Need to entertain some little ones? Dorset is home to countless attractions perfect for all the family! Find out more about the best Places to Visit with Kids in Dorset
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Plan a visit to Hollywood Bowl Poole at Tower Park with essential information on bowling, booking, prices, VIP lanes, food and drink, parties and parking. The venue has 24 bowling lanes alongside an arcade, pool tables, American-inspired diner and licensed bar, making it suitable for family days out, date nights and group activities. Booking online in advance is recommended, particularly at weekends and during school holidays, and can also provide access to Hollywood Bowl’s best available prices.
Looking for memorable date ideas and things to do for couples in Poole? Discover five varied experiences for two, from exploring Brownsea Island and cruising across Poole Harbour at sunset to wandering through Compton Acres, learning a watersport at Sandbanks and enjoying an evening performance at Lighthouse Poole. Whether planning a romantic weekend, first date or relaxed day out, these Poole couple activities offer scenery, adventure and quality time together.
Discover what’s on at Lighthouse Poole in August 2026, with confirmed events including Toy Story 5, André Rieu’s Viva Maastricht!, Creative Summer Camp and National Theatre Live’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Explore family cinema, children’s holiday activities, classical music and filmed theatre, with key August dates, advertised ticket prices and booking information for Poole’s leading arts and entertainment venue.
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 The Dolphin Poole with essential information on shops, restaurants, opening times, parking, accessibility and events. Located on Kingland Road in central Poole, the indoor shopping centre is home to more than 90 occupiers, including high-street brands, independent retailers, food outlets and community spaces. Visitors can also explore KINGLAND, the Street Market and GATHER, while nearby bus and rail connections and large multi-storey car parks make The Dolphin easy to reach from across Poole and Dorset.
Celebrate the Poole Harbour Festival 2027 from 30 July to 1 August at Baiter Park. One of Dorset's biggest family-friendly music festivals, the weekend features over 60 live acts alongside family entertainment, camping, street food, craft stalls and funfair attractions. Find event dates, tickets, venue information and everything you need to plan your visit.
Discover some of the best dog-friendly cafés, pubs and walks in Poole, from lakeside coffee at The Kitchen in Poole Park to coastal outings near The Canford and The Yachtsman. Explore Upton Country Park’s enclosed dog areas, follow the waterfront from Poole Quay to Baiter or enjoy the harbour views at Hamworthy. This guide combines welcoming places to eat with varied walks for dogs of different ages and energy levels.
Plan a visit to Vue Poole at Tower Park with essential information on cinema screens, seating, tickets, accessibility, family screenings and free parking. The 14-screen cinema offers laser projection throughout, 2D and 3D films, Dolby Surround Sound and premium Lux and Ultra Lux seating. Visitors can watch new releases alongside concerts, theatre, opera, sport and other Big Screen Events, then combine their cinema trip with the restaurants and entertainment venues around Tower Park.
Poole u3a is a large learning and social organisation for people who are no longer in full-time employment. Based at The Spire in Poole town centre, it has more than 900 members and offers over 80 informal classes alongside walks, talks, day trips and social activities. Members can explore interests ranging from languages and history to music, fitness, crafts and technology, while meeting new people in a relaxed, supportive environment with no exams or qualifications.
Discover five of the best family days out in Poole, from searching for red squirrels on Brownsea Island and racing down the flumes at Splashdown to meeting farm animals, exploring Poole’s maritime history and enjoying outdoor adventures at Upton Country Park. With options for toddlers, older children and adults, these varied Poole attractions offer memorable activities for sunny days, rainy afternoons, school holidays and relaxed weekends by the coast.
Discover five of the best boat trips from Poole Quay and find out which cruise and operator to choose. Explore Poole Harbour with Coastal Cruises Poole, spend the day in Swanage, catch the Greenslade ferry to Brownsea Island, travel peacefully along the River Frome to Wareham or enjoy afternoon tea while sailing towards the Jurassic Coast. Compare routes, durations and experiences before booking your Poole boat trip.
Discover five exciting watersports to try in Poole Harbour, from beginner-friendly paddleboarding and kayaking to sailing, windsurfing and high-energy wakeboarding. With sheltered areas, specialist activity centres and views towards Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills, the harbour offers opportunities for complete beginners, families and experienced water users. This guide explains what each activity involves, who it suits and where to find professional tuition or equipment hire in Poole.
Plan your visit to Tower Park in Poole with our guide to its attractions, cinema, restaurants, parking and visitor facilities. The entertainment complex is home to Splashdown Waterpark, Lemur Landings, Hollywood Bowl, Vue cinema, Buzz Bingo, PureGym and a wide choice of places to eat and drink. With free onsite parking and entertainment for children and adults, Tower Park is one of the most convenient places in Poole for an all-weather family day out or evening with friends.
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 Rockley in Poole with essential information on watersports, activity centres, children’s holiday camps, RYA sailing courses, equipment hire and booking. Rockley operates from Rockley Point and Poole Park, offering activities including dinghy sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, canoeing and multi-activity sessions. Established in 1976, the family-run company caters for children, adults, schools and families, with everything from one-hour taster sessions and pedalos to structured sailing courses and residential watersports programmes.
Enjoy summer in Poole without spending a fortune with these free activities, attractions and seasonal events. From swimming at Sandbanks and exploring the gardens and woodland of Upton Country Park to joining outdoor yoga, uncovering Poole’s maritime history and watching fireworks over the harbour, there are plenty of affordable ways to make the most of the town. These varied ideas include options for families, couples, walkers and anyone looking for a memorable day out on a budget.
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 your visit to Lemur Landings in Poole with essential information on opening times, admission, parking, accessibility, food and drink and play facilities. Located at Tower Park, this large indoor soft-play and children’s entertainment centre features two play frames, climbing activities, a role-play village and dedicated spaces for babies and younger children. Advance online booking is required for every visit, with free parking available at Tower Park and an onsite family café.
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.
Discover Compton Acres in Poole, one of Dorset’s most beautiful ornamental gardens near Bournemouth. Explore themed gardens including Italian, Japanese and woodland valley landscapes, perfect for peaceful walks, photography and family days out. A must-visit attraction for anyone searching for things to do in Poole or gardens in Dorset.
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 a visit to Buzz Bingo Poole at Tower Park with essential information on bingo sessions, opening times, food and drink, accessibility, age restrictions and parking. The club offers paper and electronic bingo, slots and regular promotions alongside a licensed bar and food menu. Open late throughout the week and located within the wider Tower Park leisure complex, Buzz Bingo Poole is suited to solo players, couples and groups looking for an adults-only entertainment option in Poole.
Alum Chine Beach showcases all the qualities that make Dorset's coastline so beautiful: pristine sands, lapping turquoise waves and charming beach huts. Its Blue Flag status speaks to its safe and clean shores, whilst its vibrant promenade and lush, subtropical gardens ensure there is something for everyone.
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.
Grooves on the Green is expected to return to Ashley Cross, Poole, in 2027 for another family-friendly celebration of live music, entertainment, food and community spirit. Official dates, tickets and performers have not yet been announced, but previous festivals have featured music across two stages, children’s activities, independent traders and a wide selection of food and drink. This listing will be updated when the organisers confirm the full Grooves on the Green 2027 programme.
Car Nights on Poole Quay returns for summer 2026, bringing a different collection of cars to Poole’s waterfront every Friday evening throughout July and August. From British classics and supercars to American hot rods, Minis, Japanese cars and air-cooled Volkswagens, each week has its own theme. Visitors can wander along the Quay, admire the vehicles and enjoy the atmosphere alongside Poole Harbour, with plenty of nearby pubs, restaurants and cafés for an evening out.
The Poole Bay 100 returns in June 2027 for a high-speed day of offshore powerboat racing across Poole Bay and Bournemouth’s coastline. Forming Round 2 of the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Racing Championship, the event brought powerful racing boats, professional crews and multiple racing classes to the south coast. Spectators could watch the fleet leave Poole Quay before racing began offshore, with Bournemouth seafront offering some of the best views of the action throughout the afternoon.
Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer 2026, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.
Planning a family day out in Dorset? Discover everything you need to know about Farmer Palmer's Farm Park near Poole and Wareham. Designed especially for children aged 0-8, this award-winning attraction offers friendly farm animals, daily animal activities, tractor rides, indoor soft play, outdoor adventures and seasonal events. Find ticket prices, opening times, facilities, accessibility and visitor tips to help you make the most of one of Dorset's favourite family attractions.
Enjoy a winter visit to Upton Country Park near Poole and Bournemouth. Discover our experience, what to expect in winter, how to get there, parking details and why it’s a perfect seasonal walk.
SandPolo returns to Sandbanks Beach on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 July 2027 for its 20th-anniversary event, bringing world-class beach polo, hospitality and evening entertainment to one of Poole’s most famous coastal locations. The British Beach Polo Championships combine fast-paced matches on the sand with pitch-side bars, food, socialising and live entertainment. Full ticket details and the 2027 programme are still to be announced, with visitors currently able to pre-register for early access to releases.
36 results found
Spanish
Chinese (simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Norwegian
Polish
Romanian
Russian