Things to do in Poole

Activities, attractions and tours

Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture
Brownsea Island featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Poole
Poole Harbour featuring a river or creek

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Most popular experiences in Poole

Tours & day trips

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City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
8.8 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,308 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Bournemouth

Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Bournemouth

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 923 per adult
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Attractions

See all 3 activities
Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,924 per adult
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What to do in Poole

Popular places to visit

Poole Harbour which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture

Poole Harbour

Visit a forested part of this harbor’s archipelago after strolling along the charming promenade full of restaurants, pubs and boutiques.

Poole Harbour
Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Sandbanks Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Sandbanks. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or check out its lively bars.

Sandbanks Beach
Poole Quay

Poole Quay

Explore the waterfront in Poole with a trip to Poole Quay. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

Poole Quay
Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture

Brownsea Castle

Ride a ferry to a forested island. Observe colorful peacocks and playful red squirrels beside this grand castle from the 1500s.

Brownsea Castle
Compton Acres featuring a pond and heritage architecture

Compton Acres

The fine historic gardens of late Victorian mixed style were set up in the early 20th century. Peruse the range of exotic sections remaining today.

Compton Acres
Poole Park

Poole Park

After visiting Poole Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Poole. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its lively bars.

Poole Park

Splashdown Waterpark

Bring the family to Splashdown Waterpark and enjoy the excitement of this amusement park in Poole. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its entertainment choices.

Splashdown Waterpark

Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts

You can enjoy a show at Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts during your stay in Poole. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts

Branksome Chine Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Branksome Chine Beach during your trip to Poole? Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Branksome Chine Beach

Areas of Poole

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Parkstone

Visitors to Parkstone rave about its stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and luxurious spas. You might also want to make some time to see Splashdown Waterpark or Tower Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Parkstone
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Photo by Mike Faherty (CC BY-SA)

Oakdale

Oakdale might not have many top sights, but Poole Harbour and Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Oakdale
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Lilliput

While Lilliput might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Poole Harbour and Compton Acres.

Lilliput
Poole Museum featuring interior views

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 neighborhood.

Poole Old Town
Bournemouth showing heritage elements, building ruins and tranquil scenes

Bournemouth

Photo by Milly Larmer

Blandford Forum

Photo by Doug Smith

Sandbanks

Photo by David Richards

Arne

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle

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 vacation 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 neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Oakdale, which is about 2 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, 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.