Things To Do in Poole, UK – school half term holidays – week commencing 30th May 2022
With half term coming up in a few weeks, a trip to Poole Quay should be on the agenda. So many things to do and see and countless restaurants and bars for when you need a breather during the activities!
City Cruises
Things to do in Poole – City Cruises offer a variety of boat trips starting from 9.15am and going on into the evening. Known as the 2nd largest natural harbour in the world it is a worthwhile trip.
Daytime: Harbour & Islands Cruise, Jurassic Coast Cruise, Dining Cruises (lunch & afternoon tea from 2nd June), Sea Train Adventure, Return trip to Swanage
Evening: Harbour Lights Cruise, Bird Watching Cruise, Wareham in the evening.
Furthermore, with The Platinum Jubilee being celebrated during half term, even more trips have been arranged so you can celebrate on the water:
Best of Britain – evening cruise with delicious food & a DJ (or on the 3rd Gary Foley will be joining us as Elvis) & Jubilee Afternoon Tea cruises – available from the 2nd – 5th June 2022.
https://www.cityexperiences.com/poole/city-cruises/
Brownsea Island
Things to do in Poole – Brownsea Island – owned by the Natural Trust and partly managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, Brownsea Island is well known for its wildlife such as rare red squirrels, and a wide variety of birds including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers. The island can be accessed by boat from Poole Quay and is the largest island in Poole Harbour. The Island is one and a half miles long and three quarters of a mile wide and makes for a lovely stroll through the nature trails ending up with refreshments in the café by the Brownsea port.
Brownsea Island is also home to Scout camps first introduced by Lord Baden-Powell in 1907 and are continuing today.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island
Sea Music Sculpture
Things to do in Poole – Poole Museum & Sea Music Sculpture – Discover the story of Poole – the museum tells a remarkable story of the ancient port town of Poole, its harbour and bay. It is a fascinating story that takes you through thousands of years, across the oceans and into the lives of many people.
Also, the home of the Tourist Information Centre with friendly staff that can help you plan your trip to Poole.
The Sea Music sculpture is located on the quay just a minutes’ walk from Poole Museum. It has stood on the quay since 1991 and was created by one of Britain’s greatest sculptors, Sir Anthony Caro. As well as the sculpture there are elevated viewing platforms that give visitors to Poole a fantastic view over the harbour.
http://www.poolemuseum.org.uk/
Poole Cockle Trail Self-Guided Walk
Things to do in Poole – Poole Cockle Trail Self-Guided Walk – Starting at Poole Museum take an hour and half walk around the old town in Poole following the brass plaques in the pavement to retrace Poole’s rich historical heritage, as well as learning about present day landmarks. A leaflet can be picked up at The Museum or can be downloaded on Poole tourism website.
https://www.pooletourism.com/things-to-do/poole-cockle-trail-self-guided-walk-p2407243
Sunseeker International
Things to see in Poole – Sunseeker International – also located in Poole Harbour is the world renowned Sunseeker Yachts. Poole is the flagship dealership for new and pre-owned Sunseeker boats. Dotted around the harbour you can see a fantastic display of these luxury yachts and the dreams can start!
https://www.sunseekerbrokerage.com/locations/sunseeker-poole/
Studio Poole
Things to do in Poole – Studio Poole – Poole is probably most famous for making the bright and cheerful pottery throughout the later part of the 1800’s and throughout the 1900’s. The factory in Poole no longer exists (is now in production in Stoke on Trent) but Studio Poole opened in 2018 to keep the memory and legacy of Poole Pottery in Poole. The studio is a one stop shop for Poole Pottery where you can buy discontinued tableware, vintage collectables and a whole host of other gift ideas. They still have an in-house studio that produce quality, handmade tribute reproductions of discontinued Poole Pottery ranges. And for those budding artists you can even paint your own ceramic masterpiece from a wide selection of bisque animals and fantasy creatures.
https://www.studiopoole.co.uk/
RNLI
Things to do in Poole – RNLI – The RNLI College was set up to train the extraordinary lifesaving volunteer crew and lifeguards from around the UK and Ireland. It also offers accommodation and restaurants to the public and is located on Holes Bay so you can enjoy viewing the RNLI boats whilst having a drink or some food. The college also offers regular 90-minute tours for pre-booking that gives you an interesting behind the scene tour of the college.
Shopping
Things to do in Poole – Shopping – With a bustling high street and a large shopping centre, Poole has plenty to offer the avid shopper! Street market also available on every Thursday and Saturday.
https://www.totalguidetopoole.com/lifestyle/poole-town-centre/
Splashdown
Things to do in Poole – Splashdown – Just a 10-minute drive from Poole centre or easily accessible by bus, Splashdown waterpark at Tower Park is always a family favourite with the kids. With 13 thrilling inside and outside rides and 3 under 5’s splash pools, it is guaranteed fun! Also located at Tower Park is Hollywood Bowl, Cineworld, Buzz Bingo and a whole host of restaurants.
https://www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/poole/
Other Day Out Suggestions
Things to do in Poole – Other Day Out Suggestions
Being on the edge of The Jurassic Coast, Poole is so close to a huge amount of other attractions that can be accessed by driving and generally by bus or train as well. The following are some of the most popular:
New Forest – walking, cycling, camping, horseriding
Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door
Bournemouth Beaches & Town Centre
Sandbanks Beaches & watersports
Studland Beach – National Trust
Dancing Ledge
Dorset Waterpark – outside inflatable waterpark
Kingston Lacy – National Trust
Corfe Castle
https://dorsettravelguide.com/dorset-jurassic-coast-highlights/
Whether you are here for a day, a week or a fortnight, there is always something to see, do and enjoy.