Days Out Without the Car in Poole

We hope these ideas will inspire you to leave the car behind and get the most out of our area.

Visit the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) for information on cycle routes, buses, boat trips, taxis, and maps—all you need to make your visit easier.

Walks and Trails
There are some fantastic walks and trails in the area to suit all types of walkers and hikers. Walk from Poole’s picturesque quayside, alongside Poole Harbour’s shoreline path, to Baiter. Head the other way to Upton Country Parkand catch a bus back!

Stroll along the ten miles of beach from Haven Point to Hengistbury Head, or take the ferry to Shell Bay and walk the beach to Studland.
Hike along the Jurassic Coastline (a World Heritage Site) with stunning scenery, but be prepared for hills.

See the harbour from a different perspective with one of the six Poole Harbour Trail walks. Buy your leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre.
Discover local history with the Cockle Trail and Poole Trail.

Parks
Enjoy the local parks. Poole Park offers a choice of activities. Upton Country Park offers easy walking, including a boardwalk where you may catch sight of the many birds that visit the shoreline.

Take the bus for a walk!
Both More Bus offers services to the surrounding areas. Pick up a FirstDay ticket, and you can hop on and off every time you see something that catches your eye. Travel on the First Dorset service to the Jurassic Coast; pick up a timetable in the Tourist Information Centre.

Visit the historic city of Salisbury or catch the Purbeck Breezer and enjoy the open-top view to Swanage (via the ferry).

Feeling Adventurous
Take the bus to Ulwell near Swanage, wander along the downs to Corfe Castle, or hop off at Studland and follow the path to Old Harry Rocks for magnificent views.
Go on the Sea Train Adventure and combine a boat trip to the town of Swanage with a steam train to Corfe Castle, and return by bus or train.

Hire a bike and experience some fantastic routes across the countryside.

These boots ain't made for walking
Don’t wish to walk far? Poole Quay offers a host of boat trips—visit Brownsea Island or cruise the harbour; take a day trip to Swanage; or take a river cruise to Wareham and have a few hours ashore.

Join an RSPB birdboat and witness the varied bird life of Poole Harbour in the company of professional guides. Boats run at various times throughout the year.

Looking for company?
Take a fully guided tour of some of Dorset's most famous landmarks with Discover Dorset. Find the hidden parts of Dorset with a guide.

Let the train take the strain
Southwest trains go directly to Wareham, Dorchester, and Weymouth, or head east to Christchurch and the New Forest.

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