Poole
POOLE is a vibrant town on the banks of the World’s second biggest natural harbour. Popular with water sports enthusiasts, the Town’s population of 150,000 swells during the summer months as holidaymakers head for the seven miles of golden beaches. The internationally famous Sandbanks peninsula stretches to the mouth of the Harbour and the Purbeck Hills and Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast lie just beyond.
Poole abuts the resort town of Bournemouth to the east, and lies 115 miles south-west of London. A direct rail service connects Poole to London Waterloo in approximately 2 hours. The wild beauty of the New Forest National Park, is just 40 minutes away by car.
Poole’s historic Georgian Old Town offers a wealth of restaurants and bars amid cobbled streets, and Poole Quay is a popular spot to relax with a drink whilst watching the yachts and ferries coming and going. Poole is home to Sunseeker – the World’s most luxurious boat builder and many examples of their stunning boats are moored opposite. Local ferries take visitors direct from the Quay to beautiful Brownsea Island, the National Trust Reserve at the mouth of Poole Harbour.
Poole’s pedestrianised High Street links the Quay to the extensive retail facilities of the covered Dolphin Shopping Centre. Poole’s Lighthouse Arts Centre is home to the acclaimed Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and is a popular theatre and concert venue.
Waterside walks and cycle paths link Poole Quay to Baiter, Whitecliff and Poole parks – offering idyllic Sunday strolls and bike rides around the picturesque Harbour, adventure play areas, sports facilities and cafes along the way.