In the second largest naturally-occurring harbours in the globe, Poole is an important port and spot with beaches, gardens that are cultured and plenty of inspiration for a day out.
In the 17th century, Poole is one of the busiest ports. It also was involved of the D-Day landings in 1944 . It also continues to operate a ferry terminal crossing the channel in the present.
Protected from the ocean, Poole Harbour is watersports heaven no matter if you’re harnessing the wind, paddling , or using motors.
The harbour is bordered by nature reserves that protect the sandy coastline and providing vital habitats for deer and birds.
It’s impossible to discuss about Poole without mentioning Sandbanks which is always on list of best beaches across the country , and also it is enriched by the most expensive house in England outside of London.
Let’s take a look at the best activities to enjoy here in Poole:
1. Poole Harbour
From the promenade at Poole Quay you’ll be treated to one of the best perspectives of Europe’s most expansive natural harbour.
You can see the huge size of the harbour, as well as the ships of cargo cruise boats pleasure craft, and ferry crossings that travel across the mouth each day. Harbour is actually a valley that has been drowned, formed at the close of the last glacial period and is an estuary of several rivers, all covered with islands.
In this article, we’ll speak about how you can get the most enjoyment from Poole Harbour, from ferry rides to water sports, nature walks and excursions for Corfe Castle in the Purbeck Hills to the south.
2. Sandbanks Beach
It’s not a single day without Sandbanks Beach earning a Blue Flag award.
The spit of sand in the northern part of the harbour is a warm stretch of golden sand that is flanked by one of the highest priced properties on the UK. The beach is shielded against the waves by a lengthy row of groynes that help keep waves from rising and keep it safe during clear daytime.
Sandbanks is certainly amongst Sandbanks, which is undoubtedly one of the best beaches of the nation and, among the mansions, luxurious restaurants, watersports centers and yacht dealerships there are children’s play areas as well as a raging golf course.
3. Corfe Castle
A day trip to The Hartland Moore National Nature Reserve the former fortress of the royal family. Corfe Castle is just over 10 miles away from the harbour, which is located from Poole.
The fortress was originally an edifice of wood motte and bailey castle, built in the Norman conquest . It also commanded a passageway within the Purbeck Hills, which run from Wareham in the west , to Swanage towards the East.
In the following 50 years Corfe Castle would be reinforced with stone. During the English Civil War the Royalist Mary Bankes defended the stronghold in three years of battle. The castle was demolished to stop the reuse of the castle as a castle, and a lot of the stone was used to build houses in the lovely village beneath.
A model village can be found as well as gardens to wander through, as well as an old steam train that runs through the hills of Purbeck to Swanage.
4. Compton Acresl
The margarine businessman Thomas William Simpson commissioned Compton Acres in 1920. until today, it’s still considered to be one of England’s most beautiful private gardens.
A circular path that covers the ten acres five themed gardens including a heather garden an Japanese garden and a water and rock garden as well as an Italian garden, and an old wooded valley.
It is the Italian Garden can be described as a sophisticated formal garden with statues and fountains of Bacchus (within the shrine) as well as “Wrestlers of Herculaneum”, The rock garden is one of the largest privately owned gardens in England and has over 300 different plants.
The Japanese Garden features bronze and stone sculptures that were brought to the United States in Japan around 1920 as well as a genuine tea house, decorated with Japanese Wisteria.
5. Boat Trip
In the summer, if you are in Poole it’s hard to resist the urge to take a boat to explore further of Poole, the second biggest natural harbour.
Poole Quay is the main starting point for the hour-long cruises around the harbour. You can take in the views of all five islands, in addition to The Purbeck Hills. It is possible to also get a ferry trip to the largestisland, Brownsea Island, which is part of the National Trust, coated with heather and woodland, and one of the few places in England that the native red squirrel is still alive.
If you want to go on a different trip, go on a cruise to the luxurious resort of Swanage as you pass the breathtaking chalk stacks and Old Harry Rocks as you go.
6. Poole Park
The town’s integral part from it was established in Victorian time period. The classy Poole Park has lawns, mature trees as well as a cafe and recreational facilities surrounding a vast lake for boating.
Restored by the sea during spring tides. That body of water extends to larger than 20 ha and is large enough to allow for sports like windsurfing and kayaking. rowing and kayaking.
On the ground, there is a chance to play a round of miniature golf. Kids can take a ride on the miniature train. There can be also tennis courts as well as cricket pitches in which you can be able to see Poole Town Cricket Club playing games in the summer.
If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a parkrun on Saturday morning. It attracts hundreds of runners each week.
7. Poole Museum
One of the Southwest’s most visited tourist destinations, Poole Museum is in an old warehouse in the Victorian quayside, featuring a glass atrium built in 2007. On four floors, the galleries are arranged in a chronological order of Poole from prehistory until the 21st century.
On the first floor, the star attraction will be the Poole Logboat which is a well-preserved Iron Age vessel carved from an oak tree that is that dates back to 2200 years.
In addition, there are many fascinating maritime artefacts pottery produced in Poole and elsewhere, and glimpses of the community such as a dentist’s chair an old fire engine, a historic one and an old-fashioned pharmacy cabinet. Two rooms are available for temporary exhibitions. Also, in the summer of 2018 there was a show devoted to the Port-Impressionist Augustus John.
8. Scaplen’s Court Museum
In Sarum Street in Poole’s Old Town there’s a former hotel that dates from the early 1300s.
It is run by the close Poole Museum, Scaplen’s Court is Grade I listed, and includes museum exhibits that document the history of Poole in the period from the 1400s until the end of the 1800s.
One of the fireplaces made of stone is covered with graffiti written from Parliamentarian soldiers who were residing here in 1640s during the English Civil War. There’s the Victorian schoolroom, an old kitchen and a walled garden that was designed by the well-known landscape designer George Dillistone in the 1930s.
9. Upton Country Park
In Holes Bay at the very north of Poole Harbour is a country park of 130 acres featuring the Grade I listed manor home and formal gardens, as well as an area of shoreline, and parkland.
A few guided tours of the house built in the Regency era are provided to the public. However, it is most notable for the garden walled in which is neatly maintained borders and flower beds and is bordered by a terrace that houses the tearooms of the park, which are accessible seven days a week. There’s a water fountain that is splashing during summer along with cycling and walking trails for exploring, as well as a play area within The Courtyard Barn and a plant center, and segway tours around the estate are also available in the summer.
Every Saturday at 9:00 am, there’s a no-cost, timed 5k run through the park at Upton.
10. Hamworthy Park
The park features a narrow beach and a little promenade that is surrounded by beach benches and huts.
The gentle waters of the harbour are perfect for families with children of a smaller age The area is also frequented by windsurfers and kitesurfers who want to start their adventure.
It is blessed with stunning views of and over the Arne peninsula, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills that lie to the south.
There are also vast grassy areas within the park, and there is the cafe, playground, and paddling pools.
