Spotlight on Poole

The charming Dorset town of Poole offers the perfect mix of coastal living whilst also being well served with all the amenities and a network of transport links, making it easy to enjoy all that the local area and further afield has to offer.

Home to the largest natural harbour in Europe, there’s a wealth of wonderful things to explore on and around the water, at Poole. From the historic old town and quayside with its rich links to maritime history to beautiful sandy beaches and green open spaces – there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy a walk along the historic quayside with a range of shops, cafes and attractions providing a glimpse into the maritime and industrial heritage of Poole. Poole Museum (currently closed for refurbishment but it is well worth a trip when it reopens), Poole Old Lifeboat Museum & Shop, the Twin Sails Lifting Bridge and the Sea Music Sculpture, commissioned by Poole Arts Council and gifted by the sculptor to the town.

The quay is also home to the RNLI College, where the volunteer crew and lifeguards of the RNLI are trained. Take a tour of the college, enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshment at the restaurant or bar and a visit to their shop.

Accessible only by boat, and just a short ferry trip from Poole Quay or Sandbanks, Brownsea Island, now owned by the National Trust, is one of the five largest islands in Poole Harbour and provides a thriving habitat for birds and wildlife, including the rare red squirrel. The perfect spot to enjoy a day out making the most of the beautiful areas of woodland and stunning cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck.

Explore a little inland from the quay and Poole benefits from a great selection of high street and independent shops as well as a number of fantastic eateries. From classic fish and chips, to fine dining spots including the Guildhall Tavern in the heart of Poole Old Town and Rick Stein’s in Sandbanks, with its envious views overlooking Poole Harbour – where better to taste some delicious seafood than on the South Coast. Home to wonderful parks and gardens, there are plenty of green open spaces to visit. Poole Park, ideally located next to our Sandbanks Road community, was originally opened during the Victorian era. The park borders Poole Harbour and offers an abundance of activities for everyone including a boating lake, cafe, tennis courts, bowls green, water sports facilities, play areas and a miniature railway.

And of course, Poole is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the South Coast including the award winning Sandbanks Beach with its glorious golden sands and Branksome Chine offering stunning views across the coastline.

To learn more about at Sandbanks Road in Poole, visit our community page.