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Upton
UPTON COUNTRY PARK
Where: Poole Road, Upton, Poole BH17 7BJ. Click here to view on Google Maps
About: Upton House and its elegant walled garden, lawns, parkland and shoreline walks are a favourite with locals and an historic destination not to be missed if you are visiting Poole. It was built between 1816-1818 and is one of the oldest sites in Poole.
It is a Grade 11 listed Georgian Mansion and its surrounding walks and attractions are a favourite of local families, dog-walkers and visitors.
Top Tip: In the summer enjoy one of Upton Park’s outdoor concerts or book a seat for one of its evenings of open-air cinema.
Take a picnic, chairs and a blanket for a perfect evening of summer entertainment. When the weather turns colder enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee in Upton Park Tearooms and soak in the botanical sights of its walled garden.
Poole
BROWNSEA ISLAND
Where: Situated in Poole Harbour. Click here to view on Google Maps
About: Brownsea Island is just a short boat trip from Poole Quay but once there you feel as if you’ve escaped to a different world away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The island, which is owned by the National Trust, and is awaiting re-opening, is famous for its red squirrels, wildlife and woodland walks.
Once you’ve stepped ashore and left the fray behind you can begin to unwind and soak in its unique atmosphere and timelessness.
Each year scouts and guides from across the globe make a pilgrimage to the place where the scouting movement founder Lord Baden-Powell developed and trialled the early Scout Camps. The island with its 19th century is perfect for a family day out with free nature trails and a natural play area and wandering freely amongst visitors.
Top Tip: Take an early evening boat trip and a picnic feast to see Brownsea Island’s Open Air Theatre’s (BOAT) latest production. It’s celebrated outdoor theatre of Shakespeare’s plays are performed for three weeks each year in July and August. Head home on a moonlit sea to the sound of gently lapping waves. Romeo and Juliet has been re-scheduled for 2021.
Poole Museum
*Closed during 2023*
Where: 4 High Street, Poole, BH15 1BW. Click here to view on Google Maps
About: Once you have entered the dramatic glass atrium entrance visitors are transported back through the maritime history of the town and its harbour. Poole Museum is one of the five most visited attractions in the South West and deservedly so.
It has hosted some first-class exhibitions in recent times including Lines of Thought featuring the original drawings of Michelangelo and Leonardo de Vinci and the works of celebrated artist Augustus John, a frequent visitor to Dorset and a friend of Dorset author Thomas Hardy and T.E. Lawrence AKA Lawrence of Arabia whose portraits he painted.
Poole History Centre can be found in Poole Museum, in the Town Cellars, a medieval warehouse with a dramatic high-arched beamed ceiling. It’s the perfect setting for researching the town’s remarkable history with many available resources from old newspapers to maps and documents.
Poole Museum has achieved the Visit England Covid-19 Industry Standard to ensure the safety of visitors. Timed free entry tickets for 45-60 minute visits are booked in advance because of the restrictions on numbers at this time. Click here to book tickets or call the museum on 01202 262600
Top Tip: Grab a balcony seat overlooking Poole Harbour in Poole Museum’s fourth floor Cafe and enjoy the stunning seascape.
SCAPLEN’S COURT MUSEUM AND GARDEN
Where: Sarum St, Poole, BH15 IJW. Click here to view on Google Maps
About: For a real taste of Poole’s ancient past a visit to Scaplen’s Court tucked away just a few yards from Poole Quay is a must-see experience. Although originally built by one of the town’s wealthy merchants it late became George’s Inn and was occupied by the Roundheads during the English Civil War.
In the 18th century the property was acquired by John Scaplen, after whom it was eventually named. The building was restored in 1986 by Poole Borough Council and in 2006/2007 it was used to dry an Iron Age log boat recovered from Poole Harbour – now on display in nearby Poole Museum
Top Tip: Visit the adjoining Scaplen’s Court Garden which was transformed into a herb and physic garden by volunteers from the town. It’s calming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to take time out and breathe in the scents of lavender and rosemary.
POOLE’S HISTORIC QUAYSIDE
Where: The far end of the High Street just past Poole Museum. Click here to view of Google Maps
About: Poole Quay is the beating heart of the town with some of the oldest buildings in Dorset and a history of trading with the Roman Empire before the Romans arrived in AD 43. Traditional pubs, seafood restaurants and cafe bars line the quayside. Just sit back and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views across the harbour.
Throughout the summer there’s always something happening from folk festivals to street markets. Visitors can treat themselves to one of the many boat cruises on offer sailing around the harbour to take in the spectacular views of the Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and Brownsea Island. During August Thursday night is Firework Night at Poole Quay and local people and holidaymakers throng to the quayside to enjoy street entertainment and music.
It’s a fun-filled party atmosphere to suit all ages and ends with a spectacular display of fireworks in the harbour
Top Tip: Grab a bird’s eye view of the quayside and harbour by climbing the viewing platform of the Sea Music Sculpture by Sir Anthony Caro or set out on The Cockle Trail which will take you to the main points of interest and showcase the town’s historical events over the centuries.