Fun Things To Do Near Poole, In Winter

Photo Credit: Nick Fewings - The sandbanks in Poole, UK.

On the southern coast of England, you will find the quaint coastal town of Poole. Poole is famous for its natural harbor, which has served as a primary trading seaport for hundreds of years. It is the largest natural harbor in Europe.

Because of Poole's lovely beaches, water sports, and vibrant waterfront, the summer months are filled with visitors worldwide. As we enter the winter months, we expect cooler temperatures and rain. Do not let a bit of cold weather ruin your adventure to Poole.

In this article, we will share some tips on how to have an enjoyable stay in Poole, even on a winter day. In fact, with fewer tourists, you may find winter to be a great time to play a Poole getaway.

About the town

Poole is a resort town in the county of Dorset. Accommodations are easy to find with many 4+ star hotels. Enjoy a wide variety of restaurants in Poole, including Rick Stein from the Michelin Guide. Fresh seafood is a mainstay of the area.

Photo credit: Belinda Fewings - Boscombe Pier, Bournemouth, UK

Irish Influence

Dorset County has significant Irish influence throughout the county. There are people in the area that can trace ancestry back to Ireland. There are many Irish Pubs where you can pop in for a pint and live music to set the mood.

Relax and try your luck playing the Irish Lottery online. You can play from your mobile app using your smartphone or from your hotel using a computer. Daisy O'Brien's Irish Bar, Shamrock Bar, and The Spinnaker are favorites among the favorite Irish pubs in town. For authentic Irish dining, try O’Neills Bournemouth or The Porthole. These establishments are not just for tourists but for the people who love the culture.

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse, Poole’s Center For The Arts, is near the top of your list. It is the most significant and impressive arts center in the UK.

The Lighthouse is home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and has a symphonic concert hall. Inside you will also find a theater, a smaller studio theater, an independent cinema, several art galleries, and various function rooms. There is an extraordinary and unusual mix of art types all in this single location. If you visit on a Saturday, keep time in your schedule to attend a Coastal Comedy Show at the venue.

Photo credit: Charles Sims - A photo of Poole Harbour at sunset.

Poole Museum & Scaplen’s Court

Set in a Victorian warehouse, the Museum has four floors of galleries that will bring the rich history of Poole to life. You will learn Poole's history, which dates back thousands of years. The history of Poole spans oceans and brings together a unique blend of people who make up the area today. There is so much included in these galleries that we cannot feature it all. You will see beautiful art, archaeology, and pottery and hear exciting adventures of past pirates in the area.

Visit the Town Cellars, which house the Local History center. These cellars date back as far as 1300. Scaplen’s Court is a complete medieval domestic building that is the home of the Museums education service.

You will find various exhibits throughout the year. Entry to the museum and exhibits are free.

Poole Quayside

Poole Quayside is a popular area for Italian dining. La Lupa is the oldest Italian restaurant in Poole. La Lupa features a Neapolitan-style pizza.

Poole Quayside has some of the finest independent shops where you can find just about anything. Buy beautiful works of art, fine jewelry, shoes, clothing, and famous Poole candy.

If it is too cool to walk from shop to shop, head to Dolphin Shopping Center. Dolphin’s is the largest covered shopping mall in Dorset County. You will find plenty of name-brand shops, independent shops, quirky coffee shops, and restaurants if you want to spend your day there.

Conclusion

We have hardly begun to tell you of all the beautiful museums, sites, shows, and features of the Poole area. As the holidays grow near, there will be fairs, and festive events added to the mix. If you visit from November to January, you will see the Maritime Light Festival. No holiday is complete without holiday lights near the sea. Winter will not stop you from enjoying this lovely town. There is plenty to do and plenty to see. You can have a great staycation while in a cozy Victorian Seaside town. It is a beautiful way to spend the winter season.