Weekend in Poole

Housed in a converted 18th-century waterside warehouse, the museum covers Poole's maritime history, from the Bronze Age to the Spitfire. Three floors of artefacts, models, and a ha

Tip: The small free gallery on the top floor has windows overlooking the harbour — a good spot for a quiet sit-down. The building has no lift, only stairs.

A 110-acre Victorian park with a large boating lake, duck ponds, playground, and paths along the edge of Poole Harbour. Free to enter, with free birdwatching from the central islan

Tip: Head to the north-east corner near the mini-golf course for the best views across the harbour to Brownsea Island — particularly at sunset.

Wander the cobbled streets around the 16th-century Guildhall and the working quay. Watch fishing boats and ferries come and go, and read the historical plaques on buildings like the Old Custom House.

Tip: Pick up a free Old Town walking leaflet from the tourist info centre on the Quay for self-guided tour notes on Blue Plaque buildings.

Free sand-and-shingle beach with shallow water, backed by dunes and the Sandbanks chain ferry. The 3-mile walking path around the peninsula connects to Studland Bay nature reserve (free) and offers vi

Tip: Walk east from the main beach car park along the sand to the South Haven Point, then take the boardwalk through the dunes. It’s free, quieter than the main strip, and you often see kitesurfers doing loops in the channel.

A National Trust-owned island in Poole Harbour, reachable by ferry. Designated for nature, with red squirrels, wading birds, and quiet woodland trails. The island is mostly wild, with one small farm a

Tip: Low-cost if you walk or cycle to the Sandbanks ferry (small car park fee). Bring your own picnic; the café at the villa is pricey and limited. Visit autumn for fewer crowds and guaranteed birdlife.