Poole Coast Guide 

Poole and its sister town, Bournemouth combine to form a large urban area on the south coast with a population of around 300,000. In spite of this size and the container port and docks at Poole this is still a seaside resort and life is centred on the beaches and seafront area. 

For Poole Hotels and Holidays,  Guest Houses, Cottages  and Attractions.  See Poole Hotels Guest Houses and Cottages

Poole used to be a medieval port situated on the huge shallow anchorage of Poole harbour. The old town still has the old custom house and many old inns to remind the visitor of this past. The modern town is unremarkable and similar to many other High Street areas but the main attraction of Poole is the long sandy beach area which stretches all the way to Bournemouth. The Sandbanks area is the centre of all watersports activities which include sailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and water skiing. Fishing is also very popular in the area and trips can be booked from the quay. This is about as close to the Californian lifestyle that you can get in the UK! 

Another major attraction for the area are the beaches and nature reserves at Studland Bay which are reached via the Sandbanks ferry. This whole area which is National Trust property must rank as one of the best beachside areas in the country. There is very little development and the beaches are clean and the water quality is very good. A great area for families, watersports and nature. The visitor should note that part of the beach is set aside for Naturists. So be careful where you point your camera!

Road access is generally good - from the east the A31 via Southampton is a good route. From the west use the A35 via Dorchester. From the north the best route is to use the  A350 via Shaftesbury.  There is an airport at Bournemouth serving international routes. There are ferry connections to France, Spain and the Channel Islands from Poole quay operated by Brittany and Condor ferry companies.   

What to see in Poole

Brownsea Island  - Located in the middle of Poole Harbour - 500 acres of woodland and heath. Catch a boat from the quay.

Compton Acres - 10 acre gardens and views to Poole Harbour, also has a shop and cafe.

Poole Pottery - Factory tours and retail outlet of this famous pottery brand.

Nearby

Wareham - Ancient market town on the River Piddle. 

Sherborne Castle - Built in 1594, by Sir Walter Raleigh and home to the Digby family since 1617.

Map of Poole and Bournemouth

< Swanage Guide                                                                                                         Bournemouth Guide >

For other sections of the guide you may also enjoy - see below.

Activities

Includes details of many coastal activities such as; surfing, sailing, bird watching and walking.

Attractions - see listings pages

A huge selection of attractions are available within the coastal area and this section will have details of many of them. From piers and harbours to fun fairs and roller coasters, the listings will have details of what's available in your chosen area. For details of attractions look in the resort pages. 

  Padstow

Pubs, restaurants and shopping guide

The listings section will also have details of pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and shops available in the locality. Restaurants and shops coming soon.....

                                                                                                                               The  Beach Pub - Exmouth

Features

We will bring you feature  articles  about the coastline and  news items about life in the coastal area. contributions to this section are welcome.

Photo Gallery

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