South West - Dorset

For groups visiting this diverse destination, quayside coach drop off points deliver you to the heart of the action on Poole Quay, overlooking Poole’s stunning natural harbour complete with eight unique islands. Poole Tourist Information Centre and its dedicated team of staff are based at Poole Museum to help you make the most of your visit. Whether its glorious gardens, fabulous beaches, rich history, secret island hideaways or just relaxing on the quayside soaking up the atmosphere, Poole has it all.

And with one of the longest coast lines thanks to the 110 miles of inland harbour and fabulous beaches, you are spoilt for choice with superb al fresco dining options, vibrant bars and restaurants and fabulous fresh seafood overlooking fantastic waterside views to suit every budget and taste, visit: www.eatoutpoole.com for the complete restaurant listing.

The Quay to a great day out
Poole’s traditional working Quay is the gateway to its stunning harbour and islands. Hop on a boat from Poole Quay and enjoy a spectacular harbour cruise or stop off to explore the National Trust’s Brownsea Island, voted the UK’s top nature resort by readers of BBC Countryfile magazine. A great half or full day out, it’s one of the best locations in the UK for birdwatching, you can also spot the famous red squirrels. Brownsea Island is the home of the scouting movement and the site of the first scout camp held by Lord Baden Powell in 1907. Boat trips to the island run from 19 March – 30 October 2016. Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island

On Poole Quay you will find Titan Leathercraft Studio and Shop with free public viewing area where visitors can come and watch our team of skilled craftspeople create unique leather goods. Visit www.titanleathercraft.com

Browse around Poole Quay’s newest shopping experience, Quayside Emporium & Coffee Shop, selling a fantastic selection of local gifts, clothing and arts & crafts over two floors. Visit: www.quayside-emporium.com

Quayside retail and leisure is a great place to relax and watch the world go by. With shopping and dining overlooking the harbour, find a bargain in Pavers shoes, be pampered at Robin James lifestyle salon and spa or enjoy a meal at Banana Wharf, Deli on the Quay or Quay Cafe.

Delve into the town’s rich pirate history at Poole Museum and medieval Scaplen’s Court with tactile trails, arts, crafts and hands on activities. Entry is free. Visit: www.poolemuseum.co.uk

Explore the Old Town with the self guided Cockle Trail or Treasure Hunt available from the Tourist Information Centre or use your mobile to follow the interactive Poole Trail which features film and photos of the town’s past (www.pooletrail.com). Guided walks and ghost walks revealing more of Poole’s past are also available. For younger adventurers, Poole Quay is ideal for a quayside quest. A popular pastime, catch the relatives of Jurassic predators with a traditional crabbing net or families can keep the kids entertained with the Treasure Hunt and Family Fun leaflet available from the Tourist Information Centre in Poole Museum.

From the coach drop off on the Quay, a short walk down the High Street takes you to the main shopping area or hop on the ‘Route One’ Bus Service. Leaving every 15 minutes, jump on and off the circular shopping route stopping at Dorset's largest covered shopping centre Dolphin Shopping Centre. Shops range from top high street favourites M&S, Primark and Next to bespoke stores such as Beales and Animal. More shopping is available on Poole High Street, which winds its way down back to the bustling quayside. Weekly markets take place every Thursday and Saturday on Poole High Street.

Home to the RNLI’s Headquarters and Training College, groups can find out more about the work of this essential charity which opens its doors for daily 90 minute behind the scenes tours showing how the volunteer crews and lifeguards are trained (excluding Sunday’s) and includes the chance to captain your own lifeboat in the state of the art simulator. Visit: www.rnli.org/college for more information.

During your visit, expand your horizons with a trip to the Channel Islands aboard Condor Ferries state of the art Liberation, which offers year round sailings to Jersey and Guernsey plus day trips from Poole. Visit: www.condorferries.com

Poole’s parks offer a picnic paradise for every day of the summer holiday. Poole Park has something for everyone, with play areas and cricket pitch, tennis courts, tree climbing, crazy golf, go-karts, watersports taster sessions with Rockley Watersports or the famous Poole Park Railway with its half mile trip around the wildfowl lake. For the perfect family pit stop visit The Ark in Poole Park for fantastic soft play, ice rink, café and ice cream parlour. Visit: www.thearkpoolepark.co.uk

Sail around Poole Park’s 55 acre lake where Poole Harbour’s famous islands are recreated in miniature. Rockley Watersports’ purpose built centre in the park offers sailing, windsurfing, kayaks, pedalos and rowing boats including taster sessions.
Visit: www.poolepark.com

Relax with great views over Poole Park Lake at The Kitchen, which serves British classics and comfort food. Treat the kids to a mouth-watering selection of ice cream and sweet treats from Scoops Ice Cream Parlour or have a coffee whilst the children enjoy one of the park’s play areas. Visit: www.thekitchenpoolepark.co.uk

Just outside the town centre, Tower Park, the south coast’s biggest leisure complex, offers year round activities. The modern plaza of restaurants is the perfect place for a meal before checking out the latest films at Cineworld, Poole’s 16 screen multiplex or scoring a strike with ten-pin bowling. Try your luck at Gala Bingo or check out the latest video games at Reel Time gaming and amusement centre. For the latest wet and wild experience, Splashdown’s 12 awesome water slides will thrill come rain or shine. Children will have hours of fun at the multi level soft play, Lemur Landings. The complex also offers the bonus of free parking. Visit: www.towerparkentertainment.co.uk

For a spot of tranquillity, transport yourself to ten acres of the South’s finest and most beautiful privately owned gardens, from the formal Italian to exotic Japanese at Compton Acres. Relax in the restaurant or pick up treats and gifts in the deli and shop. Visit: www.comptonacres.co.uk for more information

Upton Country Park is an early 19th-century residence built for a wealthy merchant. Set in beautiful grounds, the formal garden, woodland and parkland includes a rustic play trail with plenty of opportunities to see rare bird species on the SSSI protected wetland habitat. After all the climbing, enjoy a treat at the tea rooms and art gallery looking out over the walled garden or play in the water feature May-September. Visit: www.uptoncountrypark.com

Poole is one of the best places in the UK to spot birds and the perfect location to explore nature. On and off the water, groups can arrange bespoke tours or take one of the many RSPB guided trips and walks designed for novices and experts and learn more about this world class habitat. For more information visit www.pooletourism.com/wings.

Why not finish the day with some of the hottest theatre, music, film and dance at the largest arts centre outside London. Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts has the latest in concert halls, studio and performance spaces, café and bars. For the latest details of what’s on visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Alternatively enjoy a night at the dogs. Poole Greyhound Stadium offers all inclusive packages of food, racing and entertainment. Visit: www.poolegreyhounds.com for more information.

Poole’s superb environment is rivalled only by the packed summer events programme Summertime in the South sponsored by Wave 105. Enjoy the lively continental atmosphere, dine alfresco and take your pick of events against the backdrop of fabulous harbour views. Visit: www.pooletourism.com/events for a full listing.

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