Travel to Poole

Travel to Poole

The town of Poole is located in southern England, within the county of Dorset. It sits next to the largest natural harbour in Europe, extending to 22 square miles. There are some award winning blue star beaches, including the world famous Sandbanks as well as a number of opportunities to partake in some water sports; with everything from windsurfing and sailing to jet skiing and power boating available. On dry land, the Quay area is a vibrant place with many bars, restaurants and historic buildings, while the Dolphin Shopping Centre is Dorset's largest undercover shopping arena, containing over 100 stores.

Transportation to Poole

Reaching Poole is easy as it is well served by all major modes of transportation. The nearest airport is Bournemouth International Airport, located five miles from the town centre. Frequent trains and buses arrive and depart from London, as well as other major cities. A ferry service operates year-round with daily departures to Cherbourg and St Malo in France, as well as Guernsey and Jersey in the Channel Islands.

What to see

Poole has an excellent mixture of family-fun attractions, lovely sandy beaches, a rich historical background and some great shopping. The renowned Poole Pottery has been in existence for more than one hundred years and visitors can take a factory tour to see the craftspeople at work. There is an opportunity to make your own creation as well as the chance to buy products from the factory shop. Compton Acres consists of 12 individual themed gardens and is reputed to be one of the finest in Europe. There are a variety of rare, tropical and subtropical plants from around the world including the stunning Japanese Garden. The Poole Cockle Trail was opened in 1998 to celebrate the 750th anniversary of Poole's first charter and is an ideal way to experience the town's historical heritage.

Daytrips

Brownsea Island is one of the most popular destinations for visitors and can be reached easily by ferry from Poole Quay. The island offers some beautiful views and has a rich variety of habitats, including woodland, heaths and shoreline. It is home to one of the few surviving populations of red squirrel as well as the more common peacocks, which can usually be seen on the green outside the church. The New Forest is a haven for naturalists and has over 200 square miles of woodlands, and ancient villages. It is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, otters, foxes and wild ponies. It was created in 1079 by William the Conqueror as a hunting area, principally of deer. It is a unique area of historical, ecological and agricultural significance and retains many of the rural practices conceded by the Crown in medieval times to local people.

Leisure

Poole is known as one of the best places in England to visit for water sports. The shallow water in the harbour is ideal for windsurfers, especially those trying to learn. There are a multitude of sailing schools in the area and boats can be hired for exploring the bay and its islands. Companies also offer trips along the coast to Swanage and Bournemouth, as well as further afield to the Isle of White. Tower Park is a good leisure spot with something for all of the family. Attractions include a water park, bowling alley, cinema and various restaurants.

Safety issues

Poole is a good holiday destination and the crime rate is low, but visitors should always try to remain alert to possible dangers. Bag snatchers and pickpockets are the most common problem faced so it should be fairly easy to take the necessary precautions and have a problem-free holiday. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family, to safeguard against accidents and unforeseen problems.