Looking for the best things to do in Poole? Beyond its famous harbour and golden beaches, the town offers wildlife-filled islands, historic streets, ornamental gardens, watersports, family attractions and memorable experiences found nowhere else in Dorset. Whether we are crossing the water to Brownsea Island, exploring Poole’s maritime past or discovering a quieter stretch of coastline, these are some of the best ways to experience Poole.
Discover everything you need to know before visiting Poole Park, including parking, facilities, accessibility, food and drink, children’s play areas, Poole Park Railway and activities around the boating lake. Located close to Poole town centre, this popular free attraction is ideal for family days out, walks, picnics and outdoor activities. Find essential visitor information, practical tips and details of what you can see and do at Poole Park.
Discover Greenslade Pleasure Boats in Poole with essential information on cruises, ferry routes, prices, departure points and booking. This family-run Poole Quay company has operated boat trips since 1970, with current sailings including Poole Harbour and Sandbanks cruises, Brownsea Island ferries, Wareham River trips and wildlife cruises with Birds of Poole Harbour. Whether you want a short sightseeing cruise or a longer day on the water, Greenslade offers several ways to explore Poole Harbour and Dorset’s coastline.
Plan a visit to Hamworthy Park in Poole with essential information on parking, facilities, accessibility, the children’s paddling pool, play area, beach and dog-friendly areas. Set beside Poole Harbour, the park offers large open lawns, harbour views, a seasonal paddling pool, fitness equipment, refreshments and access to watersports. With a year-round dog-friendly beach and family facilities, Hamworthy Park is a useful free destination for relaxed outdoor days in Poole.
Plan your visit to Sandbanks Beach in Poole with essential information on parking, facilities, accessibility, lifeguards, dog restrictions and things to do. This popular Blue Flag beach on the Sandbanks peninsula is ideal for families, swimmers and visitors looking for one of the best beaches in Poole. Discover everything you need to know before visiting Sandbanks Beach, including nearby amenities, seasonal facilities and practical tips for a day by the coast.
Plan a visit to Splashdown Poole with essential information on tickets, opening times, parking, facilities, height restrictions and family admission rules. Located at Tower Park, Splashdown Waterpark features 13 indoor and seasonal outdoor flume rides alongside splash areas for younger children. Tickets must be booked online in advance, and free parking is available at Tower Park, making Splashdown a convenient choice for families looking for fun indoor activities and things to do in Poole.
Plan a visit to Branksome Chine Beach in Poole with essential information on parking, facilities, accessibility, lifeguards, dog restrictions and places to eat. This popular Blue Flag beach offers golden sand, a promenade, accessible beach facilities and seasonal RNLI lifeguards, with Rockwater Branksome providing beachfront food and drink overlooking the sea. Discover everything you need to know before visiting Branksome Chine, whether you are planning a family beach day, coastal walk or morning beside the water.
Discover Poole Old Lifeboat Museum on Poole Quay, a free RNLI museum exploring the town’s lifesaving history from 1865 to the present day. Housed inside Poole’s former lifeboat station, the museum features the historic Thomas Kirk Wright lifeboat, displays about past and present RNLI crews and an onsite RNLI shop. Find current opening times, admission information, contact details, parking and everything you need to know before visiting this historic Poole attraction.
Keep the children entertained with five fun things to do in Poole during the summer holidays. Try crabbing and follow a pirate trail on Poole Quay, learn kayaking or paddleboarding at Poole Park, experience the RNLI’s lifeboat simulator, paint pottery at The Ark and stay out late for free summer fireworks. Covering younger children, primary-school ages and teenagers, these varied Poole activities include indoor, outdoor, free and paid ideas.
Discover Dorset Cruises in Poole with essential information on boat trips, prices, private charters, food and drink and departures from Poole Quay. Cruises take place aboard the historic Dorset Queen, a restored vintage motor yacht offering themed experiences including fish and chips, afternoon tea, gin and jazz, Wareham trips and special events. With onboard bars and views across Poole Harbour, Dorset Cruises combines sightseeing with food, drink and entertainment for a more experience-led day on the water.
Discover why Farmer Palmer's is one of Dorset's favourite family attractions for young children. Designed especially for ages 0–8, this award-winning farm park near Poole and Wareham offers friendly farm animals, tractor rides, pig racing, indoor soft play, outdoor adventures and more than 23 attractions to enjoy in all weathers. Perfect for families looking to create unforgettable memories, Farmer Palmer's is a fun-filled day out that little ones will want to experience again and again.
Plan your visit to Brownsea Island, one of Dorset's most extraordinary National Trust destinations. Discover peaceful woodland walks, rare red squirrels, spectacular wildlife, family-friendly adventures and breathtaking views across Poole Harbour. From ferry information and opening times to facilities, accessibility and visitor tips, this guide has everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable day on one of Dorset's most iconic islands.
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