Parking in Poole

• Shore Road Car Park (BH13 7PN) operates 24/7 and has more than 60 spaces, located close to Sandbanks Beach, Canford Cliffs Beach and Luscombe Valley Nature Reserve.
• Quay Visitors Car Park (BH15 1SB) has over 500 parking spaces that are open 24/7, near Poole Harbour, Poole Museum and the RNLI Poole Lifeboat Museum.
• Dolphin Multi Storey Car Park (BH15 1SN) serves the Dolphin Shopping Centre and is open all day, containing more than 1,100 parking spaces. It’s also close to Poole Park, Harbourside Park and the Boating Lake.

Key roads in Poole

• The A350 passes through the centre of Poole, alongside Upton Lake, and continues north towards Chippenham.
• The A35 runs north and north-east of the city, heading east to Bournemouth and west towards Devon.
• The A3049 meets the A35 and A350 in the north of the town, before continuing north towards Splashdown Waterpark.

How to get from Poole to Bournemouth

It takes around 20 minutes to drive the six miles from Poole to the coastal resort town of Bournemouth.

1. Leave Pool centre via Newfoundland Drive.
2. Take the 1^st exit onto Seldown Bridge.
3. At the roundabout, take the 2^nd exit onto Mount Pleasant Road.
4. Use the 2^nd exit onto Parkstone Road at the next roundabout.
5. Take the right two lanes onto Commercial Road/A35.
6. At Pottery Junction, use the 3^rd exit to take Poole Road/A35.
7. When you reach County Gates Gyratory, follow A338.
8. At Bournemouth West Roundabout, take the 2^nd exit onto B3066.
9. Take the 1^st exit onto Poole Road and continue towards Bournemouth.

How to get from Poole to New Forest National Park

The New Forest National Park is a 30-minute drive from Poole. Drive along the A31 and this will take you all the way to the home of New Forest ponies.

Best places to stay in Poole

Haven Hotel

161 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QL

Sitting on the tip of Sandbanks, this elegant four-star seafront hotel enjoys direct access to seven miles of sandy beach and features incredible views across the water. Relax in the outdoor pool, with its enviable ocean panorama, or head inside to the hydrotherapy pool.

The Houseboat

77 Lake Drive, Hamworthy, Poole, BH15 4LR
This truly unique accommodation, overlooking Poole Harbour, is designed to look like the hull of two boats. Its open-plan layout has won awards for its design, including the Stephen Lawrence Prize for architecture, and sleeps 10 – perfect for an unforgettable family holiday.

Longthorns Farm

Longthorns, Wareham, BH20 6HH

Glamping in Dorset has never been easier at Longthorns Farm, with tipis, shepherd’s huts and eco-pods all available to book. You’re just 20 minutes from the centre of Poole and close to the Jurassic Coast. Monkey World is also next door and there are alpacas living on the land.

Best places to eat in Poole

Rick Stein, Sandbanks

10-14 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QB

Sample the finest seafood dishes at Rick Stein, Sandbanks, as you take in the panoramic views of Poole Harbour. Choose from starters such as crab, mussels and oysters. Then, for the main course, savour Indonesian seafood curry or their famous lobster thermidor.

Rockfish Seafood Restaurant

9 The Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ

Fresh seafood is on the menu at this spacious, atmospheric restaurant, situated in an old pottery building in Pool Quay. The locally sourced fish, some of which has been caught that day on Rockfish’s own boat, can be cooked to order and served with sides, including curried mushy peas.  

Branksome Beach Restaurant

Pinecliff Road, Branksome Chine, Poole, BH13 6LP

The sea provides the exquisite backdrop to this beachfront restaurant and terrace. Tuck into fresh seafood and seasonal specials, all of which is sourced locally. Salmon, sea bass and haddock are all on the menu, alongside delectable burgers and chicken dishes.

Best things to do in and around Poole

Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island Ferries kiosk, Poole Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ

This unspoilt, National Trust-owned island is known as the birthplace of scouting – and it’s situated in the heart of Poole Harbour. Park your hire car and take the ferry from Poole Quay to see if you can spot the rare red squirrels that call this island wildlife sanctuary home.

Sandbanks Beach

Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QF

Sandbanks is home to one of the UK’s best beaches and has been awarded the iconic Blue Flag award for over 30 consecutive years. Soak up the sun while strolling along the golden sands or experience the thrill of the water sports, such as paddle boarding and windsurfing.

Jurassic Coast

Old Harry Rocks, Swanage, BH19 3AU

Old Harry’s Rock, which can be found just the other side of Poole Harbour, marks the start of the Jurassic Coast. From here, the World Heritage Site continues for 95 miles to Exmouth in Devon. Park your hire car and experience breathtaking views as you wander along the coastal path.