Holiday rentals and lettings in Poole

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental in Poole?
• Holiday rentals in Poole: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Poole: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Poole?

• Diverse accommodation: Charming holiday apartments, spacious homes, scenic cabins, glamping properties, and camping experiences cater to couples, families, and pet owners throughout Poole's coastal regions.
• Premium locations: Poole Quay offers iconic harbour views and waterfront dining, while Sandbanks provides direct beach access and water sports opportunities for all visitors.
• Highly rated stays: Guests give our Poole properties great reviews, with praise for exceptional waterfront locations, stunning views, and attentive property owner service standards.
• Modern amenities: Fully equipped kitchens, high-speed internet, parking facilities, private pools, and pet-friendly accommodations ensure comfortable holiday experiences.
• Culinary highlights: Award-winning restaurants like the Guildhall Tavern offer fresh seafood, with excellent beachside and waterfront dining throughout Poole.

Poole offers diverse holiday accommodation options including charming seaside cottages, spacious holiday homes, scenic cabins, glamping properties, and unique camping experiences. Look out for amenities such as:

• Parking facilities
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Private or shared pools
• Pet-friendly accommodations

If self-catering doesn't suit you, consider a B&B in Poole instead - a great way to take the pressure off and enjoy someone else's cooking during your holiday.

What are the best areas to stay in Poole?

The Poole Quay area remains the most sought-after destination, offering stunning harbour views, iconic waterfront dining, and easy access to attractions. The table below details areas for specific interests:

Guests consistently rate Poole holiday rentals highly, praising the exceptional waterfront locations, stunning harbour and park views, and property owners' attention to detail.

Poole sits on the stunning south coast of Dorset, home to one of the largest natural harbours in the world and the award-winning Sandbanks Beach, offering a perfect blend of coastal charm and seaside adventure.

✈️What is the best way to get to Poole?

Poole is well connected by air, rail, and road. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: Poole is well connected via the A31 and A350, linking to the M27 and M3 for onward travel.
• By train: Poole railway station sits on the South Western Railway line, with direct services to London Waterloo taking around two hours.
• By air: The nearest airport is Bournemouth Airport, around a 20-minute drive away.

🍴Where to eat in Poole?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, the Guildhall Tavern is the best rated restaurant in Poole. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Emma recommends Custom House in Poole: set inside one of the town's most historic quayside buildings, this bistro and bar serves gourmet burgers and fresh fish dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere overlooking Poole Harbour.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Poole is summer (June to August), the warmest and busiest season, ideal for Sandbanks Beach and water sports.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Sandbanks Beach and water sports, with Poole at its warmest and busiest.
• Weather: Mild to warm, with generally the driest and sunniest conditions of the year.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, with the beaches and harbour at their most popular.

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Scenic coastal and harbourside walks, in the quietest and coolest season.
• Weather: Cold, with shorter days and a higher chance of rain.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and low-key, away from the summer crowds.

Shoulder season (April–May and September–October)

• Best for: Harbour walks and trips to Brownsea Island, in milder weather.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fewer extremes than summer or winter.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and considerably quieter than the summer months.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Poole hosts recommend checking out the calendar of summer events on Poole Quay, including Bike Nights, Car Nights, open-air concerts, and the spectacular August fireworks. There really is something for everyone.

1. Relax on Sandbanks Beach
2. Take a boat trip to Brownsea Island
3. Explore Poole Museum
4. Stroll through Poole Park
5. Watch the boats from Poole Quay

1. Relax on Sandbanks Beach

   This Blue Flag beach is one of the UK's most famous, with fine golden sand and calm waters ideal for families and water sports.

2. Take a boat trip to Brownsea Island

   This National Trust island in the middle of Poole Harbour is home to rare red squirrels and was the site of the very first Scout camp, held by Robert Baden-Powell in 1907.

3. Explore Poole Museum

   Housed on the historic Quay, this free museum tells the story of Poole's maritime and pottery heritage.

4. Stroll through Poole Park

   This Victorian park has a boating lake, gardens and a miniature railway, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

5. Watch the boats from Poole Quay

   Wander the historic quayside, past the Sea Music sculpture, with views over the harbour to the Sunseeker yachts and passing ferries.