Guidebook for Poole
Leisure facilities
We are surrounded by so much, here are a few
A lovely scenic walk to Poole Quay where you will find several pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops, sightseeing trips and tourist information. A hive of activity especially in the summer months
38 locals recommend
Dolphin Quay
The QuayA lovely scenic walk to Poole Quay where you will find several pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops, sightseeing trips and tourist information. A hive of activity especially in the summer months
A lovely park with lots of activities and refreshments. There is a lake, boat hire,fitness trail, miniture train, swans/ducks/geese to feed, childrens park, indoor play area,bowls lawn, tennis courts
17 locals recommend
Poole Park
Parkstone RoadA lovely park with lots of activities and refreshments. There is a lake, boat hire,fitness trail, miniture train, swans/ducks/geese to feed, childrens park, indoor play area,bowls lawn, tennis courts
Parkstone Golf Club
49A Links RdExcellent golf course
Lovely beach with safe swimming and ferry to Shell Bay and Studland area
210 locals recommend
Sandbanks
Lovely beach with safe swimming and ferry to Shell Bay and Studland area
Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens
https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/everyone-active-leisure-centre-poole-dolphin/
Poole (Dolphin) Leisure Centre
Kingland Roadhttps://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/everyone-active-leisure-centre-poole-dolphin/
BH2 Leisure Complex
Exeter CrescentFood, film, fun
https://www.bh2leisure.co.uk/
Shopping
Local shopping center many high street shops including M&S, BHS, Primark and local independants
12 locals recommend
Dolphin Shopping Centre
110 Dolphin CentreLocal shopping center many high street shops including M&S, BHS, Primark and local independants
Castlepoint Shopping Centre
Castle Lane WestMy favourite restaurants and take aways
Great for coffee, tea and light bites in an informal atmosphere
22 locals recommend
COAST SURF/RIDE/SKATE
91 Salterns RdGreat for coffee, tea and light bites in an informal atmosphere
Rockets and Rascals
278 Sandbanks RdHave a coffee and cake then hire a bike to burn it off!
Fantastic bread, cakes and all things tasty, the coffee is pretty good too!
24 locals recommend
Artisan Mark Bennett
256 Sandbanks RdFantastic bread, cakes and all things tasty, the coffee is pretty good too!
Fantastic bread cakes and all things tasty, great coffee too
31 locals recommend
Patisserie Mark Bennett
Penn Hill AvenueFantastic bread cakes and all things tasty, great coffee too
Great for breakfast, lunch and dinners. Casual informal dining. They allow dogs to accompany you.
29 locals recommend
Dancing Moose Ashley Cross
28-30 Station RdGreat for breakfast, lunch and dinners. Casual informal dining. They allow dogs to accompany you.
In Parkstone Bay Marina, good for breakfast and light lunches
Also a bar for those evening sundowners, literally a walk across the park.
46 locals recommend
South Deep
Turks LaneIn Parkstone Bay Marina, good for breakfast and light lunches
Also a bar for those evening sundowners, literally a walk across the park.
Koh Noi
292 Sandbanks RdGood Thai restaurant and take away, great cocktails too
We have used this Indian restaurant and take away for 25 years, no need to say more
The Gate Of India
54-56 Commercial RdWe have used this Indian restaurant and take away for 25 years, no need to say more
T J's Fish & Chips
254 Sandbanks RdReally good fish and chips
Rick Stein, Sandbanks
10-14 Banks RdLove this place!
The Jetty
95 MudefordA good half an hours drive but the food and views are so worth it
Harbour Heights Hotel
73 Haven RdFabulous terrace for sun downers
The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadExpensive but beautiful setting and great food
Little Red Roaster
18 Station RdLovely informal cafe, they allow dogs too
Maison Sax
20 Britannia RdGood pub and breakfast venue
Top Wok
129 Bournemouth RdGood chinese take away
Places to go
We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many wonderful places to go and things to see, here are some of our favourites
Bustling quay area with lots of pubs, restaurants, cafes.
Boat trips for fishing or sight seeing available from Quay
38 locals recommend
Dolphin Quay
The QuayBustling quay area with lots of pubs, restaurants, cafes.
Boat trips for fishing or sight seeing available from Quay
Winner of the Blue Flag award for 30 years (more than any other UK seaside resort) and with its soft golden sands and breath-taking views, it is no wonder that Sandbanks is considered one of Britain's best beaches.
Facilities: crazy golf course, children’s play area, slack lining and more.
Dogs: Designated dog beach area at the western end of Sandbanks Beach to Haven Point (by the chain ferry). Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1 May - 30 Sept. Keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
Cycling on the prom: Restrictions apply during July and August.
Barbecues: western end of Sandbanks beach. Please read the beach barbecue and parties guide.
https://www.poole.gov.uk/sports-and-leisure/beaches/our-beaches/sandbanks-beach/
121 locals recommend
Sandbanks Beach
Banks RoadWinner of the Blue Flag award for 30 years (more than any other UK seaside resort) and with its soft golden sands and breath-taking views, it is no wonder that Sandbanks is considered one of Britain's best beaches.
Facilities: crazy golf course, children’s play area, slack lining and more.
Dogs: Designated dog beach area at the western end of Sandbanks Beach to Haven Point (by the chain ferry). Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1 May - 30 Sept. Keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
Cycling on the prom: Restrictions apply during July and August.
Barbecues: western end of Sandbanks beach. Please read the beach barbecue and parties guide.
https://www.poole.gov.uk/sports-and-leisure/beaches/our-beaches/sandbanks-beach/
Another favourite
Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland
A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Studland Bay is ideal for water sports and includes the most popular naturist beach in Britain. The heathland behind the beach is a haven for native wildlife and features all six British reptiles.
Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands allow for exploration and spotting of deer, insects and bird life as well as a wealth of wild flowers.
Studland was the inspiration for Toytown in Enid Blyton's Noddy.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay#Overview
69 locals recommend
Studland
Another favourite
Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland
A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Studland Bay is ideal for water sports and includes the most popular naturist beach in Britain. The heathland behind the beach is a haven for native wildlife and features all six British reptiles.
Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands allow for exploration and spotting of deer, insects and bird life as well as a wealth of wild flowers.
Studland was the inspiration for Toytown in Enid Blyton's Noddy.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay#Overview
Hengistbury Head
Simply one of my favourite places in the world!
Christchurch Priory Church
Quay RoadLove Christchurch its worth a visit
Corfe Castle
Worth a visit
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Swanage is fab! Old fashioned seaside resort with so much going for it
https://jurassiccoast.org/walkthroughtime/swanage/?gclid=CjwKCAjwhbHlBRAMEiwAoDA34wmxU0Fo0YRx4Rp98JxwG6KVkb-ji6Kz1jq1P7wVFXbuMJSxchax6xoC7AUQAvD_BwE
153 locals recommend
Swanage
Swanage is fab! Old fashioned seaside resort with so much going for it
https://jurassiccoast.org/walkthroughtime/swanage/?gclid=CjwKCAjwhbHlBRAMEiwAoDA34wmxU0Fo0YRx4Rp98JxwG6KVkb-ji6Kz1jq1P7wVFXbuMJSxchax6xoC7AUQAvD_BwE
After Sandbanks comes Bournemouth
Love Beach Life… welcome to seven miles of award-winning beaches!
Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the bay enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. Whatever you want from a day at the beach, you’ll find it all here.
149 locals recommend
Bournemouth Beach
After Sandbanks comes Bournemouth
Love Beach Life… welcome to seven miles of award-winning beaches!
Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the bay enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. Whatever you want from a day at the beach, you’ll find it all here.
Poole Tourism
4 High Sthttps://www.pooletourism.com/things-to-do
City Cruises Poole
The Quayhttps://www.citycruisespoole.com/from-poole/
Nature reserve
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/arne/
35 locals recommend
RSPB Arne
Arne RoadNature reserve
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/arne/
Visit Dorset
31 West Streethttps://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do
https://www.comptonacres.co.uk/
Nearby and a must visit if you love gardens, also has a good cafe, shop and garden centre
61 locals recommend
Compton Acres
164 Canford Cliffs Rdhttps://www.comptonacres.co.uk/
Nearby and a must visit if you love gardens, also has a good cafe, shop and garden centre