Poole Hotels

The large town, which overlooks an enormous natural harbour, was once home to a successful wool trade, and is famed for its Poole Quay district, where you can find many of the town's historic landmarks and charming pubs.

The Poole Museum

Established in 1989, Poole Museum was refurbished in the 2000s and explores the history of the area since the ancient period. Probably the main highlight of Poole Museum is the striking Poole Logboat, which dates back to the Iron Age and was discovered in the harbour in the 1960s.

Compton Acres

Between Poole and Bournemouth, Compton Acres was founded in the 1920s and is one of the Britain's finest historic gardens. The attraction is famous for its beautiful Japanese and Italian Gardens, and comprises a total of seven gardens designed in the distinctive Victorian Mixed Style.

Bournemouth

A flourishing seaside resort and university town, Bournemouth is celebrated for its award-winning sandy beaches and magnificent cliff-side views. Visit the spectacular Oceanarium Bournemouth and learn about the life beneath the Mediterranean, the Great Barrier Reef and other aquatic environments across the world. You might also want to spend some time at the beloved Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, which was established more than 100 years ago and is housed in an alluring Art Noveau building completed just seven years before the venue was opened.

Other beaches near Poole

Britain's very own 'Palm Beach', Sandbanks, contains some of the most expensive and sought-after homes in the world and is adjacent to a pristine sandy beach. From here, you can take a short ferry to the more secluded sandy beach of Shell Bay, or head a little more south and wander along the glorious golden sands of Studland Beach. You can also drive even further south and visit the charming seaside town of Swanage, which also has a superb sandy beach and is on the edge of the world-renowned Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Dining in Poole – suggestions

Go and treat yourself to some fabulous French and English dishes at the Bingley's Bistro, or enjoy other delectable French recipes at The Guildhall Tavern. For some mouthwatering seafood, Italian and vegetarian dishes, head to Diva, or try the Stefanos Greek Taverna for other tantalising meals.

Accommodation

For affordable, well-presented accommodation, choose the Premier Inn Poole North, or book a stay at the enchanting Hotel du Vin Poole for excellent hospitality. Other great Poole hotels you could consider include the stylish, value-for-money Premier Inn Poole Centre - Holes Bay or the charismatic Quarterdeck Hotel.

Go shopping in Poole

Poole, positioned on the beautiful coastline of Dorset in South West England, offers an extensive variety of shopping opportunities. This busy port town is not only rich in history and natural beauty but also presents a thriving retail scene that contributes to an enjoyable shopping experience.

The Dolphin Centre, a well-known shopping destination, is situated in the heart of Poole. It hosts a diverse selection of high street fashion brands and smaller independent retailers. An abundance of options are to be found while exploring the Dolphin Centre, which is home to over 130 stores and is a popular choice among both tourists and locals. Not only does it offer the kind of variety seen in a larger city, it also provides convenience due to its central location, making it easily accessible.

For those seeking a more affordable shopping experience, Falkland Square is a destination to keep in mind. It is home to many discount stores where good quality items can be often found at a fraction of the original price. The street markets in Poole also provide budget-friendly shopping options. Kingland Crescent, known to hold regular markets, is one such place where locals usually seek bargains.

Poole is not just about contemporary shopping; it's also renowned for its distinctive local craft. Traditional souvenirs to be procured from Poole would undoubtedly include the world-famous Poole Pottery. These pieces, known for their unique designs and vivid colours, are cherished by collectors and can be found in numerous shops across the town. Moreover, locally made fudges and Dorset apple cakes are popular food souvenirs that are easy to find.