Poole Tourist Information |
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Poole is a large coastal resort in Dorset, five miles west of Bournemouth. This lovely area with its natural harbour, the largest in Europe, was settled pre-Iron Age. In the 1st century AD the Romans landed and took over the settlement at Hamworthy. During the 3rd century the Celts moved down to the harbour from their hilltop settlements. By Anglo-Saxon times the town was part of the ancient kingdom of Wessex. It was an important resting place for ships before they travelled up the River Frome. Fishing was an important local industry. Poole had two Viking invasions, by Guthrum in 876AD and by Canute in 1015 AD. The port was shown on records in the 12th century and it prospered with the wool trade during the 15th century. Henry VI even granted the town permission to build a town wall. During the English Civil War Poole took the side of the Parliamentarians and the local garrison captured the Royalist stronghold at Corfe Castle. Trade with Newfoundland allowed Poole to benefit from international trade. Ships carried salt and provisions up to Newfoundland, brought dried and salted fish back to Europe and then imported wine, dried fruit and olive oil back to Britain. By the 18th century Poole was one of the busiest ports in Britain and the wealth it created can be seen in the magnificent mansions and buildings in the Old Town. Unfortunately this massive rebuilding project meant that many historic buildings were demolished in the process. During the Second World War Poole was an important departure point for the D-Day Landings and a major supply base for Allied Forces. Present Day Poole Poole is the main headquarters of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. A large part of Bournemouth University is also located in the town. There is a pleasant waterfront and many shops serving the population of around 138,000. Things to do in Poole The area around Poole has wooded chines, heathland and coastal mudflats which are home to a wide range of wildlife and migrating birds. Brownsea Island is in Poole harbor and was the home of the original Boy Scouts movement. The island is accessible by ferry and is owned by The National Trust. Poole is also the start of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast which is known for its prehistoric fossils. For walkers, the South West Coast Path runs through Poole providing some pleasant walks and breathtaking seascapes. Visit the ruins of Corfe Castle or see how it would have looked in its prime at the Corfe Castle Miniature Village. Other popular family attractions include the National Motor Museum and Gardens at Beaulieu, Abbotsbury Swannery and Poole Park with its jungle playground and ice skating.
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| Weather: Poole Weather Forecast | |
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Directions
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Attractions near Poole
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Compton Acres
(3 Miles)*
Compton Acres invites you to escape to a different world. Twelve individual gardens in one, set in ten acres with spectacular views over Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. |
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Priest's House Museum
(6 Miles)*
The Priest's House is an historic town house dating from the 16th century. This Grade II* listed building retains many original architectural features. |
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Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
(6 Miles)*
Today the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is open to the public, including a wide range of schools, adult education, disabled people and community groups offering many activities and workshops. |
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Sponsored Links
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Hotels near Poole
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Self Catering near Poole
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Stylish and well maitained cottage, set in a quiet wooded close with large driveway and garden. we aim to make sure that you have everything you need for a great trouble free holiday. |
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Sea Cottage is a happy family holiday home with all the necessities but no frills. It is set in a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking the National Trust Heath to the sea. |
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Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day. |
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