Bonnie's Guidebook
Neighbourhood
Explore the treasures of Poole's historic quayside, delve deep into the heart of the Old Town where sea captains and pirates once stood and immerse yourself in Poole's fascinating history.
Poole Museum (free entry), the Cockle Trail self guided walk and Poole Trail interpretation panels will help unravel Poole's past for explorers young and old!
Scroll down the page to see details on all the attractions and activities on, or very close to Poole Quay.
You will find Beryl Bike bays located on the Quay. A handy stop for the City Sightseeing Bournemouth Service, and local operator morebus also run their Route One town centre circular route with a Poole Quay stop.
Along the quayside look out for tall ships, fishing vessels and luxury Sunseeker powerboats, manufactured just across the water. Set sail on a harbour cruise or take a boat trip further afield to Swanage or Old Harry. You can sit with the life-sized sculpture of Lord Baden-Powell, which honours Poole's scouting connections.
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Poole Quay
The QuayExplore the treasures of Poole's historic quayside, delve deep into the heart of the Old Town where sea captains and pirates once stood and immerse yourself in Poole's fascinating history.
Poole Museum (free entry), the Cockle Trail self guided walk and Poole Trail interpretation panels will help unravel Poole's past for explorers young and old!
Scroll down the page to see details on all the attractions and activities on, or very close to Poole Quay.
You will find Beryl Bike bays located on the Quay. A handy stop for the City Sightseeing Bournemouth Service, and local operator morebus also run their Route One town centre circular route with a Poole Quay stop.
Along the quayside look out for tall ships, fishing vessels and luxury Sunseeker powerboats, manufactured just across the water. Set sail on a harbour cruise or take a boat trip further afield to Swanage or Old Harry. You can sit with the life-sized sculpture of Lord Baden-Powell, which honours Poole's scouting connections.
Recognised as one of the most exclusive areas anywhere in the world, the iconic Sandbanks and its gorgeous beach is the ideal location for a seaside break at any time of the year.
Sandbanks Beach is recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s best and has the accolade of the Blue Flag award which it has maintained for over 30 years – more than any other beach in the country. Specially designed areas on the Western section of the beach mean the peninsula can be enjoyed for a variety of watersport activities.
You can get great inspiration on all the best Sandbanks has to offer from our 24-Hours in Sandbanks Itinerary. Read our blog on the 2020 Harry Redknapp's Sandbanks Summer ITV series.
From barbeques to swimming, Sandbanks is the ideal place to get your dose of summer sunshine, and even during the chillier autumn and spring months the beach makes the perfect backdrop for a sea-side stroll, whilst a designated section allows dogs to make the most of the lush golden sand as well.
Parasols, deck chairs and sports equipment such as volleyball nets are available from the beach front office to allow you to make the most of your time on the beach and stay protected during the simmering summer months. For more information, visit the BCP Council Sandbanks Beach page.
Furthermore, a well-located car park next to the beach combined with a frequent bus link- morebus between Bournemouth and the nearby town of Swanage ensure you have both convenient and sustainable transport options to reach this gorgeous area.
Scroll down to view a list of activities to enjoy, along with places to stay and eat whilst you visit Sandbanks. Why not hop on yellow boat to visit the beautiful Brownsea Island. Operating daily, every 30 minutes in season from the kisok next to the chain ferry over to Studland.
However, the beach is only the cherry on top of this glorious peninsula. There are some world-class restaurant and pub-dining facilities in the vicinity allowing you to indulge yourself whatever your foodie preference, meaning you can leave bulky picnic bags and sandy sandwiches as a distant memory!
Hightlights include Rick Stein with its spectacular array of delicious dishes and the FJB Hotel chain, offering three hotels in Sandbanks providing high quality restaurants and luxurious accommodation if you wish to extend your stay in this beautiful part of the world.
Sandbanks Beach Cafe is a bright modern café with an outdoor terrace serving delicious homemade food situated on the award-winning Sandbanks beach, that has stunning views of the bay. Branksome Beach Restaurant and Terrace Bar, further along the beach is also worth a visit.
Closer to Poole town centre and the delightful Poole Quay there is sure to be something to please your palette and enable you to tackle the rest of your visit refreshed and satisfied.
Why not extend your stay a little longer to make the most out of the surrounding area? A full range of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation exists in the locality, so there is certain to be something that will match your budget and taste. From the Harbour Heights Hotel, to Sandbanks Hotel and the Haven Hotel there is a plethora of high end accommodation at reasonable prices to make your stay feel as special and unique as possible.
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Sandbanks
Recognised as one of the most exclusive areas anywhere in the world, the iconic Sandbanks and its gorgeous beach is the ideal location for a seaside break at any time of the year.
Sandbanks Beach is recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s best and has the accolade of the Blue Flag award which it has maintained for over 30 years – more than any other beach in the country. Specially designed areas on the Western section of the beach mean the peninsula can be enjoyed for a variety of watersport activities.
You can get great inspiration on all the best Sandbanks has to offer from our 24-Hours in Sandbanks Itinerary. Read our blog on the 2020 Harry Redknapp's Sandbanks Summer ITV series.
From barbeques to swimming, Sandbanks is the ideal place to get your dose of summer sunshine, and even during the chillier autumn and spring months the beach makes the perfect backdrop for a sea-side stroll, whilst a designated section allows dogs to make the most of the lush golden sand as well.
Parasols, deck chairs and sports equipment such as volleyball nets are available from the beach front office to allow you to make the most of your time on the beach and stay protected during the simmering summer months. For more information, visit the BCP Council Sandbanks Beach page.
Furthermore, a well-located car park next to the beach combined with a frequent bus link- morebus between Bournemouth and the nearby town of Swanage ensure you have both convenient and sustainable transport options to reach this gorgeous area.
Scroll down to view a list of activities to enjoy, along with places to stay and eat whilst you visit Sandbanks. Why not hop on yellow boat to visit the beautiful Brownsea Island. Operating daily, every 30 minutes in season from the kisok next to the chain ferry over to Studland.
However, the beach is only the cherry on top of this glorious peninsula. There are some world-class restaurant and pub-dining facilities in the vicinity allowing you to indulge yourself whatever your foodie preference, meaning you can leave bulky picnic bags and sandy sandwiches as a distant memory!
Hightlights include Rick Stein with its spectacular array of delicious dishes and the FJB Hotel chain, offering three hotels in Sandbanks providing high quality restaurants and luxurious accommodation if you wish to extend your stay in this beautiful part of the world.
Sandbanks Beach Cafe is a bright modern café with an outdoor terrace serving delicious homemade food situated on the award-winning Sandbanks beach, that has stunning views of the bay. Branksome Beach Restaurant and Terrace Bar, further along the beach is also worth a visit.
Closer to Poole town centre and the delightful Poole Quay there is sure to be something to please your palette and enable you to tackle the rest of your visit refreshed and satisfied.
Why not extend your stay a little longer to make the most out of the surrounding area? A full range of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation exists in the locality, so there is certain to be something that will match your budget and taste. From the Harbour Heights Hotel, to Sandbanks Hotel and the Haven Hotel there is a plethora of high end accommodation at reasonable prices to make your stay feel as special and unique as possible.
Bars
The King Charles Inn is one one the oldest pubs in Poole, Just off Poole Quay in Thames St. It was previously named – The New Inn and became a public house around 1770. The building itself can be dated to around 1550. The Main part of the pub was built in Tudor period, oriel windows and black and white timber framed walls all form part of its history. Once inside you are transformed back in time, the pub still has most of its original features, Wooden Wall Paneling, Old Roof Beams and a Stunning Fireplace.
Apparently the Spirits behind the bar are not the only spirits available in the quaint old pub. The pub is listed in various Haunted Places books and this one has a rather sad tale behind the haunting. A landlady who had thought her lover sailor had died at sea, hung herself from the old beams upstairs only to be found by her lover who then killed himself. There have been some rather strange happenings in this pub over the years.
King Charles Poole
Thames StreetThe King Charles Inn is one one the oldest pubs in Poole, Just off Poole Quay in Thames St. It was previously named – The New Inn and became a public house around 1770. The building itself can be dated to around 1550. The Main part of the pub was built in Tudor period, oriel windows and black and white timber framed walls all form part of its history. Once inside you are transformed back in time, the pub still has most of its original features, Wooden Wall Paneling, Old Roof Beams and a Stunning Fireplace.
Apparently the Spirits behind the bar are not the only spirits available in the quaint old pub. The pub is listed in various Haunted Places books and this one has a rather sad tale behind the haunting. A landlady who had thought her lover sailor had died at sea, hung herself from the old beams upstairs only to be found by her lover who then killed himself. There have been some rather strange happenings in this pub over the years.
The oldest Seafood bar on Poole Quay!
The grub at this ancient pub is strong on locally landed seafood – try the homemade fish pie, local crab or pan-fried herring roe. Order some New Forest beer, then settle down in the snug, wood-lined bar with the locals, or on the terrace overlooking the quay.
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Poole Arms
19 The QuayThe oldest Seafood bar on Poole Quay!
The grub at this ancient pub is strong on locally landed seafood – try the homemade fish pie, local crab or pan-fried herring roe. Order some New Forest beer, then settle down in the snug, wood-lined bar with the locals, or on the terrace overlooking the quay.
Tin of Sardines Gin Bar in Poole serving a selection of over 300 Gins & over 60 Tonics! As well as Beers, Ciders, Lagers, Wines and Spirits! Cheese & Meat Boards and more...
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Tin of Sardines Poole Quay
3 High StTin of Sardines Gin Bar in Poole serving a selection of over 300 Gins & over 60 Tonics! As well as Beers, Ciders, Lagers, Wines and Spirits! Cheese & Meat Boards and more...
Food Scene
Rockfish restaurants are located by the sea and waterside and specialise in serving fresh local & sustainable seafood. Our fish is caught daily by The Rockfish fishing boat around Brixham and we supplement our own catch with fish we select at market each morning to offer you a generous variety of the freshest local seafood. It is prepared each morning on the harbourside by our skilled fishmongers and delivered to each of our restaurants to be served to you by lunchtime. "This to be a place where you might come to have oysters, Dover sole and a bottle of Chablis. The next table might be enjoying local hake, chips and a beer. The table along might have just walked the dog and come in for a crab salad." Mitch Tonks
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Rockfish Seafood Restaurant
9 The QuayRockfish restaurants are located by the sea and waterside and specialise in serving fresh local & sustainable seafood. Our fish is caught daily by The Rockfish fishing boat around Brixham and we supplement our own catch with fish we select at market each morning to offer you a generous variety of the freshest local seafood. It is prepared each morning on the harbourside by our skilled fishmongers and delivered to each of our restaurants to be served to you by lunchtime. "This to be a place where you might come to have oysters, Dover sole and a bottle of Chablis. The next table might be enjoying local hake, chips and a beer. The table along might have just walked the dog and come in for a crab salad." Mitch Tonks
Classic French cuisine and signature seafood dishes in simple, nautical-themed dining room
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Guildhall Tavern
15 Market StClassic French cuisine and signature seafood dishes in simple, nautical-themed dining room
This popular spot in a relaxed, historical setting offers Italian favorites and outdoor seating.
Ginali's
87 High StThis popular spot in a relaxed, historical setting offers Italian favorites and outdoor seating.
Sightseeing
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It is an extremely popular beauty spot and experiencing high numbers of visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is anticipated that when visting during the autumn and winter months there will be fewer people.
Access to the pebble and shingle beach is on foot via a path and steps over the hill from Lulworth Cove or down from the Car Park (charges apply) which is located on the cliff top at Durdle Door Holiday Park. There is a half mile walk (approx 30 minutes) along a steep path downhill, plus a further 143 steps down onto the beach. There is only one set of steps to access the beach, therefore you may have to queue to ensure social distancing of 2 metres.
There are no toilets or any other facilities on the beach. Toilets are located within the car park area (approx 30 minutes walk uphill from the beach).
At the base of the chalk cliffs a number of caves can be seen which have been carved out by the sea. Please do not enter them as cliff falls are common.
Bathing is possible in places, however the beach shelves steeply in places, therefore please supervise your children at all times as there is no lifeguard.
Dogs are allowed on the beach all year, however please be sure to pick up after them.
Barbecues and fires are not permitted at any of the beaches or grassland areas on the Lulworth Estate. Overnight camping is not permitted on beaches, clifftops or elsewhere (apart from pre-booked camping at the Durdle Door Holiday Park).
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Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It is an extremely popular beauty spot and experiencing high numbers of visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is anticipated that when visting during the autumn and winter months there will be fewer people.
Access to the pebble and shingle beach is on foot via a path and steps over the hill from Lulworth Cove or down from the Car Park (charges apply) which is located on the cliff top at Durdle Door Holiday Park. There is a half mile walk (approx 30 minutes) along a steep path downhill, plus a further 143 steps down onto the beach. There is only one set of steps to access the beach, therefore you may have to queue to ensure social distancing of 2 metres.
There are no toilets or any other facilities on the beach. Toilets are located within the car park area (approx 30 minutes walk uphill from the beach).
At the base of the chalk cliffs a number of caves can be seen which have been carved out by the sea. Please do not enter them as cliff falls are common.
Bathing is possible in places, however the beach shelves steeply in places, therefore please supervise your children at all times as there is no lifeguard.
Dogs are allowed on the beach all year, however please be sure to pick up after them.
Barbecues and fires are not permitted at any of the beaches or grassland areas on the Lulworth Estate. Overnight camping is not permitted on beaches, clifftops or elsewhere (apart from pre-booked camping at the Durdle Door Holiday Park).
Wareham is a pretty riverside town where the rivers Frome and Piddle meet. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the eateries, browse the interesting and unique shops or go for a walk and surround yourself with rolling hills and beautiful views.
The villages of Wool, West Lulworth and Moreton are only a short distance away. Discover the Jurassic Coast, visit the Tank Museum or follow in the footsteps of the famous adventurer and writer T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).
Exploring Wareham
Wareham Town Museum is a great place to discover local history and learn about the town’s connections with T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). St Martin’s church features a striking effigy of TE Lawrence, lying in full Arab dress. He was based at nearby Bovington Camp and his retreat where he spent much of his time writing, Clouds Hill, is just a short drive from Wareham
The town’s Quay is a lively meeting place and has lots of events and activities, plus a weekly market. Why not hire a boat, have a picnic, cruise down the river on a paddle steamer or just sit and watch the river flow by?
Know before you go
If you are planning to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic, things will be a little different in Wareham this year but the business and the community will still offer you their friendly welcome. If you would like to know what to expect when visiting, please read the new ‘know before you go’ information about Wareham to help you plan ahead and enjoy your visit.
Fun for all ages in Wareham
For the energetic there are forest bike rides and river kayaking, the little ones can feed lambs and take a tractor-trailor ride, and for the not-so-little there are historic castles and tranquil beauty spots nearby.
Some of Dorset’s most loved attractions are near Wareham. Meet the rescued lemurs, orangutans and apes at Monkey World or have the biggest day out in history at the Tank Museum.
Eating Out and Takeaways
If you’re looking for somewhere to have a bite to eat, you are spoilt for choice with nearly 30 cafés, pubs, restaurants and tea rooms catering for every taste and budget.
From a simple sandwich to take on a picnic up to an elegant candlelit dinner in a country house hotel, Wareham has lots of variety when choosing the perfect place for something to eat or drink.
Buy local in Wareham
Wareham’s high street has plenty of individual and interesting shops from galleries and boutiques to vintage and gifts. There’s lots of opportunity to get something truly unique as a memento of your visit to Dorset.
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Wareham
Wareham is a pretty riverside town where the rivers Frome and Piddle meet. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the eateries, browse the interesting and unique shops or go for a walk and surround yourself with rolling hills and beautiful views.
The villages of Wool, West Lulworth and Moreton are only a short distance away. Discover the Jurassic Coast, visit the Tank Museum or follow in the footsteps of the famous adventurer and writer T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).
Exploring Wareham
Wareham Town Museum is a great place to discover local history and learn about the town’s connections with T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). St Martin’s church features a striking effigy of TE Lawrence, lying in full Arab dress. He was based at nearby Bovington Camp and his retreat where he spent much of his time writing, Clouds Hill, is just a short drive from Wareham
The town’s Quay is a lively meeting place and has lots of events and activities, plus a weekly market. Why not hire a boat, have a picnic, cruise down the river on a paddle steamer or just sit and watch the river flow by?
Know before you go
If you are planning to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic, things will be a little different in Wareham this year but the business and the community will still offer you their friendly welcome. If you would like to know what to expect when visiting, please read the new ‘know before you go’ information about Wareham to help you plan ahead and enjoy your visit.
Fun for all ages in Wareham
For the energetic there are forest bike rides and river kayaking, the little ones can feed lambs and take a tractor-trailor ride, and for the not-so-little there are historic castles and tranquil beauty spots nearby.
Some of Dorset’s most loved attractions are near Wareham. Meet the rescued lemurs, orangutans and apes at Monkey World or have the biggest day out in history at the Tank Museum.
Eating Out and Takeaways
If you’re looking for somewhere to have a bite to eat, you are spoilt for choice with nearly 30 cafés, pubs, restaurants and tea rooms catering for every taste and budget.
From a simple sandwich to take on a picnic up to an elegant candlelit dinner in a country house hotel, Wareham has lots of variety when choosing the perfect place for something to eat or drink.
Buy local in Wareham
Wareham’s high street has plenty of individual and interesting shops from galleries and boutiques to vintage and gifts. There’s lots of opportunity to get something truly unique as a memento of your visit to Dorset.