Winter in Poole

Looking for a winter break by the coast? Poole offers a fantastic holiday destination for everyone and can offer you lots of memorable experiences along our coastline. Poole’s beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens, as well as its rich maritime history, make Poole a perfect winter staycation destination.

Winter Activities

There are lots of exciting, exhilarating, and fascinating things to see and do during the winter months. Whether you’re with friends, family, or young children, on a romantic getaway, or travelling solo, you won’t be short of options in Poole and the surrounding area.

Explore Poole’s historic quayside, host to visiting tall ships, fishing vessels, and luxury motor yachts, before delving into the heart of the Old Town to discover more about this town’s links to its maritime past. Poole’s stunning natural harbour is the largest in Europe, with its eight unique islands and striking peninsula.

Poole is a watersports haven. Enjoy the ‘blue health’ wellbeing benefits that Poole can offer from paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, or kayaking; the choice is yours. Visit our activities pages to find out more…

Wrap up and discover Poole’s local nature reserves, parks, and gardens, not forgetting the beautiful harbour and beach walks with views of the Purbecks and beyond. On our doorstep is the Jurassic Coastline, with miles of walking and wildlife opportunities for all to discover.

Local Attractions

Whatever the weather, Poole and the surrounding area have lots of places to explore and discover. From museums, historic houses, and galleries to a historic harbourfront offering boat cruises and beautiful walking and wildlife spotting opportunities to fun-filled waterparks and glorious gardens.

Visit our attractions and activities pages to find out more.

Shopping and Eating Out

Treat yourself and enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of our fabulous restaurants, historic pubs, cafes, bistros, and bars. Poole is home to some of the finest seafood in the South, with restaurants boasting envious seascapes.

Along the Quayside are a huge range of restaurants, cafes, and traditional pubs serving fresh seafood and dining for every budget. From traditional fish and chips to the finest French dining, soak up the atmosphere and the beautiful harbour views.

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Stretching from the water’s edge at Poole Quay up to Dorset’s largest covered shopping centre, Poole offers lots of shopping experiences, from individual family-run stores and high-street brands to coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants, and a weekly outdoor market every Thursday and Saturday. The Dolphin Shopping Centre is perfect for some winter retail therapy, with stores ranging from top high-street favourites to individual stores. Visit the new shopping district, Kingland, next to the Dolphin Shopping Centre, home to hand-picked independent retailers bringing together Dorset’s most innovative young entrepreneurs to create one exciting, curated retail environment in Poole town centre.

Where to stay this winter

If you’re making plans for a winter break check out our accommodation pages, from family-run bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels overlooking the coastline, to self-catering apartments and houses helping you to enjoy a winter break by the coast.  

Entertainment, Events, and Festivals

Poole is a vibrant resort with plenty to see and do whether you're visiting overnight or for the day, or longer! From international concert venues and theatres to live music nights and exhibitions, there are lots of places where you can be entertained, soak up some culture, see a film, or take part in family fun activities.

Located in the heart of Poole, the Lighthouse is the largest regional arts centre in the UK and home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Lighthouse holds a symphonic concert hall, mid-scale theatre, small-scale studio theatre, independent cinema, art galleries, and function rooms so their audiences can discover and enjoy an extraordinary mix of art forms all under one roof. Lighthouse boasts a year-round programme of national and international events including dance, music, drama, comedy, film, visual arts, workshops, and family theatre.

Tower Park is a large entertainment venue based three miles from Poole town centre. Regardless of the weather, this venue has something for all the family including a 16-screen cinema, bowling, bingo, indoor waterpark, soft play, and a range of popular food outlets.

During the winter months and especially during the Christmas festivities there are lots of local entertainment, attractions, and activity providers that will have themed and special events for all the family, look at our What’s On pages for more information.