During the glorious long days of summer, when the sunshine gets warmer, the skies bluer and the restaurants and bars busier it’s fun to think about the gems that lie beyond the seafront across the conurbation of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Of course, the miles of beautiful, sandy, awarding-winning beaches are unmissable when visiting the region at any time of the year but there are many other extraordinary things to do and places to visit. Castles and quays, harbours and museums, parks, gardens, and nature reserves are all available to visit across the region alongside a plethora of interesting shopping, drinking, and eating venues and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, on and off the water.
Things to do
Historic Poole Quay is always busy with no shortage of alfresco and indoor spots to eat drink and marvellous views of the National Trust’s Brownsea Island, where you can enjoy the peacocks, red squirrels and peaceful, calming woodland walks. The impressive Poole Harbour is home to a huge variety of seabirds and is perfect for fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, stand up paddling, power - boating and many other water sports. There are a variety of boat cruises that can be experienced, departing from The Quay, taking in The Harbour, the Islands or going west to Swanage.
This beautiful coastal conurbation boasts several fascinating and diverse museums and places of historical interest, all worth visiting even when the sun shines! One of the best is the fascinating Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court, set in a 19th Century quayside warehouse with an atrium extension dating from 2007. The museum’s galleries tell the story of the historic maritime town of Poole and its stunning natural harbour from pre -history to the 21st Century. Meanwhile, The Lighthouse Poole is one of the biggest Arts Centres in the south offering theatre, ballet, opera, cinema, art and classical music whatever the weather.
A set of creative, modern and independent stores and art galleries has opened on Poole’s Kingsland Crescent next to the Dolphin Shopping Centre, breathing fresh, creative life into the heart of the town’s shopping district. Bespoke, ethical, vegan perfumes from and Fragrance, rub shoulders with the freshest daily catch from Greenslade Fishmongers and Grounded Coffee offers delicious drinks and has an on-site roaster. If mid-century stylish furniture is your thing then go to Restored Retro. Viper Gin provides that important hit to buy or gently sip at the bar while Hux combines surfboard making and café dining in an ingenious, buzzy setting.
For family fun, visit Tower Park Leisure Complex where a galaxy of entertainment awaits. Enjoy some flumin' great fun at Splashdown Waterpark and soft play heaven at Lemur Landings. You will also find a multiplex cinema, bowling and a range of restaurants on site, to keep you busy whatever the weather.
Food and drink
Exquisite seafood, impeccable service and stunning Harbour views can be found at Rick Stein’s Sandbanks restaurant while Rockfish on Poole Quay offers the freshest fish, bright interiors, and a chilled atmosphere. Family run bistro Oriel creates delicious Mediterranean dishes with plenty of inventive vegan and gluten free options across two sites at Sandbanks and on The Quay. Nestled in between old highstreet buildings, dating back to the 16th century, The Courtyard Tearooms is a quirky space where you can enjoy delectable sweet treats.
Nature and the great outdoors
The whole region is perfect for cycling, walking, dog walking, running, hiking and every type of water sport. There are many trails and routes through the glorious gardens, around bustling harbours, along winding rivers and across areas of stunning natural beauty such as Stour Valley and over 500 hectares of heathland to explore. Why not tour Poole on a hired Beryl bicycle or e-scooter where you will be able to take in the beautiful sites, as well as getting that all important exercise in.
Upton Country Park, to the west of Poole town centre, has something for everyone. Marvel at the grand Grade II* listed Georgian Mansion House, enjoy the wildlife along the shoreline, allow the children to blow off steam at Spurrier’s Play Park or with a ball game on the front lawn, enjoy a range of activities and events – or simply find a quiet spot to admire the amazing horticulture and beautiful botanical Walled Garden.
Compton Acres, one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England, provides beautiful fresh air enjoyment and extraordinary floral delights. Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven, relax in the r charming Café & Tea Rooms, browse the treasures in the Gifted Moment store or delve into the exciting world of plants within our Plant Centre.
Beyond Poole
Further afield in the east, west and north of Dorset the varied delights of Swanage and Swanage Railway, Lyme Regis, Dorchester, Corfe Castle, Monkey World, Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Paulton’s Park, Farmer Palmers Farm Park and Sherborne Castle can be enjoyed by everybody.
There is so much to do Beyond the Beach!
Beyond our award-winning sands across Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, there are many other extraordinary things to do and places to visit! From castles and quays, harbours and museums to parks, gardens and nature reserves as well as a plethora of interesting shopping, drinking and eating venues. Discover #BeyondTheBeach this Summer! pooletourism.com/explore/beyond-the-beach #LovePoole
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