Located on the beautiful Jurassic Coast, the historic town of Poole is rich in wildlife, heritage, sights and incredible experiences. You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking some of the pictures in this blog are of islands in Greece or beaches in Spain – but they really are from this stunning seaside town right on your doorstep.

The area enjoys around 300 more hours of sunshine than the rest of the UK on average, making it the perfect place to spend your next staycation without missing out on time spent playing on the beach or topping up your tan. 

Browse our range of beautiful self-catering holiday properties in Poole to start planning your holiday. If we haven’t already convinced you, keep reading to find out exactly why you should make Poole your next holiday destination!

Europe’s largest natural harbour

Formed at the end of the last Ice Age, Poole Harbour is a place which marries nature and conservation with activity and adventure. A huge range of watersports can be enjoyed with this jaw-dropping backdrop, from paddleboarding and wakeboarding to scuba diving and jet skiing. 

If you’re looking for something more leisurely, you can take in your surroundings from a kayak, or watch the sunset from a canoe. There are also regular boat trips which take you around the harbour, over to the National Trust Brownsea Island or across from Sandbanks to Studland. 

Poole Harbour is a conservation area, with many protected species calling it home. These wetlands are just one of the many wildlife-rich areas in the region, with RSPB Arne located just across the harbour. Over 300 species of bird, including Ospreys, Nightingales and Kingfishers, have been sighted in the area, as recorded by local charity Birds of Poole Harbour. 

Take a look at our Harbourside Park self-catering accommodation for beautiful cottages with views of Poole Harbour.

Famous sights

The Jurassic Coast is not short of stunning geological formations, with Old Harry Rocks and  Durdle Door just around the corner from Poole. Situated at the southern end of Studland Bay, Old Harry Rocks is visible from the stretch of golden sands running all the way from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head. 

Once upon a time, the ancient formation was part of a long, unbroken stretch of chalk which ran for twenty miles linking the Isle of Purbeck to the Isle of Wight. After a few thousand years of erosion from the sea, we’re left with Old Harry Rocks and the Needles, both of which are steeped in local legend. 

The iconic Durdle Door lies to the west of the Purbeck peninsula, stretching out into the sea with the Isle of Portland in the distance. This natural limestone arch is one of Dorset’s most photographed areas, and for good reason. The nearby Lulworth Cove is another unforgettable location, complete with the golden, sandy beaches typical of the region.

Our self-catering accommodation in Poole Quay offers the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding areas of Studland, Purbeck and Lulworth.

Brilliant beaches

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove aren’t the only beautiful beaches you can enjoy near Poole. The breathtaking stretches of soft sand running alongside sparkling seas are home to a multitude of family-friendly beaches, with twelve of them awarded Blue Flags for their commitment to water quality, environmental management and safety. 

Sandbanks Beach is considered one of the best in the country, having been awarded more Blue Flags than any other beach in the UK. There’s a designated year-round dog-friendly area, so your furry friends can enjoy the seaside with you. 

Shore Road Beach, Canford Cliffs and Branksome Chine are also highly-rated Blue Flag beaches, with smaller, more hidden coves and coasts ready to be explored all over the area. In Poole, you’re not far from the famous beaches of Bournemouth – if you’re feeling energetic, you can even walk along the sands and promenades from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head in just under three hours. 

Stick close to the beach this summer with glamorous self-catering accommodation in Sandbanks, Alum Chine, Westbourne and Bournemouth.

Tasty seafood

What’s a seaside town without seafood? In Poole, you’re spoilt for choice, with many seafood restaurants and local pubs coming with incredible views alongside the food. From top-quality fish and chips at Lakeside to oysters at the Guildhall Tavern, Poole is a seafood lover’s dream! 

For seafood in Sandbanks, look no further than Rick Stein. You’ll find another premium seafood restaurant, The Anchorage, in the area of Canford Cliffs. For a more casual dining experience, check out Rockfish on Poole Quay – the perfect place to fill you up after a long day exploring the sights. The nearby Poole Arms will also give you your seafood fix in the setting of a quaint quayside pub, whilst the beautiful St. Tropez Lounge offers an extensive (and delicious!) French seafood a-la-carte menu with views out onto the harbour.

Fascinating history

The history of Poole is long and rich, with evidence of settlements around Poole Harbour dating back thousands of years. Poole has been a hive of activity since the Iron Age, playing a part in the conquests of the Romans and, a millennium later, the Vikings. The port has been an important player in the country’s maritime game, from a key trading port in the medieval period to one of the launch points of Operation Overlord at the beginning of World War II.

Many of Poole’s Old Town buildings are remnants of the prosperous Georgian era, where the area benefited from its role in Newfoundland’s trade with mainland Europe. 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 where you can stay in one of our beautifully refurbished self-catering accommodations.

Check out our self-catering accommodation in Poole, right in the heart of Poole’s Georgian-era Old Town.

Family-friendly days out

If you want a day or two away from the beaches, Poole and the surrounding areas are inundated with things to keep you busy. The area is home to a plethora of family-friendly parks including Poole Park, Harbourside Park and Hamworthy Park, as well as the sprawling 160-acre grounds of the 19th century Upton House. Upton Country Park features woodland walks, a beautifully kept walled garden, an art gallery, a pottery painting studio and a dog-friendly cafe.

A few miles west of Poole you’ll find the award-winning Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park which features a massive amount of indoor and outdoor activities including pedal go-karts, deer feeding, bouncy castles, tractor-trailer rides and soft play areas.

Our self-catering accommodation in Hamworthy is just ten minutes’ walk from Poole Quay and situated near to the popular Hamworthy Park and Upton Country Park.

Visit Poole with Quay Holidays

Interested in visiting Poole on your next holiday? We know you’ll love it just as much as we do, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Our range of self-catering holiday properties in Poole and Bournemouth are each beautifully unique – whatever you’re looking for, we’re passionate about finding the perfect holiday property for you. From quaint cottages for two to spacious, modern five-bedroom houses, we’re proud to offer a true home-from-home experience on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast.

Based in Poole’s historic Old Town, we provide a comprehensive full-management service to ensure your holiday is as perfect as can be.

Whether you’re booking a last-minute weekend getaway or your next big family holiday, browse our range of self-catering properties or get in touch with us to get started.