Poole travel guide

Poole Tourism | Poole Guide

You're Going to Love Poole

With a population of 150,092, Poole is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Poole deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Poole

If you’re looking for affordable options, Harbour Heights (73 Haven Rd) and The Anchorage (47 Haven Rd) are great picks.

When to visit Poole

Poole in January
Estimated hotel price
$79
1 night at 3-star hotel
Poole in January
Estimated hotel price
$79
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Poole

Plane

When flying to Poole, you’ll arrive at Bournemouth (BOH), which is located 8 miles from the city center. The shortest flight to Poole from the United States departs from New York and takes around 6h 40m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Poole, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Poole to Bristol takes 1h 36m and costs around $31 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Norwich, expect to pay about $29 for a 1h 52m trip. Located 0.3 miles from the city center, Poole is the busiest station in Poole. Another popular train station is Poole Branksome, located 3 miles from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Poole is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 97 miles from Poole. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Poole, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Poole takes 130 miles and will cost you around $4. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $12 for a journey of 145 miles. The most popular bus station is Poole, located 0.4 miles from downtown Poole. Poole Parkstone - St John's Church is also a commonly used station, and is 2 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Poole, you’ll arrive at Bournemouth (BOH), which is located 8 miles from the city center. The shortest flight to Poole from the United States departs from New York and takes around 6h 40m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Poole, followed by Eurostar. The train journey from Poole to Bristol takes 1h 36m and costs around $31 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Norwich, expect to pay about $29 for a 1h 52m trip. Located 0.3 miles from the city center, Poole is the busiest station in Poole. Another popular train station is Poole Branksome, located 3 miles from the center.

Car

Another option to get to Poole is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 97 miles from Poole. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Poole, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Poole takes 130 miles and will cost you around $4. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $12 for a journey of 145 miles. The most popular bus station is Poole, located 0.4 miles from downtown Poole. Poole Parkstone - St John's Church is also a commonly used station, and is 2 miles from the city center.

Airports near Poole

Airlines serving Poole

Lufthansa
Good (4,688 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
SWISS
Good (951 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,573 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,608 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,280 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,597 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,113 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,953 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,441 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,925 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (864 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,175 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (815 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,711 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Poole

Average rates range from around $139 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $143 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Poole

Most booked hotels in Poole

Harbour Heights Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1079 reviews)
$198+
Poole Quay Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9.4, 5 reviews)
$158+
Haven Hotel
4 stars
Good (7.8, 1889 reviews)
$157+
Shah of Persia, Poole by Marston's Inns
4 stars
Good (7.8, 1368 reviews)
$109+
Holiday Inn Express Poole
3 stars
Good (7.5, 3675 reviews)
$162+
Sandbanks Hotel
4 stars
Good (7.4, 957 reviews)
$165+

Renting a car in Poole

Renting a car in Poole costs $81 per day, on average, or $162 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 37% more expensive than at London Heathrow.

Expect to pay $7.15 per gallon in Poole (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $85.85 and $114.47. The most frequently booked car type in Poole is Luxury (Class Luxury Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Cee'd or similar) are, on average, 21% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Poole costs $81 per day, on average, or $162 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 37% more expensive than at London Heathrow.

Expect to pay $7.15 per gallon in Poole (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $85.85 and $114.47. The most frequently booked car type in Poole is Luxury (Class Luxury Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Cee'd or similar) are, on average, 21% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.