Poole is a wonderful place to visit for a plethora of reasons, whether you’re one for wintry coastal walks along the Jurassic Coast, searching for family-friendly activities, or simply looking for a gorgeous beach to settle down with a good book.
But because Poole has so much to offer, it can be hard to decide which areas you should include in your holiday’s itinerary, and even more difficult to figure out where you should stay. The good news is that wherever you end up in Poole, you won’t be disappointed. The even better news is that we’ve put together this little guide to help you plan your next Dorset holiday!
Poole Quay
Poole Quay is an exciting, ever-changing blend of maritime activity and a focal point for a wide range of entertainment and leisure pursuits. It’s home to some of Poole’s best seafood restaurants where you can refuel after a trip around the harbour or along the Jurassic Coast on one of the many cruises which leave from the quay each day.
Where To Stay in Poole Quay: Lobster Cottage – Sleeps 6
This stylish, three-bedroom accommodation in Poole has gorgeous harbour views and is just a short stroll from Poole Quay. The private courtyard garden is beautifully finished with a table and chairs, perfect for al-fresco dining, and the cosy interior offers a wonderful place to recuperate after a day exploring the surroundings.
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Sandbanks
The affluent area of Sandbanks offers crystal clear waters, golden sands and incredible views out to Poole Harbour to the northwest and to the English Channel to the southeast. Look across the water to Old Harry’s Rocks and The Needles as you lounge on the beach or get your adrenaline pumping with some of the many watersports on offer in the area. Whatever you choose after a day in Sandbanks, end it with a delicious meal!
Where To Stay in Sandbanks: Windward – Sleeps 8
Windward is a four-bedroom, four-bathroom modern house located on the Sandbanks peninsular just a short stroll to beautiful blue flag sandy beaches and the Sandbanks Chain Ferry which takes you across to Studland Beach in just a few minutes. The house benefits from a large garden and plenty of parking on the driveway.
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Hamworthy
Connected by bridge to Poole itself, Hamworthy is just 10 minutes’ walk from the hustle and bustle of the quay. This residential area benefits from incredible views of Poole Harbour, RSPB Arne and Brownsea Island to the south and Upton Lake and Holes Bay to the northeast. The secluded beach at Lake Pier is a fantastic place to walk your dog, go for a swim or even to kayak from at some times of the year. Hamworthy Beach and Park is a family-friendly area where you can wear out the kids (or yourself) before heading home.
Where To Stay in Hamworthy: Beach Point – Sleeps 4
This two-bedroom apartment is located just south of the Poole lifting bridge, and boasts a balcony with views of the harbour and, further in the distance, the Purbecks. This Poole accommodation has all the mod-cons you could need and is just a few minutes’ walk from Hamworthy Park and Poole Quay.
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Poole Old Town
The history of Poole is long and rich, with evidence of settlements around Poole Harbour dating back thousands of years. Many of the town’s existing medieval stone buildings were replaced with lavish Georgian mansions which are still standing today, including the Grade II listed Custom House. The area is full of old pubs and restaurants, and is just around the corner from Poole Quay and the main Poole town centre.
Where To Stay in Poole Old Town: Edward Cottage – Sleeps 4
This cosy, dog-friendly accommodation in Poole is beautifully furnished and complete with a feature fireplace in the living room. However, the best thing about this cottage is its private courtyard garden which catches the sun and is child-friendly – and features an outdoor heated jungle shower, perfect for rinsing off after a walk on the beach with kids and dogs alike.
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Harbourside Park
Harbourside Park, despite being a few minutes’ walk from Poole Quay and the main Poole town centre, is surrounded by gorgeous local parks which have been carefully developed to offer a fantastic experience for all visitors. Cafes, playgrounds, watersports areas, a skatepark and plenty of places for dogs to stretch their legs make this a wonderful place to experience Poole.
Where To Stay in Harbourside Park: Fantasea – Sleeps 3
Fantasea is a charming two-bedroom house with harbour views across to Brownsea Island and Sandbanks. It’s part of the popular Harbourside Park development with french doors leading out to a courtyard patio and is beautifully furnished throughout.
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Canford Heath
As Dorset’s largest area of heathland, it’s no wonder Canford Heath is such a fantastic place to visit for nature lovers, walkers, and cyclists alike. Located slightly north of Poole, the area has easy access to the market town of Wimborne, and is still only a short car ride from the local beaches to the south. Home to Dartford Warblers, nightjays and a range of native reptiles, this is a true haven for anyone who loves wildlife!
Where To Stay in Canford Heath: Heath Reach – Sleeps 6
Just a 5 minute walk from Canford Heath Nature Reserve itself, Heath Reach is ideally situated for you to enjoy the miles of fantastic walking trails in the area. It is also perfect for families, with both a main living room and a second snug/playroom on the ground floor, as well as a garden and two parking spaces.
Rockley Park
Rockley Park holiday centre is located on the heathlands of Ham Common Nature Reserve on the edge of Poole Harbour. The park is a few minutes’ walk from Rockley Beach where you can access an array of watersports activities, and the park itself provides a range of entertainment facilities including swimming pools, restaurants and an arcade.
Where To Stay in Rockley Park: Licence To Chill – Sleeps 6
Licence To Chill is a three-bedroom park home with an open plan living and dining area. It is fitted with all the modern amenities including two TVs and fitted kitchen appliances. Outside, a decking area and two parking spaces make this the perfect place for a family holiday. Passes for the holiday park’s full facilities including the swimming pools and restaurants are available for an extra cost.
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Lower Parkstone
Lower Parkstone is a popular residential suburb situated on the slopes above Poole, not far from Poole Park which is perfect for walking dogs. From Constitution Hill, visitors can enjoy a wonderful panorama that stretches from Old Harry Rocks, across Poole Harbour, and around to the Purbeck Hills, with Poole Town nestling in the foreground. Ashley Cross is the cultural heart of the area, with excellent restaurants, award-winning gastro pubs and an assortment of lively bars and bistros.
Where To Stay in Lower Parkstone: Belle Vita – Sleeps 7
Belle Vita is a spacious four-bedroom townhouse with an open plan living and dining area adjoined to the private garden through spectacular sliding doors. The terraced outside space has incredible harbour views and is south-facing – so you’ll get the best of both the sunrise and sunset!
Westbourne
As you may have guessed from the name, Westbourne sits a few miles west of Bournemouth and is a real hub of independent boutiques, bistros and bars. The thriving shopping district gives way to quiet woodland strolls as you head closer to the beaches at Alum Chine and Branksome Chine. These are two of Bournemouth’s revered blue-flag beaches, loved for their white-gold sands and proximity to restaurants.
Where To Stay in Westbourne: Knotter Cottage – Sleeps 7
This spacious holiday accommodation in Westbourne is beautifully and thoughtfully furnished with a large, stylish living room, conservatory dining room, and even a study. The kitchen is complete with a central island and breakfast bar with large doors leading to a private garden.
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Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a vibrant town with a vast variety of shops, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. The breathtaking golden sands stretch for seven miles, and are framed by both the sparkling blue sea and the award-winning Bournemouth Gardens. You’ll never be short of things to do from zip-lining and surfing to sunbathing and dining in the many restaurants dotted around the area.
Where To Stay in Bournemouth: Sea Breeze – Sleeps 4
Sea Breeze is a two bedroom property not far from the seafront and with gorgeous sea views. Beautifully furnished both inside and out, this contemporary ground-floor accommodation in Bournemouth benefits from a sunny terrace beyond the patio doors in the living area where you can enjoy outdoor dining whilst you look out to sea.
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Southbourne
Southbourne is a popular, family-friendly suburb east of Bournemouth which benefits from a safe blue-flag beach not far from local cafes and pubs alike. Southbourne is full of independent, artisanal eateries and shops to explore, many of which take inspiration from the sand and surf. Slightly further away from the main Bournemouth beaches around the Piers, Southbourne tends to be quieter, though still very popular in the summer months. Bournemouth itself is just a short drive away for even more entertainment options.
Where To Stay in Southbourne: Beachcliff – Sleeps 6
Settle in and gaze out to sea in this gorgeous three bedroom apartment in Southbourne, with panoramic views over the English channel and two balconies from which to enjoy them. Beachcliff is just a few minutes’ walk down the Zig Zag to the gorgeous golden sands of Southbourne beach.
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Christchurch
Christchurch is a charming destination with golden beaches, the historic Priory, and Highcliffe Castle, serving as a gateway to the New Forest National Park. Whether you’re strolling along the Coastal Path, dining at the annual Food and Wine Festival, or exploring the town centre’s shops and pubs, there’s something for everyone. Christchurch’s proximity to both Bournemouth and the New Forest makes it an ideal base for exploration – we highly recommend venturing down to Hengistbury Head to take in the unspoilt view across to the Isle of Wight and the diverse wildlife that calls it home.
Where To Stay in Christchurch: The Willows – Sleeps 6
This dog-friendly accommodation in Christchurch comes in the form of a charming old railway cottage set against secluded woodland. Dating back to 1925, this cottage is full of character with a beautiful log burner and three cosy bedrooms, all with stunning views across the nearby fields.
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Looking for Poole accommodation for your next family holiday? We hope you’ll love these holiday cottages in Poole just as much as we do, and we’re here to help you with your holiday every step of the way.
Our range of self-catering holiday accommodation in Poole and Bournemouth and Christchurch are each beautifully unique – whatever you’re looking for, we’re passionate about finding the perfect holiday property for you. From quaint cottages for small families to spacious, modern five-bedroom houses, we’re proud to offer a true home-from-home experience on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast.
Browse our range of self-catering properties or get in touch with us to get started.