The port of Poole has long been known as one of the world’s largest natural harbours, and has a colourful history with much maritime adventure, but today Poole is also Dorset’s largest town, and a ferry port with regular connections to Cherbourg and St Malo in France, and the Channel Islands. Poole today is also known for its beaches, with a number of Blue Flag awards, and plenty of soft, golden sand. Our picks for the best places to stay in Poole offer great access to the beaches and include a chic pub with rooms and a Hotel du Vin classic.

Poole’s appeal for families is perennial. There are beautiful beaches galore (with all the usual watersports on offer), and some wonderful outdoor spaces to explore including Compton Acres and Brownsea Island in Poole’s harbour. The harbourfront is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants, seafood shops, and touristy picks, but it’s also got a number of working potteries. In town you can also find a museum, an aquarium, and a modern railway.

Don't forget that in the peak summer months decent accommodation is very hard to come by. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Poole in July or August, you'll need to do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Poole

For Historic Charm

• Poole’s ivy covered Hotel du Vin has been converted from an elegant, Georgian townhouse, with arched windows and wood-panelled communal spaces. The 38 elegant rooms are decorated with a feeling of classical luxury, with good quality linens, large contemporary bathrooms and wood-panelling. The restaurant is quite glamorous, but with cuisine that errs towards heartiness, and a real emphasis on slow-cooking.

Great Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Plantation is a chic pub-with-rooms in the smart area of Canford Cliffs. From here it’s just a short stroll to Compton Acres and the long, sandy beach at Sandbanks. There are ten rooms, all of them light and colourful, with contemporary decor, feature wallpaper, and crisp, white linen. The pub is welcoming, and has a great reputation for food, offering British classics mixed amongst more tropical options.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Poole’s closest airport is Bournemouth Airport, which is only about 20 minutes away by taxi, or about an hour away by bus. Southampton Airport is another convenient choice, about 45 minutes away by car or taxi, or about an hour by train. If you’re travelling from London, or via London, Poole is around two hours by train from Waterloo, or about two hours in the car. And, of course, Poole has the ferry port with connections to northern France and the Channel Islands.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Summer is Poole’s busiest season, because it’s a wonderful bucket-and-spade seaside pick for families — this is the kind of place families want to return to year after year. Spring is a really lovely time to visit too; the town is known for its mild and sunny springs. If you’re not restricted to travelling during the school holiday window, you’re going to benefit from very affordable accommodation options, and having more of the place to yourself. The weather is changeable whatever the season, but there’s still plenty of sunshine in winter, and this can be a lovely time to visit Poole.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Dorset
• Consider some of Poole’s neighbours; the best places to stay in Bournemouth is an obvious one, but Wareham, Lymington and Blandford Forum are close by too.
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best sea view hotels in Dorset, the best pubs-with-rooms in Dorset or the best beach hotels in Dorset
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.