destination for families, and while it’s mostly water-based activities that are the order of the day, there’s more than enough to keep everyone royally entertained.

• Swimming pools: A cracking family day out is the order of the day at Splashdown Waterpark, with no less than a dozen crazy rides to choose from. Alternatively, head to Poole Dolphin Swimming Pool for a more relaxed swim.

• Boat trips: There’s no better way to experience Poole Quay, Brownsea Island and Sandbanks than from the water – and better still, from a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) where serious speeds are guaranteed, so hold on!

• Aquarium and zoos: You’ll have to nip down the road to Bournemouth for all your marine kicks, courtesy of Oceanarium, which gives kids the opportunity to get up close to West African dwarf crocodiles, reef tip sharks and the like.

• Crabbing: If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to keep the kids occupied for hours on end, it’s a spot of crabbing in Poole Quay. Grab a bucket and some bait, drop a line and keep your fingers crossed.

Free things to do in Poole

Beach towns are ideal for seeking out free activities and Poole is no exception, but there are many other ways you can avoid spending unnecessarily.

• Beach days: With four glorious, nicely sheltered beaches – including the famous Sandbanks beach – this is the easiest and most obvious choice for a spend-free day. Well, save for the purchase of an ice cream or two.

• Free events: Check out the local calendar for free events, but the annual (and free) highlight is the spectacular fireworks displays down on Poole Quay, taking place every Thursday over six weeks during summer.

• Free museums: Both the Poole Museum and the Old Lifeboat Museum offer free entry. The latter is a particularly compelling visit.

• Walking: The South West Coast Path aside, there are many less demanding trails, such as The Poole Harbour Trail and Castleman Trailway.

Nature and outdoor activities in Poole

From bracing coastal walks to aquatic fun in the harbour, Poole has enough to keep outdoor enthusiasts going for days, if not weeks.

• Water sports: The sheer scale of Poole Harbour makes it one of the best locations in the UK for water sports, be it windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding or sailing. There are several schools and rental shops where you can book lessons or hire equipment.

• Walking trails: Trek the coastal path that wends its way from Poole to Bournemouth or undertake a more adventurous hike into the glorious Purbeck Hills.

• Wildlife spotting: Nature reserves like Brownsea Island, RSPB Arne and Holton Lee are packed with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer and numerous bird species.

• Fishing: The town's harbour and surrounding waters offer some of the south coast’s finest fishing, and whether you’re into shore fishing or prefer getting out on the ocean waves, you’ll find plenty of spots to cast your line.

Beaches in Poole

Poole boasts a variety of beautiful beaches, each offering unique experiences and amenities. Here are some of the top beaches to explore during your holiday in Poole:

Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks Beach is one of the most popular and well-known beaches in Poole. This Blue Flag award-winning beach features soft, golden sands and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports like paddleboarding and kitesurfing. The beach is well-equipped with facilities including lifeguards, public toilets, shower facilities, and a children's play area. There is also a large car park nearby, though it can fill up quickly during peak times.

Branksome Chine Beach

Located to the west of Sandbanks, Branksome Chine Beach offers a quieter alternative with its fine sand and excellent facilities. Visitors can enjoy public toilets, a beach shop, and a popular café. The beach is also lifeguarded during the summer months, making it a safe choice for families.

Canford Cliffs Beach

Canford Cliffs Beach is another Blue Flag beach known for its picturesque views and peaceful environment. The flat, golden sand is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Facilities include public toilets, lifeguard services in the summer, and drinking water stations. It's a favourite spot among locals for its serene atmosphere.

Shore Road Beach

Shore Road Beach is a sandy beach with a gradual slope, making it ideal for families with children. It's also a popular spot for wind and kite surfing. Visitors can find public toilets, refreshment kiosks, and equipment hire for water sports. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season to ensure safety.

Hamworthy Park Beach

Situated at the north of Poole Harbour, Hamworthy Park Beach offers stunning views of the Purbeck Hills. This beach is popular for its seasonal paddling pool and children's play area, making it a hit with families. Public toilets and refreshments are available, and there's a nearby car park for convenience.

Flaghead Chine Beach

For those seeking a quieter beach experience, Flaghead Chine Beach is a great choice. This wide, sandy beach offers plenty of space to explore, though it lacks some of the facilities found at busier beaches. Public toilets and an ice cream kiosk are available, along with a small car park.

Each of these beaches offers something unique, from bustling spots with extensive amenities to quiet, scenic retreats. Whatever your preference, Poole’s beaches are sure to provide a memorable seaside experience during your holiday.

Although it’s a small place, one of the great delights of Poole holidays is the chance to sample the local cuisine, much of which reflects the town’s coastal location.

Some typical dishes

• Dorset Apple Cake: A traditional favourite, this moist cake made with locally grown apples is usually served with a dollop of fresh cream or hot custard.

• Cream Tea: No visit to this part of England would be complete without tucking into a cream tea: scones with jam and clotted cream, served with a freshly brewed pot of tea. Yum.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Fish and Chips: Freshly caught fish, battered and fried to golden perfection, served with chips – a must-try at any of Poole’s seaside eateries.

Street food

• Street food markets: Head to Poole Quay on Friday nights during the summer for the fantastic Street Food Corner, where you can sample a variety of international cuisines at cheap-as-chips prices.

Sweets and desserts

Many sweets and desserts in Poole incorporate local dairy products and fruits. The Dorset Knob biscuit, a buttery delight, makes for a perfect pairing with Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, while another local treat is Purbeck ice cream, known for its creamy texture.

Local drinks

• Dorset Tea: A staple in both local households and cafés, a cup of Dorset tea is perfect for warming up after a day on the water.

• Cider: With orchards abundant in the surrounding countryside, you’ll find many pubs in Poole serving Dorset ciders – for starters, try a pint of Muddy Scamp from the Purbeck Cider Company.