Accessibility Guide

This guide is split into a column view due to our website's page structure so should you wish to read the content in order you would start with the left column and read to the bottom of the page then head back to the top of the page to read the right column. 

You can also download a PDF version of the Poole Accessibility guide. 

Published by Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council.

Please note, while considerable care has been taken to research the information in this guide, details are subject to change.

Before booking or making any travel arrangements we strongly advise all information is checked directly with the business, establishment, or organisation to ensure that your specific needs can be met.

This Poole Accessibility Information Guide is aimed at visitors of all abilities.

We hope that you find this guide useful and welcome any comments, updates and feedback to improve it.

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council cannot accept any responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions for information supplied by third parties. Please note that no official audit has been undertaken by BCP Council.

Last updated:  April 2024

Welcome to Poole

Located on the beautiful South Coast, Poole is a large coastal town, home to Europe’s largest natural harbour and stunning blue flag beaches.

Poole is rich in history and the beautiful Old Town remains largely unchanged. From the cobbled streets to the striking Georgian mansions, Poole offers visitors a truly unique experience.

Poole’s historic Quayside is a working port with a wonderful mix of attractions, activities, shops and waterfront restaurants, cafes, and historic inns. Look out for tall ships, fishing boats and luxury Sunseeker powerboats. With a bustling atmosphere and a summer events programme, Poole Quay is the perfect destination for all to enjoy.

Poole’s town centre is the perfect shopping destination with a mix of top high street brands and independent retailers. The Dolphin Shopping Centre offers the very best in fashion, lifestyle, gifts, and homewares.

Poole’s stunning resort beaches stretch across three miles of golden sands with contemporary waterside bars and restaurants.

Poole Tourist Information Centre

• Pop in for information or to pick up guides and leaflets. You can also obtain these in Poole Library. RADAR Keys for purchase (£5.00).

Address: Hennings Quay, Poole Quay, Poole, BH15 1GZ                                       Phone: 01202 128888
Website: www.pooletourism.com

Poole opening hours:

April - October  
Open Daily: 10:00 – 17:00
November – March
Open Daily: 10:00 - 16:00  

January

Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:00                                                                                  Saturday – Sunday: Closed 

Visiting and parking:

• Quay Visitors Car Park, BH15 1SB (including Blue Badge)
• Three new disabled parking bays outside The Custom House

Poole Accommodation

Accommodation in Poole and the surrounding area is extremely diverse, with something to satisfy everyone’s taste, pocket, and accessibility requirements. The accommodation providers listed below have stated that they have some accessible facilities. As personal circumstances vary, we strongly recommend contacting establishments before booking, to confirm that they are suitable for your specific needs.

If you need any further help, please call the Tourist Information Centre on 01202 128 888 or email: info@pooletourism.com

Hotels & Guesthouses

Sandbanks Hotel – FJB Collection
Address: 15 Banks Road, Poole, BH13 7PS
Phone Number: 0800 48 400 48
Website: www.fjbcollection.co.uk

Harbour Heights Hotel – FJB Collection
Address: 73 Haven Road, Poole, BH13 7LW
Phone Number: 0800 48 400 48
Website: www.fjbcollection.co.uk

The Haven Hotel – FJB Collection
Address: Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QL
Phone Number: 0800 48 400 48
Website: www.fjbcollection.co.uk

The Riviera Hotel and Holiday Apartments
Address: Burnaby Road, Alum Chine, Bournemouth, BH4 8JF
Phone Number: 01202 763 653
Website: www.rivierabournemouth.co.uk

Cranborne House
Address: 45 Shaftesbury Road, Poole BH15 2LU
Phone Number: 01202 685 200
Website: www.cranborne-house.co.uk

Holiday, Touring & Camping Sites, Self-Catering

South Lytchett Manor Camping and Caravan Park
Address: Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6JB
Phone Number: 01202 622 577
Website: www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk

Wareham Forest Tourist Park
Address: North Trigon, Wareham, BH20 7NZ
Phone Number: 01929 551 393
Website: www.warehamforest.co.uk

Sandford Holiday Park
Address: Holton Heath, Poole, BH16 6JZ
Phone Number: 0333 207 6965
Website: www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk

Springfield Touring Park
Address: Candys Lane, Corfe Mullen, BH21 3EF
Phone Number: 01202 881 719
Website: www.springfieldtouringpark.co.uk
For further details on accommodation in Poole and the surrounding area please visit  www.pooletourism.com/accommodation  

Poole’s Beaches

Three miles of golden sands, clean clear waters and contemporary waterside restaurants, cafes, and bars.  Five sheltered beaches, including Sandbanks - winner of more Blue Flags than any UK resort - with soft golden sands.

For further details visit: www.pooletourism.com/things-to-do/beaches   

We want you to have the best experience when visiting our beautiful beaches here on the south coast.

Enjoy the beach whatever the weather from swimming, water sports, a walk, or just experience the views from one of the beachside restaurants, the perfect place to watch the world go by.

Assistance dogs are allowed on beaches that are marked ‘no dogs on the beach’ during peak times 1 May – 30 September.

Beach Accessible Wheelchairs

For easier access onto the sand, beach-going wheelchairs fitted with balloon tyres are available on loan from Bournemouth, Boscombe, Branksome Chine and Sandbanks beach offices. With one available from each office between 9.30am to 4.30pm from May to September, these are loaned on a first come, first served basis in return for a refundable £50 cash deposit.

Sandbanks beach has Mobi-Mats to help wheelchair users move easily from the promenade onto the sand and closer to the sea. These are available between May and September.

Beach Huts to Hire

Hiring a beach hut on Poole's beaches is the perfect way to enjoy some of the UK's Coast with the Most. With beach huts available at Branksome Dene, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Shore Road and Sandbanks Beach, there really is a beach hut suitable for everyone along Poole’s stunning seafront.  Find your perfect hut on the location map. There are 2 accessible electric BBQs at Branksome Chine.

Beach huts can be booked for 4 weeks or extended periods during specific periods, please follow the beach hut hire links below for further details: www.pooletourism.com/things-to-do/poole-beach-hut-hire/beach-hit-hire-faqs

Poole Attractions and Activities

Poole and the surrounding area offer a perfect mix of seaside fun, beautiful gardens, parks and nature reserves and some fascinating and exciting attractions and activities.

Below are a selection of attractions and activities in and around Poole. Please note, the information has been provided by the businesses themselves and we strongly recommend you contact the attractions directly to check any information in advance to ensure your specific needs can be met.

Poole Park

Address: Poole, BH15 2SF                                  Website: www.pooletourism.com/things-to-do/poole-park-p2419323

If you’re looking for the tranquillity of a beautiful parkland greenspace, accessible by a level walk from the quayside, with stunning views along the way, Poole Park might just be your perfect retreat. This large park borders Poole town’s magnificent harbour and is open all year-round all day. Poole Park lake is at the centre and is surrounded by facilities such as tennis courts, bowling green, children's indoor and outdoor play areas, or try the fitness trail, water sports on the lake or the mini golf course. There are three free car parks within the park, and you can also park free on the roads within Poole Park. Each car park operates parking time limits; please observe signage in the park.

Poole Museum & Scaplen’s Court

Website: www.poolemuseum.co.uk   
NOTE: the museum is currently closed for major refurbishments.

Brownsea Island

via ferry from Poole Quay – ticket offices on the Quay                                                via ferry from Sandbanks service – prebooked - book here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/visiting-brownsea-island-from-sandbanks#cb-101375353-0

Phone number: 01202 707744
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island
Email: brownseaisland@nationaltrust.org.uk

Brownsea Island is situated in Europe's largest natural harbour and has been owned by the National Trust since 1962. Take a short boat trip from Poole Quay (Sandbanks service suspended for 2022) to discover an island rich in history and wildlife. Enjoy peace and tranquillity, breath-taking coastal views, walks and family trails.
 

Brownsea Seahorse

The Brownsea Seahorse is a landing craft, purchased by the National Trust to support a variety of essential island operations but primarily, it enables wheelchair users that are unable to access the island via the public passenger ferry, to visit the island.

Brownsea Seahorse sails on set days (tide determined). - Booking is essential.  

Phone Number: 01202 707744                                                                                Email: brownseaisland@nationaltrust.org.uk                                                                  Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island

Pick up location is from the Sandbanks Yacht Company slipway (postcode BH13 7RD).  The entrance is on the left-hand side next to the Stephen Noble Estate Agent Shop). No parking is available on site at the Sandbanks Yacht Company, but there is on-street pay and display parking in the surrounding roads.  These bays are reserved for blue badge holders: Panorama Road BH13 7RD, Brownsea Road BH13 7QR, Seacombe Road BH13 7RJ, and Grasmere Road BH13 7RH.

Electric buggy tours available, please call ahead as this is dependent on volunteer availability and vehicle operation times may differ through the season. Free all-terrain wheelchairs available from the visitor reception, pre-booking essential. Staff at the Visitor Reception can advise on best paths for wheelchair users. Large print maps of the island available.
 

Brownsea Island Ferries

From Poole Quay: Yellow Kiosk, BH15 1HJ                                                            Phone Number: 01929 462383                                                                            Website: www.brownseaislandferries.com

Sightseeing cruises available: Brownsea and Around the Islands, Old Harry, Swanage Bay & the Jurassic Coast, Wareham River Cruise, Bournemouth Air Show and Firework Cruises. This company will be able to get you to Brownsea Island. Due to the jetty and vessel design, adults who use wheelchairs must be able to walk (assisted if necessary) just a few steps for access at boarding gates, as crews are not permitted to lift occupied wheelchairs. Each wheelchair must be accompanied by an attendant to assist a disabled person in the event of an emergency on board.

Greenslades Pleasure Boats

From Poole Quay: Orange Kiosk, BH15 1HJ                                                                  Phone number: 01202 669955                                                                                    Email: info@greensladepleasureboats.co.uk                                                      Website: www.greensladepleasureboats.co.uk

Sightseeing cruises available: Poole Harbour Cruise, Wareham River Cruise, Coastal Cruise, Birdwatching Cruise, Bournemouth Air Show and Firework Cruises.

Greenslades welcome disabled customers on board our vessels, but for safe access and a small degree of mobility is needed by everyone. Due to the jetty and vessel design, adults who use wheelchairs must be able to walk (assisted if necessary) just a few steps for access at boarding gates, as crews are not permitted to lift occupied wheelchairs.

Each wheelchair must be accompanied by an attendant to assist a disabled person in the event of an emergency on board.  We regret that electrically propelled wheelchairs will not be carried, due to the difficulties that might arise in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation from the vessel.  In all cases, the number of wheelchairs that may be carried is at the absolute discretion of the vessel’s Master.

Please contact the ferry operators directly, for further information and if you have any questions regarding accessibility.

City Cruises Poole

Phone Number: 020 77 400 400                                                                                      Email: poolesales@citycruises.com                                                                              Website: www.citycruisespoole.com

Sightseeing cruises available: Harbour Islands Circular Cruise, Poole Jurassic Circular Cruise, Poole to Swanage Return, Sea Train Adventure, Wareham Evening Cruise, Harbour Lights Cruise, Bird watching Cruise and Firework Cruises.

A small amount of mobility will be required; it will require customers to be able to walk a short distance across the gangway. For further information on access please contact City Cruises Poole in advance.

Dolphin III

Phone Number: 01258 857 806                                                                                    Email: irwinrobert31@gmail.com                                                                          Website: www.thefriendsofdolphin.co.uk

Dolphin was conceived as a special project by the Rotary Club of Parkstone in 1979 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Rotary International. The aim was to provide a specially equipped sturdy, safe boat to give free pleasure trips to disabled persons of all ages and disabilities in Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Free trips are provided for disabled people, but early booking is essential to avoid disappointment. The maximum number of passengers that can be accommodated on each trip is 12; this number includes carers and any wheelchairs (either up to 6 manual or 4 powered wheelchairs). Please note that we do not allow mobility scooters on Dolphin. Only Assistance Dogs will be allowed on Dolphin.

Poole Sailability

Phone number: 07935 068 532
Email: poole.sailability@gmail.com
Website: www.poolesailability.org.uk

Poole Sailability helps anyone with impaired health or disability to enjoy sailing in a friendly club environment on the beautiful waters of Poole Harbour. Previous sailing experience is not necessary. We aim to accommodate most disabilities, but you should be able to board a boat unaided, or with limited physical assistance.

Our fleet consists of Hawk 20-day boats, which are very stable and ideal for novices and experienced sailors alike. Each boat can accommodate three sailors and two crew members. We also have a power boat, which accompanies our sailors at all times. Lifejackets are provided to keep you safe.

Knoticat

Phone Number: 07889 970 702
Website: www.knoticatsailing.org.uk

Knoticat is a wheelchair accessible sailing catamaran, owned and operated for the last 22 years by Sports Forum for the Disabled Charity no 900608, with the aim of giving all disabled and carers the opportunity to sail and enjoy the beautiful waters in and around Poole Harbour. We sail weekdays when the weather allows, and we have enough skippers and crew from April to late September and all trips are made under the watchful eye of highly experienced and qualified skippers.  Knoticat has room to take up to five passengers. She has two steering positions, one of which is low level for those in wheelchairs and a fully enclosed cabin with an accessible private toilet. As a catamaran, she provides a stable platform for anyone who is new to sailing. Booking is essential, please phone 07890285356 or 077889970702 and please see our website at www.knoticatsailing.org.uk.

The Wheelyboat Trust

Phone number: 01929 550 688
Website: www.warehamboathire.co.uk/disabled-access-boat/

Wheelyboats provide disabled people with hassle-free and independent access to a variety of waterborne activities. They are designed to accommodate disabled people and wheelchair users easily and safely enabling them to actively participate on the water. There is a ‘Roll-On, Roll-Off’ accessible flat deck providing access to all corners of the boat. There is an accessible helm or drive-from-wheelchair console allowing disabled people to drive the boat themselves. Use as a trip boat or small ferry as well as for pleasure boating, angling and nature / bird watching.

Birds of Poole Harbour

Address: 19 Enefco House, Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ                                               Phone number: 01202 641 003                                                                                  Website: www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk

Birds of Poole Harbour are a charity completely dedicated to the profile of bird ‘conservation’, ‘preservation’ and ‘observation’ in and around Poole Harbour. From local schools, passionate residents, and intrigued tourists ‘Birds of Poole Harbour’ offers a unique learning opportunity to a large audience. Birds of Poole Harbour HQ opened its doors in 2018 with a central Quayside location. The HQ is a focal point for the charity’s work around the harbour as well as an information rich information hub for visitors to explore and learn about the harbour and its birds.

Upton Country Park

Address: Poole Road, Upton, BH17 7BJ
Phone Number: 01202 127770
Email: uptoncountrypark@bcpcouncil.gov.uk                                                          Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com

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 centrepiece. 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!

The Park has a network of hard-surfaced wheelchair friendly footpaths. There are several kissing gates throughout the estate; each is accessible with a RADAR key. Accessible toilets are located in the car park and by the Tea Rooms (RADAR key). A lift from the Tea Rooms takes users to ‘The Gallery Upstairs’ art gallery on the first floor. Access to Upton House ground floor includes entrance/exit ramps and toilet facilities.

Compton Acres

Address: 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, BH13 7ES
Phone number: 01202 700 778
Website: www.comptonacres.co.uk                                                               

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England. Having undergone extensive refurbishment in the past 10 years Compton Acres is now highly regarded as one of the most important historic gardens in the UK.  The gardens are laid out on a circular route, like clusters of jewels on a sparkling necklace, allowing the visitor to discover each garden in turn. Highlights include the Grand Italian Garden, a Rock and Water Garden, a Heather Garden and an authentic Japanese Garden which was designed and built by a Japanese architect with many ornaments imported from Japan. There is surprise, beauty, and interest at every turn at Compton Acres.

The majority of our gardens are wheelchair accessible with paths and ramps. However, some areas of our gardens are relatively steep, so, whilst accessible by wheelchair, assistance may be needed by someone with adequate strength. Our friendly gardeners can be on hand to help if required. Dogs are allowed in both the gardens and our café and tearooms. However, we do ask that visitors kindly respect the space of other visitors and keep the dogs close to your own vicinity. Free car parking is available at Compton Acres in our refurbished car park.

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

Address: Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU
Phone number: 01202 622 022
Email: shop@farmerpalmers.co.uk                                                        Website: farmerpalmers.co.uk                                                                 

Farmer Palmer’s is the fabulous Farm Park where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their hair down’ without older children around to stifle their enjoyment. The whole attraction has been designed with little ones in mind (aged 0-8 years). Spanning across 30 acres, with surrounding fields of countryside, you can have an active or relaxed time with us. Visitors spend around four hours with us to enjoy all that the farm has to offer. Our opening times vary throughout the year so it’s always best to check the website before visiting. Due to the natural environment, there are some surfaces around the park that are raised and uneven. However, the majority of the site is pushchair /wheelchair accessible. We have accessible toilet facilities including a family room with baby changing tables. There is a wheelchair on site for customer use (first come, first served allocation).

Additional facilities include disabled parking spaces, discount on membership for disabled/carers, wide doorways, and ramped entrance ways. We recommend looking at our accessibility information prior to visiting:

www.farmerpalmers.co.uk/plan-your-visit-farmer-palmers/useful-information-farmer-palmers/disabilities-and-accessibility-farmer-palmers/

Lemur Landings Soft Play

Address: Tower Park, Poole, BH12 4NY
Phone number: 01202 740 500
Email: play@lemurlandings.co.uk                                                        Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk

Multi award-winning children’s entertainment centre, Lemur Landings is one of the biggest and best play centres in Dorset. We’re passionate about play and children being able to be active in a safe, fun, and stimulating environment, so come and explore, leap, run, climb, and play the day away!

Lemur Landings has a platform accessibility lift and disabled toilet. We have taken every measure to ensure that our centre is accessible for disabled visitors; however, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to deem the suitability of our play equipment for the needs of their child/children. Full accessibility guide on the website with further information.

Cineworld

Address: Tower Park, Yarrow Road, BH12 4NY
Phone number: 0330 333 4444
Website: www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/poole                                                      

At Cineworld Cinemas, we are committed to offering maximum accessibility and we strive to provide facilities that meet the requirements of all our customers.

Poole lists that it has disabled access, guide dogs allowed, audio and subtitled films are available.

If you need more details about disabled access for specific film showings, please visit your local Cineworld Cinema or contact Customer Services.

Lighthouse – Poole’s Centre for the Arts

Address: Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG
Phone number: 01202 280 000
Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk                                                       

Experience, explore, discover, and join in with the arts at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts. Located in the heart of Poole, Lighthouse welcomes thousands of visitors each year to experience a broad range of live events.

Lighthouse has level access to the foyers, bars, café, toilets and performance spaces and all floors. There are designated setting down and collection bays for disabled people immediately outside. Parking spaces are available in all Poole car parks. Sound enhancement systems are available in the concert hall, theatre, cinema, and studio.

Lighthouse has two visitor wheelchairs, subject to availability, ask at the ticket office. Assistance dogs welcome throughout the building and dog bowls are available from the Ticket Office. Lighthouse is a member of the national RADAR toilet scheme. There are disabled toilets on all floors. If you need support from a carer or personal assistant, we offer a complimentary ticket for your carer, contact the Ticket Office.

Lighthouse holds relaxed performance events, suitable for people with Aspergers, autism, dementia or learning difficulties. Please call the ticket office if you have questions.