Luxury holidays in Poole

It’s a hit with the wetsuit crowd by dint of its huge natural harbour, but Poole delivers the old-school seaside staples, too – sandy beaches, coastal walks and, crucially, great pubs to finish them at. Famous Five-worthy adventures within driving distance include fossil-hunting on the Jurassic Coast and red squirrel-spotting on Brownsea Island, a short ferry ride away. And for the storybook finish, pack a picnic and check out the pretty Isle of Purbeck.

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When to go

Summer is the best bet for determined sun-seekers, just be prepared for busier beaches. If you’re not averse to dressing for all weathers, the Dorset coast holds year-round appeal.

Getting there

  • Planes

    London Heathrow is the nearest major hub, under two hours’ drive away. It’s an hour from Southampton Airport, where flights touch down from cities including Edinburgh, Dublin and Paris. And Bournemouth Airport is just half an hour away, with seasonal flights landing there from across Europe.

  • Trains

    You can coast in direct from London Waterloo in less than two-and-a-half hours.

  • Automobiles

    It’s worth having your own wheels so you can see more of Dorset’s winsome coast and countryside.