Pictures of Poole
in the county of Dorset
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 PooleAll attractions in DorsetComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Poole
Sandbanks, in the county of Dorset (3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction SE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Furzebrook, in the county of Dorset (6.7 miles, 10.7 km, direction SW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
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.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in DorsetComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby 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 |