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

Julie - Verified booking

We have stayed in this house over many years for holidays before new ownership last year.

Standards still as high, with some more modern additions ( new settee, dishwasher, and useful sensor light outside front door etc) Key box outside easy to use. Kept well informed by emails from Sykes cottages , and Sykes staff very friendly & efficient on phone calls to book. Will definitely try to book Quay cottage again for future holidays, as its always been our 'little home from home' and still feel so comfortable there under the new ownership. Perfectly positioned near to seafront, with flat walks to seafront, shops, bars & restaurants, Poole Park etc and can park the car in own driveway in front of house. Thanks for a lovely week. Julie & Dave Pearce

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Edward - Verified booking

Overall, a very positive experience - We've stayed here so often that it seems almost like a second home, and so much that we want to see or do is within easy walking distance.

We have just a couple of very minor quibbles that should not distract from our overall satisfaction: 1. The shower caddy for holding soaps, etc. was inconvenient for shorter people. A small shelf would be preferable. 2. The towels apparently had been laundered with a strongly scented detergent. Could a more neutral alternative be found? 3. We were puzzled by the instructions to empty the lint filter on the washer/dryer, as we could not find one either on the machine itself, or in the instruction manual for it.

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Elizabeth - Verified booking

The house was very clean and well equipped.

Sadly we were very disappointed with the state of the garden. Very dirty, bits of debris on the ground. I have photos to share. We felt that the patio should have been swept and hosed down at the very least. Privacy in the garden is an issue and inside the lounge when the curtains are open. People can look in through the back fence alongside the pavement,which they frequently did and straight into the lounge. That panelling should be similar to the side panelling which makes it private.

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Helen - Verified booking

We were very pleased with the accommodation.

It was cleaned to a high standard (and Iâm fussy). The accommodation was well equipped and the decor and furniture was bright and modern. It was a perfect location being within a short walk from the centre of Poole with all its shops, bars, eateries and good bus services and boats too! The sea view from the main bedroom window was a pleasure to see everyday! We had a fantastic week and visited lots of interesting places around Poole. We would definitely recommend Harbour View, Poole

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Valerie - Verified booking

19 Labrador Drive is lovely.

Exceptionally clean and comfortable. We had great difficulty finding Harbour View. We spent nearly half an hour looking for it until we realised we actually needed 19 Labrador Drive! We were disappointed there was no two pin socket in the bathroom for the electric razor and toothbrush charger. The double bedroom door was noisy when opening and closing, disturbing the twin room occupant. An extra socket in the double bedroom would have been good for using the hairdryer.

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Holiday Cottages in Poole

Home to the biggest range at the lowest price

Poole Cottages

Dorset

4 Red Sails

Ref: S102372

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Harbour View Poole

Ref: S283515

Reviews 23

Dorset

Bed in Isle of Purbeck (IC008)

Ref: S233777

Dorset

Sandhills No.3

Ref: S700714

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Poole Quay Cottage

Ref: S483508

Reviews 11

Dorset

Sandhaven Court No.5

Ref: S701023

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

21W

Ref: S882641

Dorset

Holwell

Ref: S774933

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

La Fontanella No.2

Ref: S696769

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Pickwick Cottage

Ref: S842462

Dorset

Bed in Arne (DC188)

Ref: S230488

Dorset

The Cabin

Ref: S486050

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Coxswain's Cabin - Moments from Hamworthy Beach and Park

Ref: S305921

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Turlin Valley

Ref: S907510

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Seafarers - Contemporary Apartment, Central Location

Ref: S1036833

Dorset

Jasper

Ref: S374554

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Endless Summer - Spacious Living Space on Poole Quay

Ref: S420349

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Spindrift

Ref: S1017541

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Modern New House - Great Location - Garden - Parking - Fast WiFi - Smart TV - Stunning 2 Bedroom House sleeps up to 4! Only 5 mins drive to Sandbanks Beach

Ref: S913591

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Daintree - Bournemouth- Short Walk to Alum Chine Beach

Ref: S329828

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Anchorage - Quaint and Cosy Two-Bedroom House

Ref: S1013716

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

2 Bed in Poole 92578

Ref: S1023805

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Rockley Park Private Holiday Homes

Ref: S501618

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Lytchett Bay View- Rockley Park Poole Bournemouth

Ref: S1033706

Poole Holiday Cottages

More locations in Dorset

Things to do on your Poole cottage holiday

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