Adjacent to Bournemouth and on the edge of Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, Poole is also home to the second-largest natural harbor in the world. That maritime significance has played a key role in its history, from early Viking invasions to D-Day crossings and its present-day Channel ferry routes. There are lots of things to in Poole in the summer in particular, when crowds come to relax on the Blue Flag–certified Sandbanks beach; wander the bustling Quay or charming Old Town; see the ruins of Corfe Castle; or set out on a coastal ramble.
With its many beaches—and proximity to Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast—Poole is at its busiest during the summer months. That’s also true of its events calendar, and festivals like the Poole Quay Summer Fireworks, Poole Seafood Festival, and SandFest draw crowds. For a slightly calmer experience of the coastal city, aim for a spring visit: Poole enjoys more temperate weather than much of the rest of the UK during April and May.
Poole is served by the main line Poole Railway Station and can be reached by National Express and Megabus buses. There are also numerous local bus lines that serve the wider region. The Poole Ferry Terminal connects the city to Channel Islands and France, while the Poole Quay operates local ferry services. The city is broadly pedestrian- and cycle-friendly.
Don’t confine yourself to the mainland on your trip to maritime Poole. Poised as it is on one of the world’s largest natural harbors, Poole offers ferry access to several small harbor islands. Brownsea Island, run by the National Trust, is a highlight: Come to explore its scenic nature trails, admire its lagoon views, glimpse wildlife including red squirrels and kingfishers, and see the Brownsea Castle.
