Poole Area Guide

Area Guide to Poole and the surrounding area

Poole is a renowned and sought-after coastal town, situated adjacent to the Jurassic coastline, and based around its harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world. A historically nautical town, this large coastal community has grown over the years and has expanded to encompass surrounding villages and towns. The coastline itself is stunning, and sought-after by holidaymakers and main homeowners alike. Of course, there is Sandbanks, long nicknamed ‘Britain’s Palm Beach’ by the media, with its large and glitzy steel-and-glass modernistic homes, whilst there is also the start of seven miles of Blue Flag beach, and some of the most legendary sailing waters in the UK. hosting a whole range of water sports – from jet-skiing to kite surfing and paddleboarding.

Additionally, there are many other surrounding areas of interest, including Brownsea Island with its castle and endangered red squirrels, and plenty of other areas in Poole, including Lilliput (with fantastic fish-and-chips), Parkstone (with its internationally acclaimed PGA golf course), and many other attractions and interesting areas to visit. These include Poole Quay, Compton Acres, and the Lighthouse with an inspiring line-up of creative arts, including being home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. There is also Ashley Cross, an arty and trendy suburb based around a charming village-style green, hosting an array of entertainment including live music events.

No mention of Poole would be complete without its fantastic array of restaurants – many of these are of a piscivorous nature, including Rick Stein on Sandbanks, and The Cruel Sea in Penn Hill. However, there are eateries for every taste bud, including a fantastic Thai tapas bar in Lilliput.

This seaside town truly has a bustling and eclectic array of attractions and areas and is sure to provide something for everybody.

Discover more about living in Poole –

Poole Tourist Board – Click here

Visit Poole – Click here

Poole.gov – Click here

Contact our Poole Office for me more help and advice about moving home in Poole.


Lower Parkstone & Branksome Park

One of Poole’s most affluent areas, and home to award winning golf clubs, beaches, timeless bed and breakfasts, elegant gastro bars, beautiful wooded chine walks, and tree-lined neighbourhoods, Lower Parkstone and Branksome Park have long been the standard bearer for large, sympathetically designed family homes.

Whilst frequent development has turned Lower Parkstone into a myriad of multi-million-pound modern super homes and protected woodland mansions, this area attracts a varied spectrum of young families, retiring couples, trendy entrepreneurs, London getaway buyers, seaside investors, and the list goes on.

Within striking distance of the shopping centres of Westbourne and Ashley Cross, the area is well provided for those who require the occasional retail therapy, or a new coffee shop or bakery to sample.


Poole & Poole Park

The ancient town of Poole derives it name from the Celtic words, bol, and the Old English, pool, meaning a spot near a pool or creek, referring of course to the stunningly beautiful, Poole Harbour. Poole and the harbour form the epicentre of this exciting and vibrant community.

Whilst the area around Poole has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years, the town of Poole was built largely on wealth generated between the 16th and 19th centuries, when it went from being one of the main trading ports between the British Crown and the bountiful New World, to a key commercial link between Europe and Canada.

Now, whilst still a working port, and home of luxury yacht brand, Sunseeker, it is a richly preserved historic town, filled with popular bars, pubs and eateries. Popular with families, there are events the year round centred around the quay, harking to the historic legacy of its sea faring past, with plenty of live music venues, as well as quiet tearooms and manicured outdoor spaces with extraordinary views over the water.

The harbour boasts countless spots of untouched natural beauty, bearing opportunities for cyclists and ramblers to experience rolling heathland and woodland just minutes from the lively centres.


Canford Cliffs & Sandbanks

Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks together make up Poole’s most affluent neighbourhoods. The Sandbanks peninsula, a natural feature of the harbour, provides panoramic harbour views for many of its residents. It is well known for the highly regarded property; Sandbanks has, by area, the fourth highest land value in the world.

Connected to the Purbecks, and Studland by a chain ferry, the Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour is widely used for water sports and by light marina craft. The north side is home to the Southern Headquarters of the Royal Yachting Association and an international sailing school.

Home to notable public figures, including footballers, filmmakers and business executives, Canford Cliffs & Sandbanks offer extraordinary white sandy beaches, kite-surfing schools, luxurious hotels, beachside restaurants, sand polo events and beach volleyball tournaments.


Liliput, Evening Hill & Whitecliff

Bordering on Sandbanks, Lower Parkstone and with a Poole Harbour shoreline with views of Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills, Lilliput is one of our most sought after locations for property enquiries.

This is another area that has seen much development in recent years, offering plenty of opportunity for water-frontage addresses, primely positioned to soak in the rich sunsets over the harbour. To this end is it an excellent place to buy superhomes, or modern superapartments.

Much like Canford Cliffs, the Lilliput ‘village’ is filled with fantastic restaurants, surf shops, a local supermarket, and the essential wine emporium.

It’s the perfect location to grab a finely prepared picnic and walk up to Evening Hill to see the rosy reds and purples of the Lilliput sunset.


Location - Poole