Poole Self Catering
Harbour Life, Beaches & One Of The UK’s Top Coastal Destinations!…
Just 6 miles west of Bournemouth, Poole is one of the south coast’s most popular destinations, known for its stunning natural harbour, sandy beaches and vibrant quayside. Easily reached by car, train, coach and local bus routes, it’s a well-connected coastal town that works perfectly for a self-catering holiday in Dorset.
Europe’s largest natural harbour & coastal setting
At the heart of Poole is its famous harbour – Europe’s largest natural harbours in Europe, with eight islands, watersports, boat trips and ever-changing views across the water.
From here, you can explore:
- Boat trips to Brownsea Island, Swanage and the Jurassic Coast
- Harbour cruises and watersports
- Scenic coastal walks and cycle routes
It’s a true gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, making Poole a brilliant base for exploring Dorset.
Beaches & Coastal Hotspots
Poole is home to some of the UK’s best beaches, including the world-famous Sandbanks Peninsula, known for its golden sands and Blue Flag status. You’ll also find miles of coastline stretching towards Bournemouth, with beach cafés, watersports and coastal paths all along the way.
Closer to the town, spots like Baiter Park and Hamworthy Beach offer quieter harbour-side alternatives with beautiful views.
Poole Quay, Old Town & dining
The historic heart of Poole is its quayside and Old Town, where cobbled streets meet the water and the town’s maritime history comes to life. Here you’ll find:
- Some of the area’s best restaurants and seafood spots
- Harbour-side cafés and bars
- Boat departures and a packed events calendar
It’s a lively, social area and one of the main draws for visitors.
Discover Poole Quay
Explore Poole Old Town
Shopping, entertainment & events
Poole offers a great mix of shopping and things to do, from high street brands and independent stores in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.
For entertainment, The Lighthouse – Poole’s Centre for the Arts hosts live music, theatre, cinema and year-round events:
Add in Poole Park, watersports, harbour walks and cycling routes, plus a busy calendar of quayside events, live music, markets and seasonal festivals, and there’s always something going on.
Well placed for exploring & staying in Poole
Poole is perfectly positioned for exploring, with Bournemouth just along the coast, the Jurassic Coast within easy reach, and the New Forest close by. With its mix of beaches, harbour life, attractions and excellent transport links, it’s an ideal base for a self-catering holiday on the Dorset coast.
View our Poole properties and book your stay.
From sandy beaches and boat trips to historic streets, shopping and entertainment, Poole brings everything together in one place – vibrant, varied and easy to enjoy at your own pace. A destination with everything!