beach
Bournemouth Beach
A seven-mile stretch of golden sand along the Dorset coast, one of England's most popular seaside destinations.
8 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Poole
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Poole
Poole works well as a base: 10 minutes from Canford Heath, 9km from Old Harry Rocks.
Poole is in England, United Kingdom, with about 150,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Canford Heath, about 4 km away.
Poole ( ) is a coastal town, seaport on the south coast of England and civil parish in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority area in Dorset, England. The town is 21 miles (34 km) east of Dorchester and adjoins Bournemouth to the east. The town had an estimated population of 143,418 in 2024, makingRead more
it the second-largest town in the ceremonial county of Dorset. Together with Bournemouth and Christchurch, the conurbation has a total population of 400,196 as of the 2021 census.
The settlement dates back to before the Iron Age. The earliest recorded use of the town's name was in the 12th century when the town began to emerge as an important port, prospering with the introduction of the wool trade. Later, the town had important trade links with North America and, at its peak during the 18th century, it was one of the busiest ports in Britain. In the Second World War, Poole was one of the main departing points for the Normandy landings.
Poole is a tourist resort, attracting visitors with its large natural harbour, history, the Lighthouse arts centre and Blue Flag beaches. The town has a commercial port with cross-Channel freight and passenger ferry services, which connect with the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, as well as the French port town of Saint-Malo, Brittany.
The headquarters of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is in Poole, and the Royal Marines have a base in the town's harbour. Despite their names, Poole is the home of Arts University Bournemouth, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and a significant part of Bournemouth University.
Where to Stay in Poole
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Poole?
Within an hour or so of Poole: Bournemouth Beach (8 km), Old Harry Rocks (9 km), Ballard Down (9 km), Corfe Castle (10 km).
Are there any good drives near Poole?
The nearest famous roads are Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, Military Road, Isle of Wight and Cheddar Gorge Road (B3135).
Where is Poole?
Poole is in England, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Canford Heath.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 151,500
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.7143, -1.9846
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Poole
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Old Harry Rocks
Iconic chalk sea stacks marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, standing as sentinels against the English Channel.
9 km · about 15 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Ballard Down
The chalk ridge above Swanage running out to Old Harry Rocks, with views over Poole Harbour and Studland Bay.
9 km · about 20 min drive
castle
Corfe Castle
Atmospheric ruins of a thousand-year-old royal castle perched on a hilltop, dramatically slighted during the English Civil War.
10 km · about 20 min drive
beach
Kimmeridge Bay
A dark shale bay with ledges exposed at low tide, a marine reserve and a working nodding-donkey oil well above.
16 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Lulworth Cove
Almost perfectly circular cove formed by the sea eroding through Portland limestone, creating one of the world's finest examples of coastal geology.
21 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Stair Hole
A small collapsing cove beside Lulworth, showing the tightly folded Lulworth Crumple in its cliff face.
22 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
A remarkable collection of rare and unique motorcycles in the New Forest assembled by legendary trials rider Sammy Miller.
23 km · about 25 min drive
Driving roads near Poole
- Right hereBallard DownThe chalk ridge above Swanage running out to Old Harry Rocks, with views over Poole Harbour and Studland Bay.
- 29 kmRhinefield Ornamental DriveA New Forest road lined with giant redwoods and Douglas firs planted in 1859, running between Brockenhurst and the A35.
- 40 kmPortland BillThe southern tip of the Isle of Portland, marked by a red-and-white lighthouse above a fierce tidal race.
- 42 kmMilitary Road, Isle of WightThrilling clifftop road along the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight with sweeping sea views and access to dramatic landslip scenery.
- 60 kmGolden CapThe highest point on England's south coast at 191 m, its sandstone summit glowing gold above Charmouth and Lyme Bay.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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