Things to do in Poole

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic waterfront with a castle-like building, a dock, and a small bridge.
A castle with two towers, a boat docked at a pier, and a beach in the background.
A historic stone church with a bell tower, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A statue of two figures by a pond with lily pads and a fountain in the background.
A red and blue boat named 'Solent Scene' docked at a marina with industrial structures in the background.

Things to do

Poole Harbour and Islands Circular Cruise

Poole Harbour and Islands Circular Cruise

RM79
per adult
Poole Harbour and Islands Circular Cruise
From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

RM272
per adult
From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour
Poole Harbour Lights Cruise

Poole Harbour Lights Cruise

RM87
per adult
Poole Harbour Lights Cruise
Picture 5 for Activity Poole: Harbour Lights Cruise

Poole: Harbour Lights Cruise

RM87
per adult
Poole: Harbour Lights Cruise
From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth

RM163
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth
Salisbury & the Jurassic Coast from Bath

Salisbury & the Jurassic Coast from Bath

RM360
per adult
Salisbury & the Jurassic Coast from Bath
Bournemouth Oceanarium Ticket

Bournemouth Oceanarium Ticket

RM82
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Bournemouth Oceanarium Ticket
Poole Fish & Chips Evening Cruise

Poole Fish & Chips Lunchtime or Evening Cruise

RM155
per adult
Poole Fish & Chips Lunchtime or Evening Cruise
E-Bike excursion to Harrys Rock or Corfé Castle

E-Bike excursion to Old Harry Rock, Dorset

RM518
per adult
E-Bike excursion to Old Harry Rock, Dorset
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What to do in Poole

Stay near popular Poole attractions

A marina with various boats docked, a modern building, and a clear sky.

Poole Harbour

8.8/10 (772 reviews)
Visit a forested part of this harbor’s archipelago after strolling along the charming promenade full of restaurants, pubs and boutiques.
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Where to stay in Poole

Find the best Poole areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Poole
Learn more about Poole
A coastal marina with boats, a pier, and a town in the background.

Parkstone

Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and luxurious spas? A visit to Parkstone might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Splashdown Waterpark and Tower Park.

A stone building with a garden in front.
Photo by Roy Hughes
Open Photo by Roy Hughes

Poole Old Town

Visitors to Poole Old Town rave about its stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and luxurious spas. You might also want to make some time to see Scaplen’s Court Museum or Poole Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A fenced park with grass, trees, and a building in the background.
Photo by Lewis Clarke
Open Photo by Lewis Clarke

Oakdale

While Oakdale isn't home to many top sights, Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts and Splashdown Waterpark are some notable places to visit nearby.

A sunset over a body of water with vibrant red and purple clouds.
Photo by Minty Suetrong
Open Photo by Minty Suetrong

Lilliput

When in Lilliput, you can plan a visit to Compton Acres and Branksome Chine Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

An aerial view of a coastal town with a beach, a pier, and a cruise ship docked at the harbor.

Sandbanks

If you're spending some time in Sandbanks, Sandbanks Beach and Sandbanks Ferry Terminal are top sights worth seeing.

A historical castle with ruins on a grassy hill, a pathway leading up to it, and a clear sky.

Bournemouth

An aerial view of a solar farm with rows of solar panels.

Blandford Forum

A coastal landscape with a prominent rock arch formation, a sandy beach, and a clear blue sea.

Wareham

A coastal promenade with a beach, a pier, and a lighthouse.

Sandbanks

A concrete structure with a metal railing, surrounded by trees and vegetation.
Photo by Mike Searle (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Sandford

A forest path with dense greenery and purple flowers.
Photo by Toby (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Canford Magna

Frequently asked questions

Is Poole worth visiting?
Famous for its cycling and underwater activities, discovering cool things to do in Poole is easy. Don't forget to add Sandbanks Beach to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Poole?
Sandbanks Beach and Swanage Beach are two excellent places to start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Poole while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Poole?
Don't leave without exploring Sandbanks Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Poole.
Is three days enough to stay in Poole?
Three days will give you time to check out some popular city attractions, including Sandbanks Beach, Wimborne Minster and Studland Beach and Nature Reserve. The average stay in Poole is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Southampton isn't far away.
Is Poole a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Poole is a good destination to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Sandbanks Beach and Brownsea Castle. Then take a stroll around Poole Old Town, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Oakdale, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Poole with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Poole with kids.

What to do in Poole for adults?
Rockley Sands Beach and Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Poole. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Poole?
In Poole, Sandbanks Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Poole.

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