Always check with the transport provider for times before beginning your journey.

Explore the places cars can't go, without the worry of getting stuck in traffic, or queuing for the ferry.   There's something exciting around every corner!

Don't miss out on the area where you are staying, ask a local, stretch your legs and explore.

Before travelling why not ask for a Travel Pack "Getting About Poole....Your Way" from transportation@poole.gov.uk giving information on cycle routes, buses, taxis and maps all you need to make your visit easier.

Southwest Trains are now offering their 2 for 1 offers to lots of attractions in the area.   Come by train and take advantage - visit SouthWest Trains Days Out Guide for more info.

Walking & Cycling

There are some fantastic walks in the area to suit all types.

Why not try a local walk from Poole’s picturesque quayside, alongside Poole Harbour’s shoreline path to Baiter. Return via Poole Park – or for the more adventurous stroll through some of Poole’s older suburban streets to Parkstone Park, stopping for a mid-journey coffee break, before returning via the Civic Centre and Poole Park.  Head the other way from the Quay to Upton Country Park, and catch the bus back.   Buses now stop at Upton Park but don't forget to check the times. 

Walk along the ten miles of beach from Haven Point to Bournemouth, its even better in the spring and autumn, or take the ferry to Shell Bay and walk along to Studland, stopping for a snack at Knoll House on the way.

Try a walk along the fantastic Jurassic Coastline (a World Heritage Site), following the South West Coast Path  - stunning scenery but be prepared for hills! 

Cycling the Dorset Countryside

Bike Hire - if a bike is more your style then visit The Bicycle Company - they will even deliver bikes to your accommodation (2+)  or The Watersports Academy on the Sandbanks Penisula Tel: 01202 708283 www.thewatersportsacademy.com . Front Bike Hire  is located on Bournemouth Seafront and can also delivery your bike to you.

Poole Harbour Trails - why not try one of the six Poole Habour Trail walks.  Buy your leaflets from the Poole Welcome Centre or visit www.pooleharbourtrails.org.uk   see the Habour from a completely different perspective.

Take a day out to enjoy the local parks.   There's lots to do in Poole Park - watersports, ice skating, bowling, tennis, a minature railway, restaurants or just enjoy the wildlife.     Upton Park offers some great walks and different views of the harbour.

Try the Cockle Trail to discover the local history, or visit walks with buggies and select Dorset for a list of local walks.   For a full list of walks and cycle trails click here.

Join an RSPB Birdboat and witness the varied bird life of Poole Harbour in the company of their guides.    Dates throughout the year call Brownsea Island Ferries 01929 462383 for more details.

For more walks and cycle routes go to our Walking & Cycling page.

Take the bus for a walk! 

Both Wilts & Dorset and Yellow Buses  offer services to all parts of the surrounding areas. Pick up a FirstDay or Explorer ticket and you can hop on and off everytime you see something that catches your eye.

Travel on the Coastlinx53 to the Jurassic Coast – a day out costs so little. Treat yourself to a FirstDay Explorer – you can stop off along the route wherever you wish, walk a section, and continue on a later bus. Pick up a leaflet in the Welcome Centre or call 0871 200 2233.

Visit the historic city of Salisbury for a great day out - the X3 bus gives you great views from the top or take the open top bus to Swanage (via the floating bridge). 

Take the X12 bus from Bournemouth to Lymington and pick up the open top tour bus – for more details visit www.thenewforesttour.info .

and don't worry if you are a night owl, the Nightbus runs from Bournemouth to Poole every half hour after midnight.....

Feeling Adventurous

Take the bus to Ulwell near Swanage, walk along the hilltop to Corfe Castle taking in the amazing views of the harbour on one side, and the Isle of Purbeck on the other, have lunch in Corfe, and pick up the steam train  to Swanage. Then return by boat or bus to Poole Quay or take the Sea Train Adventure and combine a boat trip to the town of Swanage, a steam train to Corfe Castle and return by bus or train. www.bluelinecruises.co.uk for info.

Take the bus to Studland and pick up the South West coast Path – the views of Old Harry Rocks are magnificent from here – follow the path into Swanage.

Discover the beautiful shores of Poole Harbour by kayak- explore the harbours' normally inaccessible shores and land on uninhabited islands. Tours with Poole Harbour Boardsailing .

Hire a bike and explore the New Forest or Purbeck area - you’ll see a lot more without the car. The are plenty of opportunities to cycle, walk and ride – and you’ll see, smell and feel the beauty of the forest & countryside.

Safari by tractor and trailer rides in Burley Park to see the Red Deer. www.newforestsafari.co.uk

These boots aint made for walking

There’s still lots to do if you don’t wish to walk far – Poole Quay offers a host of boat trips – visit Brownsea Island or just cruise the harbour, take a day trip to Swanage and Bournemouth for a day out. Visit the historic town of Wareham by boat and have a few hours ashore.

Why not try a sea train adventure - depart from Poole Quay by boat, sail through Poole Harbour and along the splendid Dorset Heritage Coast to the resort of Swanage.   Spend time in town before boarding a steam train for a nostalgic journey through six miles of Purbeck countryside to Corfe Castle .  You can return by train and boat or choose to have the flexibility of unlimited travel on Wilts and Dorset Buses.  For info ring 01202 467882.

For a really fun and stress free day out, try a super day trip on the coach. Just relax in your comfortable seat without the hassle of driving. Visit the Welcome Centre  for more info - coaches can be joined at designated local points.

Enjoy a cruise on the last sea going paddle steamer in the world - the Waverley runs a variety of day, afternoon and evening cruises at times during late summer - for more information ask at the Welcome Centre for details. 

Looking for company?

Take a fully guided tour to some of Dorset's most famous landmarks with Discover Dorset   be picked up from your accommodation! Meet other people and find the hidden parts of Dorset.

Let the train take the strain

Southwest Trains go directly to Wareham, Dorchester and Weymouth. Take a walk along the Wareham Walls. Or head east to the Christchurch and the New Forest.

For organised walking tours try:

The specialist provider of walking holidays and heritage tours in Dorset