Official Visitor Information for Poole, England. Find things to do, hotels and accommodation, attractions, events, restaurants, shopping, maps – everything you need to plan and book your holiday to Poole. In the Second World War, Poole was one of the main departing points for the Normandy landings.

Understanding the Context

Poole is a tourist resort, attracting visitors with its large natural harbour, history, the Lighthouse arts centre and Blue Flag beaches. Poole is a bustling tourist resort in the east of Dorset and is well known for Europe’s largest natural harbour, award winning blue flag beaches including the world famous Sandbanks Beach, a bustling quayside and a beautiful historic old town. For a place to relax and enjoy time with friends and family all year round and all day long, Poole Park is an ideal spot. Poole is a quirky, historic town clustered around the largest natural harbour in the world.

Key Insights

With a picturesque Old Town and recently revamped Quayside area, plenty of beaches nearby, and a huge harbour filled with islands to explore, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Dorset’s second-largest town. 22 of the Best Things to do in Poole, England - A Local's Guide Poole is a coastal town in Southwest England often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Bournemouth… but for those who end up here (whether en route to the Jurassic Coast, or because they fell for a Poole boy like me), there are plenty of fun surprises to discover. 17 Unique & Fun Things to do in Poole, England - Happy to Wander