Old Poole Town
The beautiful Old Poole Town is a wonderful place to visit, and offers a huge range of things to do and places to go, whilst elegantly retaining a strong sense of its seventeenth century heyday…
The Quay itself is great for a promenade in the sun imagining sailing one of the luxury Sunseeker cruisers made or moored at the quayside. There is a quality choice of bars, restaurants and cafes around the historic buildings lining the Quay or in the newer developments springing up along the water's edge.
In the Old Town that lies behind the Quay you'll find plenty of beautiful historic buildings. Follow the Cockle Trail to find out more about historic Poole or visit one of the museums clustered in the medieval buildings in the Old Town. Things to do
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is a perfect place to let go with friends and family. You can take a harbour cruise to explore an island rich in wildlife and history, discover beautiful walks and even enjoy a sumptuous lunch overlooking Poole Harbour.
Sit in wonder at the stunning views and enjoy the peaceful setting. All 100% undisturbed by traffic, ideal for picnics and walking.
There’s lots for the kids to do too. Get wild about wildlife with tracker packs, trails, and a range of exciting events and activities.
The island has an interesting and history of wonder and delight, and has had a variety of uses throughout the years. In Victorian times, pottery was produced there and during WW2, this island was used as a decoy to protect the Harbour, and was subsequently taken over by the National Trust in 1962.
Offering many special events throughout the year including the popular Open Air Theatre, activity weekends and guided walks, see website for further details.
Open daily from 10.00 am 14th March - 1 November 2009
Via Ferry from Poole Quay or Sandbanks Jetty (note boat fare is extra).
Poole Museum
Just back from Poole Quay is the recently refurbished Poole Museum. This contemporary building in the heart of the Old Town houses a range of themed galleries looking at boats & trade, the development of the port and town, beginnings of the Harbour, Poole clay as well as how people lived worked and played. The star exhibit is the Iron Age long boat discovered off Brownsea Island in 1964.
The museum is free to enter and there are some stylish public spaces including a terrace and visitor lounge giving you panoramic views over Poole Harbour and Old Town.
The museum is open from March to November, Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm. Sun: 12 noon-5pm.
Poole Pottery
No visit to Poole would be complete without taking a look at how the world famous Poole Pottery is made and hand painted. Poole Pottery boasts an extensive collection of beautiful Poole Pottery, creating excellence in design since 1873....The designs all have a unique earthy feel with a variety of patterns ranging from elegant, virtually all black to vibrant, sunny colour schemes. All are hand painted and range from traditional to contemporary designs.
You can visit the Poole Pottery Studio and see the modellers and artists at work as well as having a go yourself! There is also a factory shop. Poole Pottery Studio is on The Quay, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HJ. Tel: 01202 668 681. Fax: 01202 677 528. Email: sales@poolepotteryretail.co.uk
Chose from their vast range of gifts, collectibles, jewellery, homewares and clothing.
Open Daily - Take Home a great gift from Poole Pottery....
- Hand Made
- Distinctive
- Recognised
- Desired
Watersports, Poole Harbour
The naturally formed Poole Harbour makes it excellent for all kinds of watersports including windsurfing, wakeboarding, canoeing and kayaking and kite surfing.
You'll find several places where you can book watersports tuition buy or hire equipment.
Please Note:Tuition providers should be licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) or check that the instructors are qualified to the relevant standard as set out by the relevant governing body such as Royal Yachting Association (RYA), International Kitesurfing Organisation (IKO), British Kite Surfing Association (BKSA), British Water Ski Forum and the British Water Ski Federation (BWSF).
The actual Old Town itself!
The Old Town is everything you'd expect from a seventeenth century seaport. The Old Town has medieval roots, but was largely remodelled during the Georgian period by the wealthy Newfoundland merchants that settled here. Their trade was based on salt cod caught in Newfoundland and exported to Mediterranean countries from where olive oil, wine and salt was brought back to Poole.
Many of their impressive homes still stand behind the original wrought iron gates such as West End House. Its baroque decoration includes urns and pineapples at the top of the front which were symbols of the wealth of the Newfoundland traders. This house was built for John Slade and then later was home to the Carter family who founded Poole Pottery.
Events
Christmas on Poole Quay
Christmas fun for all the family on Poole Quay from 5 pm on Friday 4th December. Live music, carols, and even a visit from Santa! Minced pies and mulled wine are there for all,
enhacning upon the magical atmosphere. A parade of illuminated boats will provide a fleet of spectacular lights.
Spirit of Christmas Arts Market
The Spirit of Christmas Arts Market brings together gifted artists, designers and creators to Orchard Plaza in Poole High Street from 12 noon on Saturday 5th December, providing an opportunity to find that unique Christmas gift. A seasonal café, music and entertainment will add to the festive atmosphere. The market closes on Sunday 6th December at 3pm.
Children's Lantern Procession
The Dorset Youth Marching Band will lead a procession of lanterns made by children from Kings High and Manorside on Thursday 10th December, starting at 6.15pm. They will process from Falkland Square down the High Street to the Guildhall to join the Old Town Conservation Group to sing Christmas Carols and enjoy mince pies.
Farmers Market 27 Aug - 17 Dec 2009
Falkland Square, Poole, BH15 1AB, Dorset Poole’s Farmers Market takes place every Thursday at Falklands Square (outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre) from 9am – 2pm
Late Night Shopping in Poole 19 Nov - 24 Dec 2009
Poole Town Centre Late night shopping in Poole starts on 19th November, with free parking in town centre car parks.
Christmas At Compton Acres 25 Nov 2009
Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, BH13 7ES, Dorset Come and join in the Christmas festivities
Christmas Fair 28 - 29 Nov 2009
Kube (formerly The Study Gallery), North Road, Poole, BH140LS, Dorset
A dazzling 2-day festive extravaganza of local arts, crafts, food, fashion, arty grotto, kids activities/workshops, live music and much more!
Words by Lucinda Okane