A Slow Day in Poole

A coastal town is a good place to do very little in, and Poole is better at it than its summer reputation suggests.

Early: the water

A dawn swim or a flat-water paddle before the harbour wakes up. In season, swim on the lifeguarded beaches between the flags; outside it, swim with others and read beach safety. See watersports.

Morning: a walk with nothing to decide

The harbour shoreline is flat and continuous for miles, which is exactly what you want when you do not want to think about navigation. See walking and trails.

Midday: a garden

Compton Acres has a tea room among the planting, which turns an hour into an afternoon.

Afternoon: a spa, or a long tea

Hotel spas around the peninsula and Canford Cliffs run day packages. Or just book afternoon tea somewhere with a view and stay there.

The quiet places

Upton Country Park, the Hamworthy shore and the heath at Arne are quiet even in August.

See health and wellbeing.

Written by The Poole Guide. This guide draws on local knowledge and public information about Poole always check opening times and event dates with the venue before you travel.

Make it a stay, not just a day out

If this has you planning a trip, stay close enough to walk back for a jumper. The where to stay section has the Sandbanks hotels, the quieter beds out at Hamworthy and Broadstone, and the self-catering flats around the Quay, with the areas each one suits. For a longer stay or a family, a kitchen usually beats a room: self-catering compares them. Travelling with a dog? See dog-friendly stays.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you go for a quiet day in Poole?

Upton Country Park, the Hamworthy shoreline, Compton Acres gardens and the heath at Arne are all considerably quieter than the Quay and the beaches, even in summer.

Are there spas in Poole?

Yes, several hotels in and around Poole offer spa facilities and day packages, with the larger ones on the peninsula and at Canford Cliffs.