Poole is a popular tourist destination in east Dorset and is home to Europe’s largest natural harbour – a beautiful spot to visit for practising water sports and bird spotting.
Its picturesque old town, award-winning beaches and great places to eat make it a fantastic holiday destination for those heading to Dorset and with so much to do it isn’t hard to see why Poole is popular. Below are some of the best attractions to visit for an exciting holiday.
A stunning wildlife sanctuary with spectacular views across the Purbeck Hills, Brownsea Island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour and is a haven for a variety of endangered animals. The island is run by the National Trust and is a sprawling landscape, with over 500 acres of beautiful woodland. The island is home to the elusive red squirrel and a range of rare birds which includes the heavily endangered sandwich tern.
Brownsea is rich in history and has been inhabited from as early as the ninth century. Throughout the years it has been passed to numerous owners, including Henry VIII and Sir Christopher Hatton, however it was Sir Humphrey Sturt that began transforming the island in 1765. Records show that he invested over £50,000 into Brownsea’s gardens alone and began expanding the island’s castle. By the 20th century the island had several more owners, each adding their own personal touch to Brownsea. The island itself has hosted several industries including pottery and cattle farming and the ruins of the village of Maryland, which was home to workers, can still be seen.
There is plenty to do at Brownsea – with numerous free trails and a large play area you’ll never be bored. The Outdoor Centre, situated in the south of the island, has camping facilities and fun activities to try including mini-golf and archery.
To reach the island, visitors must take a ferry from Poole Quay, which only takes 20 minutes. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the delightful sea views.
Poole Harbour is the town’s most popular destination and for good reason! Europe’s largest natural harbour, visitors can practise water sports such as waterskiing and windsurfing. The harbour also has a sightseeing cruise, which sails past Corfe Castle and the Sandbanks – and with fascinating commentary included, this is something you don’t want to miss.
The harbour also has several pubs, with one of the most popular being the Jolly Sailor. There, punters can enjoy tap brews and cocktails – the perfect place to stop after a long day exploring.
Located along the Poole Quay, the Poole Arms is a rustic pub that serves fresh local seafood. This eatery is truly a hidden gem, with delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere. Customers have raved about the value for money, friendly staff and quick service. When looking for somewhere to eat in Poole, pop into the Poole Arms for a delightful seafood dinner, with stunning views across Poole Quay.
Just a 20-minute drive from Poole Harbour, Upton Country Park is a sprawling estate with over 160 acres of shoreline and estate gardens. With no admission fees and an abundance of things to do, including a splash fountain and an art gallery, this location would be great for families looking for a fun and inexpensive day out. History lovers would enjoy touring Upton House, once home to Walter Samuel, the founder of Shell Oil. The magnificent Grade II* listed Georgian building boasts of beautiful architecture and is an impressive sight to behold. The Walled Garden is stunning to walk through, with colourful flowers and extraordinary landscaping. Upton Country Park truly has something for everyone.
Poole is an exciting place to stay and is a great base to explore other areas of Dorset. With an impressive harbour and Brownsea island just a boat ride away, the town of Poole should not be missed out on. Head to the Quay for a relaxing walk and some great eating spots, or spend the day admiring nature on the sprawling Brownsea island, with its collection of rare birds and the elusive red squirrel.
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