There are so many things to do in Poole in Dorset, you will be spoiled for choice. Poole is a coastal town dating back to the Iron Age. It’s also known to have the second largest natural harbour in the World, and is home to many award winning Blue Flag beaches including the famous Sandbanks area.
Whatever the weather there is always something new to discover in Poole, whether you like getting out on the water or keeping your feet on solid ground. Throughout the year there are many great festivals and events happening in Poole as well.
Farmer Palmers
Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU
Farmer Palmers farm park is a popular family day out near Poole in Dorset. Aimed at children up to 8 years old, there’s always plenty going on.
Once you’ve seen the animals, you can take part in all of the additional facilities on the farm including pedal tractors, splash zone, inside and outside bouncy castles, cow milking times and plenty more.
Brownsea Island
Address: Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE
Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour, owned by the National Trust. You can access the island via ferry from Sandbanks or Poole Quay.
The island is a popular place for a day out in Dorset as there is plenty of space to explore, enjoy a picnic and spot some of the wildlife that live there including the rare red squirrel.
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Poole Park
Address: Poole Park, Parkstone, Poole, BH15 2SF
Poole Park is next to the town centre in Poole. Some of the best things to do in Poole Park are Free including the parking. There are three car parks, though on busy days these tend to fill up quickly.
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If you are looking to see the whole of Poole Park, then you can enjoy a 2km walk around the lake. Other activities in the park include Poole Park crazy golf, play parks, the Poole Park railway and refreshment kiosks and a cafe. You can even enjoy afternoon tea or breakfast.
In the Summer months, Poole Park is often host to an outdoor cinema playing some free films on the big screen.
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Pottery Painting In The Ark
82 Parkstone Rd, Poole BH15 2SF
Are you looking for fun activities in Poole? You can enjoy kilned and acrylic pottery painting in Poole Park. From £6.50 you can choose from cute animals to mugs and more.
Acrylic items can be taken away on the same day, however it’s recommended you allow some time for your design to dry. Kiln pottery is available to collect within 7 – 10 days.
Ham Common
BH15 4RW
Ham Common is a large heathland next to Poole Harbour. You can see across the Purbecks on a nice day with stunning views. There are two car parks located at Ham Common, (one at Lake Drive, and the other on Napier Road).
Lake Pier
BH15 4LR
Next door to Ham Common is Lake Pier, a dedicated dog beach throughout the year. The beach is made up of a sand and shingle mix. It can be quite thick clay during low tide so walking boots or sensible shoes a must!
It’s a popular place for dog walks in Poole along the beach and through Ham Common next door. There is a small car park available and toilets are on site.
Baiter Park
Next to Poole Park if you leave by the exit at the back of the lake and follow the underground underneath the railway line, you will find an entrance to Baiter Park.
There are a variety of parks in Poole, and this huge open space is next to Poole Harbour. You can enjoy a pleasant walk towards the harbour itself.
Toilets are available as well as a refreshment kiosk and two pay and display car parks. It’s a great place to enjoy some green space with stunning views.
Poole Harbour
Address: Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE
Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the World and is home to five islands. The harbour is a popular location for water based activities, and provides spectacular views. I recommend wandering down along the harbour on a nice day, perhaps stop for a coffee and enjoy the views.
Poole Quay
Address: Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ
Poole Quay is a lively place to be both during the day and night time. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes along the quayside, many of them also dog friendly.
If you’re looking to take a cruise along the harbour, this is a great place to buy your tickets for a City cruise along the Jurassic Coast, or perhaps buy your tickets to visit Brownsea Island. You can even take a gin cruise from the quayside at certain times of the year.
Poole Quay is home to great events through the year including food festivals and Summer fireworks.
A popular family activity is crabbing along the quay. There is plenty of space to find your perfect spot to catch those crabs.
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Sandbanks Beach
Address: Banks Road, BH13 7QQ
Sandbanks beach is one of the more popular sandy beaches in Dorset. Just 3 miles from Poole town centre, Sandbanks is also a blue flag beach for the past 31 years.
There is plenty to see and do at Sandbanks including a play area, barbecue area and a cafe.
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Compton Acres
Address: 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES
Compton Acres is an ornamental garden. Home to the Japanese garden, rock and water garden, the wooded valley, Italian garden, and amazing views. Also on site there is a plant centre, places to eat and drink and different events throughout the year.
The gardens are open all year round aside from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. This is also a dog friendly day out in Dorset.
City Cruises
Address: Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ
Days out in Poole in the Summer are made better with seeing the sights from the water. Poole is home to City Cruises as they operate from the Quay as mentioned above. There are options for afternoon tea cruises, sunset cruises, and so many different options.
It’s a great way to enjoy a boat trip and see Dorset from a different perspective. You’ll even be able to spot the famous Old Harry Rocks from the water.
Read a full review of the Poole Harbour & Islands Circular Cruise
Upton Country Park
Address: Poole Road, Upton, BH17 7BJ
Upton Country Park is home to a vast amount of space to explore from discovering the woodlands and the gardens, to enjoying some time on the green space enjoying games and picnics.
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Onsite there is a tea room and house tours are available if pre booked in advance. Upton Country Park is a dog friendly place to visit in Dorset, and a perfect chance to discover new walks.
Splashdown Water Park
Yarrow Road, Poole, BH12 4NY
There are 13 slides at Splashdown water park to enjoy, with varying levels of adventure and difficulty. There’s something for all the family whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or perhaps enjoy smaller slides.
The Under 5’s aren’t left out either with 3 splash zones just for them. For the less adventurous, try the Buccaneer Beach and Sun Terraces. They are the perfect place to relax in the sunshine before heading to Captain’s Cove to dip your toes in the water on the bubble bench and chill in the Jacuzzi.
Lemur Landings
Tower Retail Park, Tower Park Leisure Complex, Poole BH12 4NY
One of Dorset’s largest indoor soft play areas, this is one of the best things to do with kids in Poole. Lemur Landings soft play is open 7 days a week all year round except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Prices start from £3.50 for play sessions.
Across the multi level playframe, there are tunnels to crawl through, biff bags to negotiate, bridges to cross and plenty of slides.
For under 7’s there is Leweyville Farm, where you will find an interactive role play village and road. Lemur Landings is also a great place for hosting a children’s birthday party in Poole.
For kids that love climbing, Lemur Landings has the sky tykes low ropes course designed for children under 1.2 metres. There’s also the interactive Digiwall which is a cross between a climbing wall and a computer game.
Poole Museum
4 High Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1BW
Poole Museum is currently closed for refurbishment
Poole Museum is set in a Victorian quayside warehouse. Open daily between 10am-1pm and 2pm – 5pm, entry to the museum is free. Spanning across four different buildings, there is plenty to see, however tickets must be booked in advance via the website.
Learn about Poole’s maritime history and its harbour. You can explore the different buildings and walk through history.
If you’re visiting with kids, then you can expect to find a variety of free family activities during school holidays around varying different themes.
Other facilities at Poole Museum include a cafe and shop.
Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
The Quay, Poole, BH15 1HU
Poole Old Lifeboat Museum documents the history of the RNLI in Poole since 1865. The museum closes between Christmas and Easter, but when open is FREE to enter.
Hollywood Bowl
Tower Park Leisure Complex, Yarrow Rd, Poole BH12 4NY
In the main leisure complex in Poole, you’ll find one of the places to go bowling in Dorset. This is an ideal location for a day out with the family in Dorset, and a perfect rainy day activity.
There are 24 lanes and an American style diner. You’ll also find a designated VIP area which includes luxury seating, funky coloured pins and pool style bowling balls. Open 7 days a week until late, you’ll also find free parking outside the venue.
Paddle Boarding In Poole
If you’re looking for water activities in Poole then why not try paddle boarding or kayaking. Some of the best locations to try water activities in Poole include Bramble Bush Bay, Sandbanks and Poole Park.
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