Took boat trip from Poole harbour. Very informative. Captain gave loads of information as we passed interesting places. Brown sea island, sandbanks etc. boat trip isn’t weather dependent as seating inside and out. Great way to see some sights and spend a some time finding out more about local area. We pre booked.

Absolutely loved this harbour (2nd largest NATURAL harbour in the world after Sydney, Australia). From the quayside promenades, watching the twin sails bridge opening and closing and taking a Greenslade boat tour to see various historical sites and places of interest to Sandbanks and the protected RSPB sites (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) and Brownsea island, this harbour is very special indeed. And weirdly it is only 1 meter deep at its deepest point so have reduced fear about drowning if fall overboard on any of the ferries. The waters are relatively calm even in high winds.

Quaint harbour town front not bogged down by arcades and tourist trouble. Smaller than you'd expect but includes very, very small sandy/pebbly area perfect for shell collecting and crab catching. Some nice pubs and a nice very small old town area. If you want a safer feeling coastal trip avoid Bournemouth and come here, from here you would then be able to visit Sandbanks, Brown sea Island, Bournemouth (if you so wish) Swansea and more.

Park at the Baiter Park car park (fees) and stroll along the harbour path, which is flat, well made and about 20 minutes away from the Harbour centre if you're stopping taking photos along the way! It's much bigger than Chichester Harbour, it's very wide and you can see Sandbanks and Brownsea Island, lots of schools of sailing, they had a race on in the late afternoon, of Mirrors, Corniche Crabbers and Lasers, it was gorgeous to see all the coloured spinnakers. There's a strip of lovely cafes and pubs overlooking the start of the marina and its not tacky at all, although I personally would get rid of the kids fairground wheel, it spoils the sea front as its not old world Victorian. It definitely worth visiting on a warm sunny day and we spent 3 hours here just watching the boats from the restaurant.

Poole Harbour is highly recommended if you are looking to take a break and have a bite to eat & drink or alternatively jump on a boat to see the local are. Pool Harbour has a good variety of places to eat and drink while also offering a good variety of shops. Poole Harbour also provides a good variety of boat trips including a boat trip to visit Browsea Island. From the harbour there is plenty of boats to see from the waters edge while during the summer months in Poole Harbour and along The Quay events like sailing competitions, vintage car rallies & fireworks displays are often organised. If you are looking for a costal area to visit Poole Harbour is highly recommended.