38 Things to Do in Poole

Poole really does offer something for everyone, from thrill-seekers looking to indulge in some epic watersports activities, to those who would rather take a more relaxed approach and enjoy a drink overlooking the Quay and Brownsea Island. Situated on the shores of Poole Harbour – the second largest in the world after Sydney – the town is steeped in maritime history, and home to the RNLI training college too. This is a town with a strong nautical identity, but don’t let that fool you – there are plenty of hidden gems to discover inland too.

If you’re looking to spend a few days exploring Poole and the surrounding areas, then we’ve got you covered. Bring your sea legs and spend some time on the water or explore the town on foot or two wheels, discovering its rich culture and heritage, along with famous landmarks, tranquil gardens and a seafood heaven.

Take a stroll along the waterfront

Without a doubt, Poole’s jewel in the crown is its stunning waterside location. The 3,600-acre harbour not only hosts an extraordinary number of watercraft, but is also home to a huge variety of wildlife. Soak up this incredible place with a walk along Poole’s waterfront. Starting at the Sea Music Sculpture near Poole Museum, head west along the Quay towards the marina, where you will find numerous cafés and restaurants to sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the boatyard. If you continue on from the Quay, you will come to the Harbourside Park, home to Poole Harbour Festival, and a quiet oasis of green nestled against the blue of the harbour.

Hop on board a Harbour Boat Trip

Some might argue that you cannot really experience Poole without at least one trip out on the water. Whilst there are plenty of adrenaline-filled water activities keep you entertained, a relaxing trip around Poole Harbour by boat has to be top of your to-do list. City Cruises offers many different types of tours, including bird watching and sightseeing around Brownsea Island and Studland Bay. If you’re tight for time, their circular cruise takes just 70 minutes and includes a lives commentary as you sail around the harbour.

Experience Coast and Countryside with Sea and Steam  

Embark on a cruise along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, from Poole to the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, before boarding a steam train to go back in time on a return journey to either Corfe or Norden. Take some time to explore the shops and cafés in Swanage before returning to Poole, admiring the panoramic vistas of sea and sky.

Trace the history of Poole at the Poole Museum

Set in a Victorian quayside warehouse, this free to enter museum tells you the story of Poole, from pre-history to the modern day. Set over four floors, each gallery takes you on a journey through time as you discover what formed Poole Harbour, who the people were who shaped the town, and admire some beautiful Poole Pottery. If all that history has worn you out, then check out the café and terrace attached to the museum for a bite to eat or a cup of tea.

Enjoy a pint of the local brew

Fancy a tipple? Head on down to the Brewhouse & Kitchen for a pint of freshly brewed craft ale. From full day experiences to a masterclass in beer brewing, this pub also has an extensive menu to accompany your beverages – they even offer a beer and food matching session! Beer not your thing? Then try one of their gin tasting masterclasses, hosted by a gin expert who will whet your whistle with different craft gins whilst talking you through their recipes and botanicals.

Go birding with Birds of Poole Harbour

You can either book on to one of their bird watching events, or use their interactive guide to discover where the best spots are to catch a glimpse of the many rare and beautiful birds which call the harbour their home. You might even be lucky enough to spot an Osprey – as part of their work includes restoring a breeding population of Ospreys to the south coast, 180 years on from their local extinction.  

Hire a paddleboard or kayak, or take a lesson in kitesurfing

If you’re feeling active, why not hire a paddleboard or kayak and take a self-guided tour around the harbour? You can also join one of Poole Harbour Watersports' guided trips or try your hand at kitesurfing. Still not enough? Have a go at wakeboarding, or see if you can stay upright on a hydrofoil!

Find some rare plants in Compton Acres Garden

Situated high up on Canford Cliffs, and with over 3000 species of plant, the beautiful Compton Acres is recognised as one of the most important ornamental gardens in England. Originally constructed in 1920, today the gardens span over 10 acres of land, brimming with horticultural history, water gardens, hidden pathways and a stunning Japanese Garden. Relax in the café and tea rooms, or pick up an Afternoon Tea from the bakery and sit amongst the trees with a picnic. If that wasn’t enough, the new pizzeria is open in the evenings with an extensive Italian menu to enjoy.

Explore further afield with a Guided E-Bike Tour

When two feet just won’t cut it, why not explore more of the surrounding area on a guided e-bike tour? As easy to ride as a conventional bike, these e-bikes take the hard work out of pedalling and give you’re the opportunity to travel further without breaking a sweat. If you’d rather explore independently, then you can hire the bike and go where the open road takes you! With so many incredible sights to see along the coastline and inland, an e-bike is the perfect way to get around sustainably.

Enjoy a picnic with a giant ant at Pinecliff Play Sculptures

If you have young kids, then Pinecliff Play Sculptures will certainly pique their interest! These giant wooden sculptures are designed for children to climb on and explore, and depict animals which are commonly found on the local cliffs. Each creature has an information board which explains more about their origin and habitat.  

Visit Brownsea Island

The iconic piece of land sitting in the middle of Poole Harbour is Brownsea Island, although the waters surrounding it are far from brown! Home to red squirrels, woodland walks, a church and rare areas of wetland, this tranquil haven offers a break from the hustle and bustle of Poole town. Catch a ferry from the Quay or from Sandbanks, and if you’re feeling wild you can even spend a night at the island’s own campsite! National Trust members get free admission to the island, although ferry prices still apply.

Catch some culture at the Lighthouse Centre

Poole’s Lighthouse Centre is the cultural heart of the town, and home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. With an independent cinema, two theatres, concert hall and art galleries, there is something to delight everyone. Have a look at what’s on to see what catches your eye!

Things to do with Children in Poole

If you have little ones with you and need to keep them entertained, fear not as we’ve got you covered!

• Burn off some energy at Lemur Landings! With a huge soft play area, climbing zone, indoor low ropes course and even a role play village, there’s no chance of being bored at Lemur Landings. If you’ve still got energy after all of that, then visit the Ted Shed to “stuff with fluff” and make your own friend to take home.
• Take a trip to the country and feed the animals at Farmer Palmers Farm Park. Located just outside Poole, this animal heaven has everything from guinea pigs to goats, alpacas and ponies! Join one of the animal demonstration talks, or bounce along on a bumpy tractor ride. You can even take a walk along the river, where you might find a dinosaur or two…

• Dive in at Splashdown Waterpark, an action-packed waterpark home to 13 dizzying indoor and outdoor flume rides, and 3 under-5s splash zones. Feeling brave? Take on The Screamer – a 40m slide descended in just 5 seconds. Looking for something a bit more sedate? Try the Red River Roller with its slow twists and turns before building up to the bigger rides.
• Play a round of crazy golf at Poole Park, over 12 tricky, obstacle-filled holes. A great family activity, just try not to get too competitive! When you’ve finished playing, take a walk down to Scoops ice cream café before hiring a pedalo and taking a trip out on the boating lake. There are also several play areas, grassy meadows for a game of footie, and cafés to keep you hydrated.
• Visit the award-winning Blue Flag beach at Sandbanks, and build a sandcastle or take a dip in the sea. This family-friendly beach is known for its gorgeous golden sands and clear blue waters which are lifeguarded between May and September. Behind the beach is a promenade with cafés, shops, a crazy golf course, amusements and even a land train giving rides along the seafront.

Best Food & Drink in Poole

All these activities are bound to make you hungry and thirsty, so knowing where to go to top up your energy levels is a must. Here are some of our favourite places to grab a bite to eat and indulge in a glass of wine (or two!).

• Enjoy some of Rick Stein’s iconic seafood at his restaurant in Sandbanks. Whether you prefer Cornish lobster or Schezwan squid, this sophisticated environment in a beautiful coastal location allows you to sit back, relax, and truly indulge in style.
• Sit down at The Poole Arms, the oldest seafood bar on Poole Quay. Specialising in fresh, locally caught seafood, this pub is famed for its delicious home-cooked meals, as well as a wide selection of cask ales.
• For top French cuisine, look no further than the Guildhall Tavern. Together with its sister restaurant on Poole Quay the Tavern offers an extensive menu, brimming with fresh seafood and shellfish, including the classic French soup, Bouillabaisse. Their newly added conservatory adds an al fresco area to their dining experience, and monthly French nights are filled with entertainment and exclusive menus.
• If Greek is more your thing, then a trip to Stefanos Greek Taverna is an absolute must. Established in 2004, this cosy, family-run restaurant offers a huge selection of authentic Greek dishes, passed down through the generations. Graze at their mezedakia, or small plates similar to tapas, or try some traditional Greek specialities including moussaka and souvlaki. Round off your meal with a square of their homemade baklava, made to a special family recipe!

• Voted the best fish and chips in Dorset two years running, Lakeside Fish and Chips should be your first stop for this traditional British takeaway. Golden chips and soft, flaky white cod make up this favourite seaside dish, with all their fish MSC certified. If it’s a bit too cold to sit on the seafront with a takeaway, then Lakeside also have a restaurant where you can sit down and enjoy the same award-winning dishes in the warmth.
• Continuing on the seafood theme, Rockfish Poole is situated down on the Quay in the old Poole Pottery building, now home to RNLI headquarters. Their spacious restaurant with soaring vaulted ceilings is complemented by an open kitchen where fresh fish is cooked to order in front of you. The restaurant menu changes depending on what has been caught that day, by the restaurant’s own boat, The Rockfisher. 
• Take some time to soak up the stunning views from The Point restaurant with their decadent afternoon tea menu. Situated at the tip of the Sandbanks peninsula, this incredible setting offers dramatic views over Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks. Indulge in freshly made sandwiches, homemade scones and mini cakes whilst enjoying a selection of tea and coffee.
• Stop for a mid-morning break at the Custom House Cafe, set in – you guessed it – the beautiful old Custom House building on the Quay. Specialising in Dorset teas and coffees, and with an array of tempting treats on offer, this historic gem has been transformed into a modern café paradise.
• Although they originated in Durham, the Tin of Sardines Gin Bar has firmly rooted itself in the local Poole drinks scene. Home to over 200 gins and 50 mixers, this boutique bar also offers a wide range of cocktails and other drinks, in addition to a seafood-themed food menu.

• Situated on a sunny street corner, self-described ‘nourishment bar’ Miiko Everyday Nourishment serves plant-based food and drinks, from warmings bowls of dahl to rich organic coffee. Within the bar is a small shop, retailing many of the items used in the café as well as lifestyle products for mind and body.
• Italian pizza restaurant Baffi is well known in Poole for its handmade Neapolitan pizzas, baked in their traditional wood oven to produce the thin, fluffy crusts they are famous for. Their vegan menu has proven to be extremely popular in recent times too! In addition to pizzas, Baffi also offer a variety of small plates, salads and desserts.
• Set just outside the town centre, Drgnfly offers a mouth-watering array of Pan-Asian food and signature cocktails to tempt you with. Known as a place to chill out and unwind, the restaurant offers everything from sushi and sashimi to bao buns and prides itself on exquisite design and beautiful plates.
• Round off your trip to Poole with a visit to Truly Scrumptious, where homemade fudge and jars filled with brightly coloured sweets line the walls. Try some hard Dutch salt liquorice, or bring back some childhood memories with their retro sweet range – there’s something for everyone here!

Free Things to Do in Poole

• Take a self-guided tour of the Cockle Trail which takes you on a walk of discovery around Poole’s Old Town. The trail talks you through the history of the town, its heritage and present-day landmarks. Discover how the town has changed over hundreds of years and seek out some hidden gems from its past.
• Go for a hike on the South West Coast Path. At 630 miles long, you probably won’t want to do the whole thing in one go, but the path starts / finishes in Poole Harbour (depending on which direction you walk it!) and is well worth exploring on a day walk. Overlooking dramatic Studland Bay, the path traverses the beach before heading up and over the cliffs towards Swanage and beyond. 
• Visit Upton Country Park for beautiful walks, play parks, free weekly yoga sessions and free orienteering trails. With over 160 acres of stunning, award-winning gardens, parkland and woods, you could easily spend a whole day here and still not be bored! There are tea rooms and kiosks dotted about to keep you fed and watered, and a plant centre to scratch any green-fingered itches. The park is incredibly dog friendly, with a dedicated dog play pen and training area, as well as miles of off-lead walkies.

• Pop down to Poole Old Lifeboat Museum at Fisherman’s Dock, to discover the history of Poole’s historic lifeboats and the RNLI. Established in 1882, the lifeboat station was previously situated at Sandbanks before moving to Poole Quay. It was turned into a museum in 1974, and is dedicated to the hard work of the RNLI and saving lives at sea. An adjacent shop sells RNLI memorabilia, gifts, clothing and many nautical-themed items, with proceeds going directly to the RNLI.
• Stroll around Coy Pond Gardens, between Poole and Bournemouth, and stop for a picnic under the weeping willow trees which line the pond. Forming the uppermost extent of the English Heritage Grade II* listed gardens in Poole and Bournemouth, this is a perfect place to enjoy some peace.
• Find the RNLI memorial sculpture, honouring those who have lost their lives at sea whilst saving the lives of others. Designed to be a beacon of hope, this sculpture celebrates the courage and bravery of lifeboat crews around the UK. In most cases, the names listed on the memorial saved the lives of others before losing their own.
• Take a walk across the Twin Sails Bridge, a the first of its type in the world, bridging the gap between Poole and Hamworthy. Designed to look like the sails of a yacht when lifted to allow boats through, the bridge offers spectacular views of the harbour and Holes Bay when lowered.
• Experience the ancient courtyard and walled gardens at Scaplens Court, located next to Poole Museum. Dating back to the 1300s, Scaplens Court previously housed an inn called The George, with the present courtyard dating from the 1500s. Graffiti from soldiers lodging at the inn in 1630 can still be seen carved into one of the stone fireplaces!