Is it worth visiting Poole?

Absolutely, Poole is worth visiting for its stunning natural harbor, picturesque beaches, and maritime heritage. The town offers a blend of relaxation, water activities, and cultural attractions, making it an appealing destination for those seeking coastal charm and a variety of leisurely experiences.

Should I visit Poole or Bournemouth?

Both Poole and Bournemouth have their own unique attractions. Poole offers a picturesque harbour, historic sites like Poole Old Town, and the famous Sandbanks Beach. Bournemouth, on the other hand, boasts a vibrant pier, beautiful sandy beaches, and a lively town centre. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a more tranquil harbour atmosphere (Poole) or a bustling seaside resort (Bournemouth).

What are the must-see attractions in Poole?

When in Poole, make sure to visit the historic Poole Old Town with its charming buildings and quayside. Enjoy a stroll along Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and consider taking a boat trip to explore the islands and coastline. Additionally, a visit to the award-winning Sandbanks Beach and the interactive Poole Museum can enhance your experience in the town.

What is Poole best known for?

Poole is best known for its picturesque natural harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. The town's maritime heritage, historic Old Town, and proximity to stunning beaches like Sandbanks contribute to its reputation as a popular coastal destination offering a blend of nautical charm and scenic beauty.

Poole Holiday Cottages

Poole Holiday Cottages

Known for its award- award-winning sandy beaches and being home to Europe's largest natural harbour, Poole makes for an unforgettable seaside getaway. Spend your days sandcastle-making and sunbathing on the world-famous Sandbanks Beach, or take in the views on the picturesque coastal paths nearby. Our pet-friendly and family-friendly Poole holiday cottages are the perfect base for exploring the area with your pooch, and the rest of Dorset too.

We've got holiday homes right by the sea, so you can enjoy waking up to blissful sea views each morning. Or stay in the heart of the action with cottages located in the town centre. Look out for holiday rentals with extras like hot tubs, swimming pools, and cinema rooms to add some luxury to your stay. And our friendly customer service team are always on hand to help you find the perfect Poole holiday cottage for your trip.

Poole Quay offers an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and shops as well as family-friendly attractions, including the Poole Museum and the Sea Music Sculpture. You're never too far from exploring Dorset's Jurassic Coast either. Take the boat trip from Poole and marvel at some of the area's most scenic spots, like Brownsea Island and the Old Harry Rocks. Top off your trip with a visit to Corfe Castle, one of Britain's most iconic ruins to have survived the English Civil War.

More locations in Dorset

Boasting some of the best coastlines and countryside in the country, Dorset is a great holiday destination for lovers of the great outdoors! Think clear-water shores, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and some of Britain's most iconic landmarks.

Things to do on your Poole cottage holiday

Our UK comedy clubs guide includes some great comedy nights in Poole.

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

Wendy - Verified booking

This is a lovely property with plenty of room for all of us.

There are plenty of extras including a piano which my granddaughter adored. The beds were comfortable and linens provided were good quality. The kitchen was well stocked with lots of equipment and the large fridge/freezer was great. Good to have 2 en-suite and a bathroom, all of which were clean and cared for. I would have preferred twin beds in one room. The house is in a lovely location and very easy to access many things to do and see. Beaches nearby were great and miles of sand. Great shop very close by and the pub was a short walk, although the food changed whilst we were they and the new kitchen owners have a very small menu. My only complaints were that cleanliness of the floors needed to be addressed as did all the cobwebs around light fittings and the windows need a bit of maintenance as they blew fully open in the wind. I would return to the property again as it was large, light and airy, well located and had a garden. We had a lovely stay.

Read more less >
Katrina - Verified booking

We had an excellent stay in the house and it was all furnished to a high standard and very clean on arrival.

There was only 2 of us but a big space for a family and two bathrooms and one downstairs w/c. The outside area was also a bonus and the car space is a luxury in Poole and easy to goi out and return. . The property is overlooking the quay which is a nice and bustling area with plenty going on. Lots of boat trips around the area. Poole itself has many bars, pubs and restaurants all within 10 minutes walk. The old town is lovely although a small area. I would highly recommend this house to friends and family and would not hesitate to book again if staying in the area.

Read more less >
Denise - Verified booking

Lovely spacious house, beds very comfortable, very well equipped.

Sky TV/Netflix/Prime provided and games to keep everyone amused. Quiet area. Would recommend perhaps a smaller step to the front/side & patio doors as this is quite a large step down and our elderly relatives found this a challenge getting in and out! Apart from that, perfect for our needs. Our arrival time was stated as 3pm on the paperwork but the cleaner was still there when we arrived and said it should say 4pm, it was an error by Sykes, so had to come back later, but that wasn't a problem.

Read more less >
The C Family - Verified booking

Enjoyed our stay in a lovely cottage. Local information was very useful. We enjoyed meals at The Cliff, The Scott Arms in Kingston and cheap but good Sunday lunch at The Red Lion. The weather was good, so we enjoyed the open-top bus trip to Christchurch beach and walks at Weymouth, Kimmerridge, Durdle Door and lots of the coastal path. We loved getting the steam train and went to two Bournemouth Football matches.

Read more less >
Colin - Verified booking

Very nice property in an excellent location.

House was very nicely decorated & equipped. ( Only thing missing for us was an Oyster shuking knife & some tools for breaking lobster/crab shells). Cleaning staff contacted us prior to arrival informing us the property was ready, which was a nice touch. Absolutely no complaints with the property & would recommend it to others & indeed would return again.

Read more less >

Holiday Cottages in Poole

Home to the biggest range at the lowest price

Poole Cottages

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Fiddlers Green , Poole

Ref: S841391

Reviews 16

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

2 Bed Cottage in Poole

Ref: S394802

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Quay Cottage - Sea View

Ref: S819272

Reviews 4

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

1 Charlotte Close

Ref: S525643

Reviews 9

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Pickwick Cottage

Ref: S842462

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Turlin Valley

Ref: S907510

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Harbourside Retreat - Spacious Balcony with Harbour Views

Ref: S519565

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Southern Comfort - Few minutes walk to Hamworthy beach

Ref: S1010491

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Dolphin Hideaway- Poole Quay Apartment with Parking

Ref: S1045886

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Casa Lisa - Penthouse with Extensive Roof Terrace

Ref: S1079204

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

About Tern - 10-Minute Walk to Poole Quay, with Harbour Views

Ref: S478328

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

The Sanctuary- Short Walk to Hamworthy Beach and Park

Ref: S1054781

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Isle be Back - Harbour front Views from Balconies

Ref: S361079

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Sunrise - Poole Town Balcony Views

Ref: S1008894

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Rockley Park Private Holiday Homes

Ref: S501618

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Charlotte Cottage - Minutes from Poole Park, with Feature Log Burner

Ref: S1012675

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Lytchett Bay View- Rockley Park Poole Bournemouth

Ref: S1033706

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Fisherman's Terrace (Tardis) On Quay/Free Parking

Ref: S936436

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Tranquillity

Ref: S1072576

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Just Beachy - Moments from Hamworthy Beach and Park

Ref: S370294

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Lake Retreat - Short Walk to Hamworthy Beach and Park

Ref: S417172

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Belle Buoy

Ref: S1078106

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Blue Oyster Cottages

Ref: S1224358

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

2 Bed semi-detached house

Ref: S1078563

Poole Holiday Cottages

More locations in Dorset

We get you
the lowest price

A marketplace
you can trust