Poole Quay is an exciting, ever-changing destination ...

Poole Quay is an exciting, ever-changing blend of maritime activity and a focal point for a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities. Pleasure craft offer trips direct from the Quay to Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and beyond, whilst anglers can book fishing trips at the Fisherman's Quay. If you simply want to promenade along the waterfront, past the visitors marina, have a meal and a drink then the Quayside and Old Town areas are packed with restaurants, pubs and winebars offering huge variety and choice.

From the Quay, shoppers can stroll up the pedestrianized High Street, which offers a wide range of retail outlets and facilities. Safe Blue Flag sandy beaches at Sandbanks and Branksome Chine are just 15 minutes away by car and the natural beauty of The New Forest is approximately 30 minutes distance away. A short trip on the Sandbanks chain ferry offers the option of even more beautiful beaches skirted by sand dunes and walks in the historic Purbeck Hills.

Sandbanks ...

Internationally recognised as Britain's playground for the rich and glamorous, Sandbanks offers fabulous beaches and stunning views across Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island with regular ferry services to the National Trust haven.  The famous chain ferry across the mouth of Poole Harbour links Sandbanks to the beautiful Purbecks with dune-backed beaches, and huge areas of National Trust owned countryside.  The delights of Swanage and its restored steam railway are a short distance beyond, as are the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.

Restaurants in both Sandbanks and Canford Cliffs offer top-class cuisine, and for more frenetic nightlife, Bournemouth and Poole town centres are both a short drive away.

Corfe Mullen ...

THE village of Corfe Mullen lies just 6 miles to the North of Poole with its golden beaches, and 3 miles from Wimborne Minster, a venerable town surrounding its fine Norman minster and market square. Nearby, Kingston Lacey offers visitors the chance to explore its wonderful 17th Century house, substantially re-modelled by the same architect responsible for the Houses of Parliament, and 250 acres of grounds. Badbury Rings, an anglo-saxon hill fort within the Kingston Lacey Estate offers a great opportunity for a bracing stroll, with fantastic long-range views from the top of this once-fortified settlement.

Corfe Mullen derives its name from the Old English “corf” or cutting and the Old French word Molin, meaning Mill. Many centuries later, the Old Mill  still straddles the River Stour and has now been lovingly restored to provide wonderful self-catering accommodation. The Mill is available through Quay Holidays.

After a long day exploring you may prefer to eat out and there are many excellent establishments within close proximity, including the Coventry Arms (01258) 857284, just moments East of The Old Mill, and The Anchor at Shapwick (01258) 857269, a five minute drive away to the north-west. Both are highly recommended.

Wareham -once an important medieval port ...

Once an important medieval port, the pretty market town of Wareham lies on the banks of the river Frome and is a popular base for tourists being the gateway to the stunning scenery and walking opportunities of the Isle of Purbeck and its Jurassic Coast beyond. The spectacular ruins of Corfe Castle are close by and you can enjoy a wonderful trip on the Swanage steam railway! The town of Wareham offers a great range of eating and drinking possibilities.