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Poole

Poole has long been famous as a centre for yachting, water sports, and for traditional bucket and spade holidays. Poole is now known worldwide for having the worlds second largest natural harbour, beaten only by Sydney. However, perhaps Poole is best known for being the home to Poole pottery and the multi million pound yacht maker Sunseeker. Its beaches, stretching for three miles, have held blue flags since 1989. Today Poole is referred to as the south coasts' answer to St. Tropez. This new found fame has resulted in massive developments in the city including the building of new hotels, smart waterfront restaurants and chic bars. The Sandbanks ferry also links Poole with the Studland National Park.

Ferry Guide

Brittany Ferries share the ferry terminal with Condor Ferries, with whom they have an operational alliance utilising the Condor Vitesse for their own summer services to Cherbourg. Ferry operations commenced in June 1973 with the 'Poole Antelope' for newly formed Truckline Ferries, sailing to Cherbourg. In 1985 Truckline was purchased by Brittany Ferries which resulted in a major expansion of the services out of the Dorset port. British Channel Island Ferries briefly operated before being taken over by Condor Ferries in the early 90's. Today Brittany Ferries operate two vessels, and Condor Ferries two fast craft out of the port to Cherbourg, St Malo, Santander and the Channel Islands. The ferry terminal is located in Hamworthy, which is accessed across a lifting bridge over the mouth of Holes Bay, an arm of Poole Harbor. Passengers should allow a little extra time to arrive, just in case the bridge is being lifted.

Our Guide

The town of Poole centres around the old Poole Quay. Attractions include Poole Pottery, Monkey World, Compton Acre Gardens, Waterfront Museum, Brownsea Island and an Aquarium but the main attraction is the general atmosphere of the area. Poole is overshadowed as a resort by its larger neighbour Bournemouth, but Poole offers a 3 mile stretch of beach from Sandbanks to Canford Cliffs. Its new found international celebrity status has resulted in much development of the area, and a significant increase in tourist numbers.

Accomodation

If you are catching the early morning ferry a night in Poole is a great idea, allowing you to sample to towns delights and avoiding an early morning drive to the port, whilst extending your holiday at the same time. Poole has a large number of hotels which offer a range of facilities and prices. bfenthusiasts recommend the following hotels:

Harbour Heights is a premium four star hotel, recently refurbished, offering spectacular views over the harbour. The hotel has 38 rooms. Prices start at £100 per person.

Premier Lodge is  part of the rapidly expanding budget hotel group have recently opened a new hotel close to the town centre. Modern and spacious rooms, lifts, satellite TV and a restaurant and bar are available. Very pleasant staff.

Express by Holiday Inn is Poole's best placed budget hotel near the boating lake and harbour side. Rooms from only £62.50. A newly opened hotel offering modern rooms with all the facilities expected of a superior hotel.

Restaurants

Poole offers a wide range of dining options and bfenthusiasts recommended the following:

La Roche Brasserie in the Haven Hotel is located at the mouth of Poole Harbour, which takes in the honours of the town which is rich in dining opportunities. A premium restaurant, in an enviable location, with main courses starting at £14.25.

Storm is located in the main high street and offers the finest and freshest fish in the city. The ambience in this original restaurant, where fishing lamps hang from the ceiling and nets and seascapes adorn the walls, is not to be missed. Two courses start at £20.95.

Oyster Quay is a stylish cafe located on the quayside offering value for money meals and snacks in a premier location.

Transport

By Car: Linked by the A31 to the M27 and thence M3 to London, the A350 north to Bristol and beyond and the A35 to Dorchester and Exeter. 108 miles from London. Poole's traffic system can become very congested at peak hours.

By Train: Poole railway station is centrally situated and is served exclusively by South West Trains frequent electric services to Bournemouth, Southampton and London (Waterloo). Connections are available via Bournemouth to Arriva's Cross Country services which run via Reading, Oxford and Birmingham to the north.

By Bus: Wilts & Dorset operate most local bus services within Poole with some services operated by First.

By Sea: The 'Bramble Bush Bay' sandbanks chain ferry crosses the entrance to Poole Harbour between Sandbanks and Shell Bay. Condor Ferries operate regular services to the Channel Islands.