Live Like a Local

I’ve been fortunate to be able to call Poole my home for over 30 years, and so consider myself an adopted ‘local’ – not born and bred but a resident for long enough to know most of the area’s secrets, the good and the bad, and how to tell the difference between the ‘honeypot’ tourist attractions and the hidden gems. Locals know a thing or two about where to go, and when to go, too!

So here are a few tips, tricks, and suggestions for how to ‘live like a local’...

Living in Poole, it’s all about timing if you want to enjoy this beautiful area to the full.

We’re blessed with a fantastic choice of walks, beaches and stunning scenery, so it’s not surprising that people travel from far and wide to enjoy it. Being local, we tend to avoid going to the busy places like Sandbanks, Studland, Shell Bay and Poole Quay at the weekend in the height of the season, as car parks, especially the beach ones, are often full by 9.30am on a sunny Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday. So, we’ll stay local, get the shopping done, enjoy the garden, and head down to the beach in the early evening when day trippers are leaving. Generally, we’ll be driving the opposite way to most of the traffic, will find somewhere to park more easily, and can enjoy a relaxing evening swim and supper picnic in relative peace! Stay for the best part of the day, to enjoy the sunset from the sand dunes along Studland or saunter the length of Sandbanks from Poole to Bournemouth to enjoy the evening view as day turns to night. Poole Quay takes on a different atmosphere in the evening, when bustling restaurants, traditional pubs with outdoor seating lend it a continental atmosphere. Enjoy the buzz, and a local’s tip is to go midweek if you can, it’s less busy.

If beaches aren’t your thing, there are ‘secret escapes’ to discover, loved by the locals. Try a walk through woods towards Upton Heath just to the north of Poole. This natural environment is a peaceful, unspoilt enclave where, if you’re lucky, you may spot deer, bats, many species of birds and even an adder or rare lizard. There are lakes, a pretty stream that runs through the woods, and it’s easy to find a secluded spot. Head up to the high point to see great views of Poole and beyond. You can continue the walk on the old Roman road through woods up towards Broadstone, and it really does feel a million miles away from the busy tourist hot spots, although it’s only a mile or two away!

So, take the time to discover Poole and the surrounding area like a local. Find your own escape away from the crowds, relax and enjoy this fabulous area!

This blog was written by our Poole blogger, Geraldine Cetin.