Pictures of Poole

in the county of Dorset

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About Poole

Famous for its fine natural harbour, Poole in its lovely setting on the Dorset coast backed by an area of heaths and pinewoods, attracts thousands of visitors annually. It truly is a town that has it all, with around 14 hours of high water, a stunning marina, yachting clubs and sailing clubs, it has become a Mecca for yachtsmen from all over Europe. There is a constant flow of water traffic in and out of Poole harbour, and at the quay small boats and fishing craft contrast with holiday ferries leaving for France and the Channel Islands.

Three miles of golden beaches extending from Sandbanks to Brankesome Dene Chine and on towards Bournemouth, ensure an enjoyable time for families and sun-worshippers, whilst the marina offers up to the minute facilities for yachtsmen, a luxurious hotel at the waters edge, and cafe's and bars. For those who do not have their own boat sea-fishing trips and trips to see the lovely coastal scenery and Brownsea island can be booked at the quay side. In the historic centre of the town, there are some fine old buildings, including the 18th-century guildhall and a medieval merchant house. The town is renowned for its world famous pottery which continues to hold its place in antique markets up and down the country and some early pieces can be seen in the local museum. There is an RNLI station which offers several open days when the public can view life saving equipment and the lifeboat.

There is a maritime museum, aquarium, and Farmers Palmer's Farm Park offers children hands on experiences with cows, lambs, goats and small animals. For further enjoyment there is also an indoor play barn. There is a wealth of wildlife to be seen in the water and along the shore. Sea-sport enthusiasts are well provided for with power boat and yacht racing, deep sea diving and the more gentle past-time of fishing. The beach is entirely safe for swimming, the sands are great for kids, they can happily build castles or search amongst the rock pools for shells and tiny creatures left behind by the sea.

You can stroll around pleasant shops by day and at night the cafe society and bars come into their own. Night Owls will not be disappointed, entertainment can easily be found. Family accommodation is not a problem, there is a choice of caravan and camping parks as well as hotels, inns and guest houses.

Interestingly, the town was the largest embarkation point for the D Day Landings of World War II, and centuries ago Queen Elizabeth I gave Poole County status which it kept until late in the 19th-century.

Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Poole

Upton Country Park	(1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Brownsea Island	(2.4 miles, 3.9 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Arne RSPB Reserve	(2.6 miles, 4.2 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Compton Acres Gardens	(2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction E)	Pictures
The Bournemouth Eye	(4.6 miles, 7.5 km, direction E)	Pictures
Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum	(5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction E)	Pictures
Isle of Purbeck	(5.1 miles, 8.1 km, direction S)	Pictures
Studland Beach & Nature Reserve	(5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction S)	Pictures
Stapehill Abbey	(6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Corfe Castle	(6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Kingston Lacy	(6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction N)	Pictures
The Blue Pool	(6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction SW)	Pictures
White Mill	(6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Alice in Wonderland Maze, Hurn	(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Badbury Rings	(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction N)	Pictures

All attractions in Poole
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Recommended towns near Poole

Sandbanks, in the county of Dorset (3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction SE)
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Bournemouth, in the county of Dorset (4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction E)
Seven miles of glorious golden sands, fringed by the bluest of seas lapping the shore, make Bournemouth a firm favourite for family holidays.
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Studland, in the county of Dorset (5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction S)
Beyond the woods, heaths and downs of Dorset lies a fascinating coastline with a hinterland of precious little villages, such a village is Studland which sits close to the wide sweep of picturesque Studland Bay, which belongs to the National Trust.
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Wimborne Minster, a Historic Market Town in the county of Dorset (5.6 miles, 9.1 km, direction N)
Wimborne Minster is a magnificent Georgian town in the valley of the delightful River Stour.
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Corfe Castle, a Picturesque Village in the county of Dorset (6.4 miles, 10.4 km, direction SW)
Below the castle, the village of Corfe shows picturesque stone houses of the 17th-century.
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Stapehill, in the county of Dorset (6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction NE)
Stapehill, in the beautiful Dorset countryside is best known for its romantic Abbey gardens which are an absolute joy for every visitor including gardening enthusiasts.
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Furzebrook, in the county of Dorset (6.7 miles, 10.7 km, direction SW)
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Sturminster Marshall, a Picturesque Village in the county of Dorset (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction NW)
Sturminster Marshall is famous for its beautiful White Corn Mill and for the magnificent eight arched bridge spanning the River Stour.
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Ferndown, in the county of Dorset (7.2 miles, 11.5 km, direction NE)
This town lies amidst noted countryside between Wimborne Minster and Ringwood.
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Langton Matravers, in the county of Dorset (7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction S)
This is an interesting old village with access to one of the loveliest stretches of the Dorset coast.
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Swanage, in the county of Dorset (7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction S)
The town is wedged between towering downs that result in lofty cliffs at both ends of the bay, from these high vantage points there are spectacular views across the sea.
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Hurn, in the county of Dorset (8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction NE)
This is a pretty Dorset village with pleasant period buildings from the 18th-century.
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Southbourne, in the county of Dorset (8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction E)
Southbourne is a sedate coastal resort lying close to the mouth of the River Stour, just a few minutes drive from its more famous...
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Worth Matravers, in the county of Dorset (8.7 miles, 14.0 km, direction S)
Picturesque Dorset village with a history pre-dating Roman times as evidenced by the medieval lynchets cut into the steep hillsides.
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Kimmeridge, in the county of Dorset (9.1 miles, 14.6 km, direction SW)
A popular place for surfers and diving enthusiasts, Kimmeridge is a small town along the Purbeck Coast in Dorset.
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Nearby travel help

Poole Station	(0.2 miles, 0.4 km)
Parkstone Station	(1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction E)
Bournemouth Airport	(8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction NE)
M27 Junction 1	(22.2 miles, 35.7 km, direction NE)
M27 Junction 2	(25.4 miles, 40.9 km, direction NE)
Southampton Airport	(32.0 miles, 51.5 km, direction NE)
Poole to London	(97.6 miles, 157.0 km, direction NE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Poole

Hotel Name	Approximate distance from Poole center
Arndale Court Hotel	(0.3 miles, 0.6 km)
Express By Holiday Inn Poole	(0.4 miles, 0.6 km)
The Antelope	(0.4 miles, 0.7 km)
The Best Western Mansion House	(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
Premier Travel Inn Poole North	(1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction N)
Harbour Heights Hotel	(2.7 miles, 4.4 km, direction SE)
Sandbanks Hotel	(2.9 miles, 4.7 km, direction SE)
The Haven	(3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction SE)
Studland Dene Hotel	(3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction E)
Calotels ~ Riviera Hotel	(3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction E)
All hotels in Poole