Things to do in Poole

Find out why Brownsea Island is well worth the short ferry trip from Poole Harbour, learn about the town’s maritime heritage by visiting its historic buildings, and see why a day at Poole Greyhounds is so popular.

Between the boutiques of the quayside, the popular retailers of the Dolphin Shopping Centre, and the car boot sale at Poole Stadium, you can pick up pretty much anything while shopping in Poole.

Take your pick of one of the beaches in Poole, or spend the day exploring Poole Harbour. There really is a wealth of activities for you to choose from during your stay, including a raft of watersport options at Sandbanks Beach.

From farmers’ markets to a Michelin-guide French restaurant, there’s an incredible array of places to eat for you to choose from in Poole. Our guide gives you some excellent options near the waterfront, as well as some of our favourite cafés in Parkstone.

Poole’s club scene may be pretty much non-existent, but it more than makes up for it with a nightlife brimming with brilliant bars and pubs. Whether you want carefully crafted cocktails or sublime craft beers, take a look at our local guide and learn about Poole’s top drinking dens.

One of the best ways to spend the day in Poole is to explore Poole Harbour. Our local guide gives you a great introduction to the area’s landmarks, as well as some of the most popular activities to try your hand at.

The fascinating Poole Museum takes centre stage in our run through of the top museums, galleries and calendar events that contribute so much to the culture in Poole. You can also find out about the festivals that make July a great month to visit the town.

From outdoor theatres where The Bard’s plays are performed beneath the stars to one of the best arts venues in the country, our local guide shows you how Poole’s entertainment options are a whole lot better than you might expect from a seaside town.

When there are so many great things to do dotted around Poole, finding the best way of getting around isn’t always easy. To make life easier, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the train stations in Poole, as well as your public transport options.