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All you need to know
With its beautiful harbour, sandy beaches, fascinating islands, watersports, gardens and attractions, the historic coastal town of Poole is a fabulous destination for luxury self catering holidays on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
Holidays in Poole revolve around the stunning natural harbour, the largest in Europe and a haven for sailors, kitesurfers and watersports enthusiasts. From the bustling Town Quay, catch a ferry or hop on a boat trip to nearby Sandbanks, famous for its endless golden sandy beaches and Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant, to Brownsea Island to spot red squirrels on its peaceful wooded trails, or to the Isle of Purbeck for more stunning coastal scenery and the fascinating Studland Nature Reserve. Another day take a fishing trip, harbour cruise or powerboat ride, or simply hire a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coast at a more leisurely pace. And returning to the Quay after your day out exploring, you can enjoy delicious local seafood at one of the excellent waterside restaurants, or a well deserved drink watching the yachts and fishing boats returning to harbour as the sun goes down.
Poole’s Old Town is another great spot to soak up the atmosphere of this historic maritime port with its links to pirates and smugglers. Wander around the cobbled streets to take in the sights, pop into the Poole Museum or browse the independent shops and boutiques.
And there’s some excellent attractions to keep all ages happy during your holiday in Poole including outdoor fun at Upton Country Park and Splashdown Water Park, and some of the finest privately owned gardens in England at Compton Acres.
All this, combined with its mild climate, make luxury self catering holidays in Poole a great choice.
Set in a Victorian quayside warehouse, this interesting museum tells the story of Poole and its harbour from prehistory to the 21st century. Along with some fascinating exhibits, there’s a dedicated art and craft area for younger visitors, café serving delicious food and a programme of free family activities during school holidays
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Enjoy a range of cruises around Poole Harbour picking up from Poole Quay on board classic vintage motor yacht, The Dorset Queen. See all the sights of the harbour or try the number of special cruises which include a gin cruise, jazz cruise, and lots more.
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A wide range of cruises sailing from Poole Quay including birdwatching and Jurassic Coast Cruises, along with the popular Sea Train adventure taking in Swanage and Corfe Castle by boat and steam train.
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Very good day out on the boat/steam train from Poole to Corfe Castle via Swanage - all went smoothly. Great staff on the boat.
October 2021
Adrenalin fuelled power boat rides along Dorset's coast from Poole.
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Leave the car behind and take a guided sightseeing tour around Dorset from the comfort of a 70’s style camper van! Dorset Day Trips offer unique tours to all the popular locations including Durdle Door, Corfe Castle and Lulworth Cove.
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Stylish and authentic Thai restaurant with outside seating. Open for lunch and dinner.
Nusara 40-42 High Street, Poole, BH15 1BT (T: 01202 087797)
Poole's finest fruits de mer and fresh local fish restaurant with a warm and friendly atmosphere, just two minutes from the Quay. Serving classic French cuisine and signature seafood dishes featuring locally-landed fish, lobster and crab. Meat and Vegetarian dishes also available.
Guildhall Tavern, 15 Market St, Poole BH15 1NB (T: 01202 671717)
A popular local chain of authentically French cheese and wine bars offering over 200 wines and 300 artisan cheeses. Passionate about their craft, here you can explore the carefully curated wine list with a wine flight, enjoy one of their regular wine tasting events or simply pop in with friends or family for some excellent wine, cheese and charcuterie as well as other mouth-wateringly good nibbles.
Renoufs Cheese & Wine Bar 30 High Street, Poole BH15 1BP (T: 07473 074733)
Exceptional classical French dining, featuring delicious, locally sourced dishes served in this stylish bistro restaurant just off the historic Quayside along a narrow cobbled street in one of the most charming hotels in Poole.
Indulge in the nautical theme and dine under the stars in the courtyard with its sail-like awning, or retreat to the comfy sofas in the snug for an aperitif, cocktail, or nightcap. Enjoy wines expertly selected by the Sommelier to perfectly match your meal choices.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole, Thames St, Poole BH15 1JN (T: 01305 819027)
Tuck into freshly caught, responsibly sourced, sustainable seafood whilst enjoying panoramic views over Poole Harbour across to Brownsea Island. Fish and chips to take away downstairs and a large upstairs restaurant serving seasonally caught fish and homemade dishes.
Harlees Fish & Chips, The Quay, Harbourside, Poole BH15 1HJ (T: 01202 280703)
Hamworthy Beach is a family-friendly sand and shingle beach with a promenade, fringed with pretty beach huts and offering stunning views of Arne Nature Reserve, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills in the distance.
The beach is popular among locals, boasting a jetty offering an excellent spot for fishing, large green gardens behind, a children's play area and a large seasonal paddling pool. There are also several opportunities to partake in watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing.
Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, but not in the play parks or paddling pool.
Facilities include parking, toilets and cafe as well as nearby shops and public transport connections.
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Shore Road is a golden sandy beach with a promenade that stretches for miles along the beautiful Sandbanks peninsula - perfect for a seaside stroll or cycle (except during peak times in July & August from 10am to 6pm when cycles are not permitted).
Famed for its Mediterranean-style cafes and outstanding views across the harbour to the Purbeck hills and Brownsea Island, this beach is very family-friendly thanks to its gentle slope into clean waters and seasonal lifeguard cover.
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1st May - 30th September, however they are permitted on the promenade on a lead all year round.
This Blue Flag standard beach has several watersports hire shops and many other beach facilities, including plenty of parking, cafe/restaurant, beach shop, beach huts and deck chairs for hire, toilets and outdoor showers, and reusable water bottle drinking water refill points.
House very near to the clean, sandy beach….excellent
July 2023
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Set on a small peninsula, just a stone's throw from some of the most expensive and exclusive homes in the country, the world-renowned Sandbanks beach is one of the most beautiful and clean beaches on the South Coast of England.
This spacious, family-friendly beach is blessed with soft golden sand, crystal clear waters and breathtaking views of across the English Channel; and has earned the coveted Blue Flag status for 30 consecutive years.
Beach facilities include a crazy golf course, children's play area, barbecue area, toilets and a cafe.
There is a designated area for dogs at the western end of Sandbanks beach (near the chain ferry). Dog owners are requested to always keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
Best place in the world for dog walking - Our dog Alfie had just the best weekend ??
October 2023
Great beach, but don't tell anyone (let's keep it to ourselves)!
September 2023
GORGEOUS beach
September 2023
Excellent sandy beach less than 5 minutes walk from house.
September 2023
Amazing
September 2023
Excellent - great for kids and very clean
August 2023
It's hard to beat sandbanks, it's the perfect family beach and nearby Studland is beautiful and still a little bit wild and rugged, in a very good way.
August 2023
Amazing dog friendly beach. Very clean and the water is so clear. Great for dog walking, paddling and shell spotting.
August 2023
Gorgeous beach with great facilities. Large dog friendly area.
July 2023
Gorgeous beaches with good facilities .
July 2023
Just the best beach (but don't tell anyone - we like it keep it to ourselves)
July 2023
Excellent for children and dogs
June 2023
Best dog beach ever.
May 2023
Beautiful clean beach Lovely spot for swimming Great for children
May 2023
Very busy beach, not particularly tidal so sea never far out. Pleasure to sit and watch all the boats and water sports. My husband was bitten by a jelly fish so recommend beach shoes!
August 2022
What a beautiful Sandy child friendly beach. Calm little coves, plenty of clean facilities and a new er ending supply of seashells despite how many we took
June 2022
Great beach for children. We enjoyed walking along and the beach cafe and the crazy golf.
April 2022
Beautiful fine sandy beach
April 2022
We stayed at 1 Westpoint and the beach is just a short walk from the house which was excellent. I recommend also to take the short ferry ride to Shell Bay beach which was lovely too.
October 2021
Beautiful, clean beach
June 2021
Excellent beach
June 2021
Great beach for little ones
September 2020
The cleanest beach we have been to in Britain and in these strange times, grest social distancing from everyone there
August 2020
Amazing beach - who needs the med when you have sandbanks
August 2020
Had an excellent stay over New Year. Clean, well equipped and warm. Everything we hoped for. Handy for beach and ferry, with Swanage, Poole and Bournemouth not far away. Would definitely like to return.
January 2020
We rented a hut on Sandbanks which was brilliant as with 5 children, we had a lot of stuff that could be left there all week. The only thing that lets this beach down is the cost of parking for the day and the terrible shortage of ladies loos. People are using the loos to change in and this results on ridiculously long queues on sunny holiday days. The beach is beautiful and very clean and safe for small children..
September 2019
Fantastic beach out of season, very dog friendly
November 2018
Excellent. Clean and child safe
July 2018
A nice property with good location to nearby beach and ferries. (Although ferry traffic gets busy on Panorama Road at times) Layout of property good on 3 levels. Only disappointment was level of cleanliness dirty floors and balcony furniture. Something easily remedied
July 2018
A beautifully quiet and tranquil stretch of golden sandy beach where you can enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters or relax in the sunshine on the soft sand with a picnic and a book. Apart from toilets on the promenade, there are no facilities at the beach itself but the shops, bars and restaurants of Canford Cliffs are within easy walking distance.
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Shell Bay beach is an unspoilt sandy beach, backed by dunes and heathland which gives it a beautifully wild feel. With spectacular views across the bay to nearby Bournemouth, it also provides a good vantage point for watching the ships passing in and out of Poole Harbour.
Except during the busiest summer months, the beach is usually a haven of tranquillity. Situated on the south side of the mouth of Poole Harbour, at the very tip of the National Trust owned Studland Peninsula, it's harder to reach but well worth the effort. Either drive along the full length of the peninsula from the Swanage end, and you'll find Shell Bay is the last of Studland's beautiful beaches. Alternatively, catch the ferry from Sandbanks which runs regularly and carries vehicles, foot passengers and cyclists across the entrance to the harbour to the opposite shore.
The beach is great for family-friendly bathing, fishing and a variety of watersports including sailing and windsurfing. It also has toilets and plenty of parking. There is a designated naturist area between Shell Bay and Knoll Beach.
Dogs are welcome all year round, during the winter months there are no restrictions but between 1 April and 30 September they are required to be on a short lead (max 2m).
Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant lies opposite the beach - an outstanding, Michelin-listed eatery with fine views out over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.
Stayed in Sandbanks many times - this was the 1st time we caught the ferry on foot - had a lovely peaceful time walking the dog. Will definitely make a return trip next time down ?
October 2023
Beautiful and quiet
September 2023
Why did the system not accept my review until I upped my review from 2 star to 3 star. Funny that!
January 2020
Disappointed with the beach. It has deteriorated since we were last there, probably due to weather. There are now 2 streams crossing it which means that you have to do a detour to carry on walking on the beach. This in turn is causing additional damage and wear to dunes etc. All it needs is the National Trust to spend a little money to put some stepping stones in
January 2020