Visit Poole

Plan your trip with Tower Park

With its beautiful beaches, bustling quayside and stunning coastal scenery, Poole is a great place to visit whether you’re planning a family day out, meeting friends or making a weekend of it. There’s loads to see and do, from exploring Poole Harbour and strolling along the seafront to discovering local shops, attractions and places to eat.

Spend the day on Sandbanks Beach, take a boat trip around the harbour or explore Poole Old Town before stopping for lunch or dinner. When you’re ready for more entertainment, Tower Park is just a short drive from the town centre, with plenty to keep you occupied from cinema and bowling to waterpark fun, indoor play and dining in one place.

Ready to explore? Discover the best things to do in Poole, where to eat, places to visit and how to make the most of your trip with our guide.

Discover Poole

From sprawling, sandy beaches and bustling harbour views to historic streets, family-friendly attractions and coastal walks, there’s plenty to discover in and around Poole. Whether you’re planning a family day out, meeting friends or visiting for the first time, here are five places to add to your itinerary.

Poole Harbour
One of the world's largest natural harbours, Poole Harbour is a great place to explore the Dorset coast. Take a boat trip, enjoy a leisurely walk or simply take in the scenery. With cafés, restaurants, and attractions nearby, it’s easy to make the most of a few hours.

Sandbanks Beach
Known for its golden sands and stunning coastal setting, Sandbanks Beach is a popular choice for a day by the sea. Build sandcastles, paddle in the shallows or stroll along the shore before stopping for an ice cream. During the warmer months, it’s a great spot to enjoy the best of Poole’s seaside location.

Poole Old Town
Step back in time with a wander around Poole Old Town, where historic buildings, cobbled streets and characterful squares sit alongside independent shops, cafés and pubs. Look out for landmarks such as the medieval St James’ Church before making your way towards Poole Quay.

Brownsea Island
For a memorable day out, take a boat across to Brownsea Island. Managed by the National Trust, the island is home to woodland, heathland and a variety of wildlife, including its famous red squirrels. Follow the walking trails, explore the natural surroundings and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.

Poole Quay
Finish your day at Poole Quay, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés and plenty of opportunities to watch the boats come and go. Enjoy fish and chips on the waterfront, browse the local attractions or check out seasonal events taking place throughout the year.

Tower Park
After exploring the town’s attractions, shops and historic streets, head to Tower Park for indoor entertainment, whether you’re catching the latest blockbuster, challenging the family to ten-pin bowling or stopping for something to eat.

Looking for inspiration? Explore our guide to Tower Park and start planning your visit.

→ Discover places to eat
→ Find things to do

Fun things to do at Tower Park

Vue
Grab some popcorn and settle into a comfy seat for the latest big-screen releases at Vue. With 14 screens and films showing throughout the day, it’s a great way to unwind and enjoy a few hours of cinema entertainment. Look out for family favourites, major blockbusters and special screenings.

Hollywood Bowl
Gather your friends and family and see who can score the most strikes at Hollywood Bowl. With plenty of bowling lanes, an American-inspired diner and an amusement arcade, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained between games.

Splashdown Waterpark
Make a splash at Splashdown Waterpark, home to thrilling flumes and water-based fun for all ages. From exciting rides for bigger kids and adults to family-friendly attractions, it’s a great choice when you’re looking for an action-packed day out. Please note: some of the slides have seasonal openings and pre-booking is advised.

Lemur Landings
Let little ones burn off some energy at Lemur Landings, where they can climb, slide, explore and play across a multi-level indoor play centre. With interactive areas and a role-play village, it’s a great option for younger children, particularly on rainy days.

Buzz Bingo
Fancy an evening out with friends? Head to Buzz Bingo for a few games, entertainment and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a regular player or fancy trying something different, it’s another way to enjoy an evening at Tower Park.

Where to eat during your visit

From fresh seafood and traditional pubs to relaxed cafés, family-friendly restaurants and international flavours, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to eating out. Explore the town centre for independent spots and local favourites, or head to Tower Park for a convenient meal before or after your entertainment.

Tower Park has a great variety of restaurants and casual dining options, making it easy to find something for everyone after an action-packed morning. Enjoy flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken at Nando’s, tuck into Mediterranean flavours at PizzaExpress, or try Asian-inspired dishes at wagamama. There’s also Slim Chickens for crispy fried chicken and Taco Bell for Mexican-inspired favourites to go.

Staying for the weekend?

Spend one day exploring Poole’s highlights, from its sandy beaches and historic Old Town to Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. Then dedicate another to Tower Park, where you can enjoy cinema, bowling, indoor play, waterpark thrills and plenty of places to eat all in one destination.

There’s always something happening in and around Poole, from seasonal events and family activities to live entertainment and local attractions. Before you travel, check what’s on and see what you could add to your itinerary.

→ Explore What's On at Tower Park
→ See What's On in Poole
→ Visit Poole Getting Around

Where to stay in Poole
With its busy ferry port and golden sandy beaches, there’s a good range of hotels and B&Bs to suit all budgets. Staying near the town centre makes it easy to explore the beaches, harbour, historic attractions and restaurants on foot.

Near Tower Park, Premier Inn Poole North on Cabot Lane and Travelodge Poole North at Fleets Corner are convenient budget options if you’re visiting by car. For a stay closer to the centre, Holiday Inn Express Poole offers easy access to local attractions while remaining within a short drive of Tower Park.

For something more luxurious, Hotel du Vin Poole is a boutique option in the heart of the Old Town. Set in an 18th-century building, it offers stylish rooms and suites, a French bistro, wine bar and spa experiences.

The area also makes a convenient base for exploring more of Dorset, with road connections to Bournemouth, Christchurch and the wider Jurassic Coast.

Getting around Poole and Tower Park

By train
Poole railway station has regular services to destinations including Bournemouth, Southampton and London. From the station, Tower Park is about a 10-minute drive or taxi ride, and local bus services are also available.

By bus
Regular bus services connect Tower Park with Poole town centre and surrounding areas, making public transport a convenient option if you’re not travelling by car. Check local routes and timetables before you travel.

By car
Tower Park is located just off the A35 and is easily accessible by road. Following signs for Tower Park from the A35. Free on-site parking is available for visitors. It’s also within easy driving distance of Bournemouth and surrounding areas.

On foot & by bike
If you’re staying nearby, you can reach Tower Park on foot or by bike, with local roads and paths connecting it to surrounding residential areas. For longer journeys, check your route before setting off as some roads around the site are busier than others.

For the latest routes, timetables and travel information, check Dorset Council and Traveline before you travel.

Plan your visit

Planning your next day out? Make Tower Park part of your itinerary and enjoy everything from cinema, bowling and indoor play to waterpark thrills and plenty of places to eat, all in one convenient destination.

Before you visit, check parking, directions, opening times and attraction information to help make the most of your day at Tower Park.

PLAN YOUR VISIT