Victoria's Guidebook
Food Scene
Stunning spot with beautiful views over Studland and across the harbour. Excellent restaurant for special occasions, featuring a 25-mile menu.
Also perfect for a casual visit, with a pizza oven and outdoor bar in the summer months - perfect for dropping in when hiking or biking around the Purbecks.
You can also book spa treatments in their garden huts.
165 locals recommend
The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadStunning spot with beautiful views over Studland and across the harbour. Excellent restaurant for special occasions, featuring a 25-mile menu.
Also perfect for a casual visit, with a pizza oven and outdoor bar in the summer months - perfect for dropping in when hiking or biking around the Purbecks.
You can also book spa treatments in their garden huts.
Bingley's Bistro
14 High StreetStorm Fish
16 High StPub walks
The perfect spot for a reviving pint and pasty after a walk in the Purbecks. Often has live music in its garden. Log fires in the winter.
92 locals recommend
The Square and Compass
Worth MatraversThe perfect spot for a reviving pint and pasty after a walk in the Purbecks. Often has live music in its garden. Log fires in the winter.
Sightseeing
A tranquil spot just 20 minutes' cruise away from the flat and home to the rare red squirrel and roaming peacocks. Nature reserve, beaches, cafe overlooking the harbour. In the summer, there is an open-air theatre performing Shakespeare (your ticket includes the cruise fees) every evening.
Simple to get to from the cruise kiosks on the quay (moments from the flat). Your cruise ticket is a round trip, but there is an entry fee for non-National Trust members.
204 locals recommend
Brownsea Island
A tranquil spot just 20 minutes' cruise away from the flat and home to the rare red squirrel and roaming peacocks. Nature reserve, beaches, cafe overlooking the harbour. In the summer, there is an open-air theatre performing Shakespeare (your ticket includes the cruise fees) every evening.
Simple to get to from the cruise kiosks on the quay (moments from the flat). Your cruise ticket is a round trip, but there is an entry fee for non-National Trust members.
Step out of Port St James onto the Quay and you'll see several kiosks offering cruises to Brownsea Island and around Poole Harbour (1-hour round trip, or longer if you get off to explore the island); another runs trips to the lovely Saxon town of Wareham along the River Frome (3.5 hours round trip, including one hour ten minutes to explore the town).
14 locals recommend
City Cruises Poole
The QuayStep out of Port St James onto the Quay and you'll see several kiosks offering cruises to Brownsea Island and around Poole Harbour (1-hour round trip, or longer if you get off to explore the island); another runs trips to the lovely Saxon town of Wareham along the River Frome (3.5 hours round trip, including one hour ten minutes to explore the town).
Beaches
One of Britain's best beaches, overlooked by some of the world's most expensive waterside property. Renowned for its fine golden sands and clean waters, it's popular with families, who also enjoy the play area and crazy golf course just behind the beach. Watersports equipment (and lessons) are available for hire, too.
210 locals recommend
Sandbanks
One of Britain's best beaches, overlooked by some of the world's most expensive waterside property. Renowned for its fine golden sands and clean waters, it's popular with families, who also enjoy the play area and crazy golf course just behind the beach. Watersports equipment (and lessons) are available for hire, too.
Frequently named Britain's best beach, the fine golden sands of Bournemouth are part of seven miles of beach stretching to Sandbanks. Head to the pier for family activities and stunning views across to the Purbecks and the Isle of Wight, or stroll over to the Oceanarium and Lower Gardens.
149 locals recommend
Bournemouth Beach
Frequently named Britain's best beach, the fine golden sands of Bournemouth are part of seven miles of beach stretching to Sandbanks. Head to the pier for family activities and stunning views across to the Purbecks and the Isle of Wight, or stroll over to the Oceanarium and Lower Gardens.
Activities
Easy Riders Kitesurfing & SUP
Shore RoadBars
Hotel du Vin Poole
7-11 Thames StJust around the corner from the apartment (3 High Street) is this tiny new gin bar, housing a collection of over 300 gins and 75 mixers around the world.
6 locals recommend
Tin of Sardines Poole Quay
3 High StJust around the corner from the apartment (3 High Street) is this tiny new gin bar, housing a collection of over 300 gins and 75 mixers around the world.
Neighbourhoods
Explore the vibrant quayside with spectacular views across the harbour and over to Brownsea Island. The historic quay is lined with pubs, cafes and restaurants (many offering outdoor dining), where you can sit and watch the tall ships, fishing boats and superyachts sail by. Follow in the footsteps of pirates and sea captains on the Cockle Trail walk or head to Poole Museum (free entry), or set sail on a harbour cruise or trip to Wareham or Swanage.
26 locals recommend
The Quay
21 The QuayExplore the vibrant quayside with spectacular views across the harbour and over to Brownsea Island. The historic quay is lined with pubs, cafes and restaurants (many offering outdoor dining), where you can sit and watch the tall ships, fishing boats and superyachts sail by. Follow in the footsteps of pirates and sea captains on the Cockle Trail walk or head to Poole Museum (free entry), or set sail on a harbour cruise or trip to Wareham or Swanage.