20 Attractions to Explore Near Poole Harbour

Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. The island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour, with dramatic views of the Purbeck Hills. Thriving natural habitats, including woodland, heathland and a lagoon, have created havens for wildlife, such as the red squirrel and a huge variety of birds, including the sandwich tern.

Sandbanks is a small peninsula crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour. It is of the highest quality with fine golden sand and sparkling clean waters, perfect for a family day out at the seaside. One of the iconic location for a day out with family and also you can spend some nice time there.

A local history museum situated on the Lower High Street in the Old Town area of Poole. It illustrates the story of the town and its people. The centrepiece of the museum is the 2,000-year-old Poole Logboat, an Iron Age vessel that was found in 1964 during dredging work in Poole Harbour. there has been an exhibition showcasing finds from the Swash Channel Wreck, one of the most important shipwrecks found in British waters and so more to see inside.

Poole Park is an urban park adjacent to Poole Harbour in Poole. The park was opened during the Victorian era and has remained popular with visitors ever since. It is a great venue for relaxing and playing and covers an area of more than 100 acres, 60 acres of which - unusually for an urban space - comprise freshwater and brackish lakes.

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England. Comprising a series of classical themed gardens, each providing an attractive and unique variety of ornamental plants from around the world, cared for by a team of professional gardeners. Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven, relax in our charming Café & Tea Rooms, browse the treasures in our Gifted Moment store or delve into the exciting world of plants within our Plant Centre.

Alum Chine Beach is probably one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches situated further to the West of Bournemouth, away from the hustle and bustle of Bournemouth Pier and the town centre.

Arne RSPB reserve is a 5.634-square-kilometer nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest maintained by the RSPB and located in Dorset. Arne is celebrated for its lowland heathland (which is rare in Europe) and its wildlife including Dartford warblers, nightjars, all six species of British reptile, plus many species of butterflies, dragonflies, and moths. It is also home to nearly 500 types of a flowering plants.

Upton Country Park in Poole has over 140 acres of beautiful award-winning gardens, open parkland, woodland, and shoreline, with stunning Georgian Grade II* listed Upton House as the centerpiece. Something for everyone to enjoy, whatever the season, so come along and see what has made Upton Country Park one of Poole’s premier attractions.

Tower Park is a leisure and retail park, located at Mannings Heath, Dorset. At this Park, Poole, a galaxy of entertainment unfolds. With the Splashdown water park and Cineworld cinema, Tenpin bowling, kids soft play, bingo, and a range of restaurants, there's enough to keep you busy whatever the weather. The buildings at Tower Park occupy an area of 199,000 sq. ft., according to its ultimate owner Landsec. There is an open plaza between the buildings providing outdoor seating.

Splashdown Waterpark is a great day out for family and friends. There’s something for everyone – from big kids to little ones – with some of the UK’s most exciting water flumes. It has 8 indoor water slides which operate all year round and 5 outside rides which operate only during the summer season. There is also a wet play area and a small training pool for youngsters.

A spectacular cliff formation Standing tall on Handfast Point at the southern end of Studland Bay is one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast – Old Harry. They are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and are managed by the National Trust. One of the iconic location where you can spend some nice time.

One of the iconic attractions in Dorset which takes you on an underwater adventure through some of the world's most amazing waters. Home to hundreds of awesome creatures, come face to face with stunning sharks, curious green sea turtles, colorful clownfish, and the very cute, Oriental small-clawed otter family. The Bournemouth Oceanarium also boasts the world's first virtual interactive dive cage and an interactive global meltdown to explore the effects of climate change.

The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth is a Grade II Listed Garden. The beautiful floral displays that combine a range of colours, textures and scents. The Gardens also have plenty of activities to keep visitors busy including music at the Pine Walk bandstand, an aviary, mini golf course and an art exhibition during the summer.

One of the most fascinating historic houses in England. The Russell-Cotes was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. Twice-yearly exhibitions of contemporary art support works from the main collection, and have included painter Jonathan Yeo and sculptor Jon Edgar in 2011. it is located on the top of the East Cliff, next to the Royal Bath Hotel.

Swanage is the most easterly town on the Jurassic Coast, and its gently shelving sandy beach and sheltered waters have made it a popular destination for families since Victorian times. Despite being just six miles from the urban expanse of Poole and Bournemouth, Swanage feels a world away, and retains a sense of bustling but easy-going seaside charm. The beach also holds the prestigious blue flag for beach cleanliness.

Corfe Castle stand on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills. As you can see it guards the gap between the south of Purbeck, where Purbeck marble was once quarried, and the rest of England. Nothing could pass in or out without going past the Castle. The castle dates to the 11th century and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. It is protected as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The beaches at Bournemouth stretch for 7 miles between the coastal towns of Poole and Christchurch. All of the beaches are soft sand and very family friendly. They are some of the safest beaches in the UK with RNLI Lifeguards based there between 30 April and 30 September. Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the bay enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks.

The Swanage Railway offers a more intensive heritage steam and diesel timetable train service than virtually any other preserved railway. It is is one of Britain’s most popular heritage railways, with steam trains running every day between April and October.

Swanage Pier is one of only a few timber piers in the UK. It is under constant threat from a challenging marine environment and from the gribble worm, the microscopic bug that can reduce the vertical piles to a fraction of their width over time. Until the 1950s, it was a diving platform for Swanage Swimming Club. It is now derelict. A few piles are visible to the east of the ‘new’ pier.

The Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula located in south Dorset. The area is home to some of the country’s most well-loved towns and landmarks including Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle, and Durdle Door. One of the unique attractions in this area and it is a nice place to Relax on the beach, explore the South West Coast Path, hunt for dinosaur fossils, or just sit back and enjoy the views of the world-famous Jurassic Coast.