The local tourist offices are a fabulous source of information when visiting Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding area –
www.letsgoout-bournemouthandpoole.co.uk
These are all great websites that contain up to date information for local attractions, places to visit with opening hours, etc. The area hosts huge events all year round – from the air show in the summer to open air ice skating and Christmas markets in the winter.
Here in Poole you can walk the beaches, swim in the sea, near by you can ramble in the Purbecks, as well as eat in fine restaurants and visit boutiques in Westbourne. A local favourite is to walk along the stretches of beach, what ever the weather. Walking, cycling or jogging, the beaches are one of the best features of Dorset. Plenty of cafes and restaurants to help you along the way. Try taking the chain ferry at Sandbanks and walk along the Studland beaches to Knoll Beach cafe or take a picnic. If the walk one way is enough for you, catch the bus for your return journey. Its from this point you can follow the South West Coastal Path.
In and around the local area there are numerous historical buildings and landmarks to visit such as Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacey, Lulworth Castle, Old Harry’s Rocks and Durdle Door. Fossil hunt in Kimmeridge and visit the Etches Collection for the museum of Jurassic marine life.
Poole Quay – This is a great place to catch a boat to Wareham, Swanage or Brownsea Island for day trips, which are all worth a visit. Fishing trips are also available, weather permitting.
If you’re looking for a theatre or concert venue both Poole and Bournemouth have plenty to offer –
Cafes, Pubs and Restaurants
There are lots of busy pubs, restaurants and cafes in both Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding countryside. Below are some that we’ve heard positive feedback about, if you find anything of interest let me know & I will add to the list.
Local to Rockley Park
The Yachtsman Pub, Lake Drive, Hamworthy –
Lake Yard Club, 45 lake Drive, Hamworthy
Daniels Fish & Chips, 81 Coles Avenue, Hamworthy
Country Pubs within 15 min drive from Rockley Park
St. Peters Finger, Dorchester Road, Lytchett Minster
The Bakers Arms, Dorchester Road, Lytchett Minster
Poole area
Guildhall Tavern
15 Market Street www.guildhalltavern.co.uk
Da Vinci’s
7 The Quay www.da-vincis.co.uk
Storm Fish
16 High Street www.stormfish.co.uk
Deli on the Quay
Unit 17 Dolphin Quays www.delionthequay.com
Hotel Du Vin
Thames Street, The Quay www.hotelduvin.com
Brewhouse & Kitchen
3 Dear Hay Lane www.brewhouseandkitchen.com
Lakeside Fish Restaurant
Lifeboat Quay www.lakeside-fish-chips.com
Isabels
32 Station Road www.isabelsrestaurant.co.uk
Rick Stein
10-14 Banks Road www.rickstein.com
Branksome beach restaurant
Branksome Beach www.branksomebeach.co.uk
The Cliff
6 Ravine Road www.thecliffcanforcliffs.co.uk
Bournemouth area
Chez Fred
10 Seamer Road www.chezfred.co.uk
Vesuvio restaurant
Seafront, Alum Chine www.vesuvio.co.uk
Urban Reef
The Overstrained, Undercliff Drive www.urbanreef.com
BH2 – restaurant and cinemas complex www.bh2leisure.co.uk
Further afield –
The Pig on the Beach
Manor Road, Studland www.thepighotel.com
Knoll Beach Cafe,
National Trust, Studland www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bankes Arms
Manor Road, Studland www.bankesarms.com
Things to do for Free
Crabbing – nets and lines are provided in the holiday home, just add bait!
Build an enormous sandcastle – buckets and spades are available in the holiday home
Walk through Ham common directly next door to Rockley Park – spotting the local wildlife
Fly a kite on the beach or at Hamworthy Park
Hunt for fossils at Kimmeridge
Walk the blue flag beaches – taking a picnic with you
Swim in the sea!
Bring your bike or scooter and take a trip along the prom (out of season only!)
Sit on the beach and watch the world go by …..
Watch the fireworks from Poole quayside
Visit the Dream Machines every Tuesday evening at Poole Quay
Visit the play park at Rockley Park beach, Hamworthy Park – which has an excellent paddling pool and equipment for young teens. There are also large play parks at Sandbanks, Whitecliff Park, Poole Park and Alun Chine beach
Bird and wildlife spotting at Arn
Take walk through the Purbecks
Have a wander around Wimborne and visit the Minister
Plenty of games and books are available in the holiday home
Walk through the gardens in Bournemouth, there are often entertainers and music for both adults and children
Entertainment for young children and teenagers
Bovington Tank Museum www.tankmuseum.org
Monkey World www.monkeyworld.org
Farmer Palmers www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
Adventure Wonderland www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
Oceanarium www.oceanarium.co.uk
Tower Park – This complex has cineworld, Leaping Lemurs, Splashdown, Amusements, Bowling and restaurants www.towerparkentertainment.co.uk
Laser Quest www.laserquestbournemouth.co.uk
Crazy golf – available at Rockley Park, Poole Park, Bournemouth Gardens, Oasisfun (indoor) www.oasisfun.co.uk Mighty claws www.mightyclaws.co.uk
Swanage Railway www.swanagerail.co.uk
Go Ape www.goape.co.uk
Moorsvalley www.moors-valley.co.uk
Royal Signals Museum www.royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk
Dorset Waterpark www.dorsetwaterpark.co.uk
Watersports – paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing
Water sports
Water sports galore are available in the area. Poole is the second largest natural harbour in the world, after Sydney and the largest in Europe. It offers many different types of water sport. On your door step at Rockley Park you will find Rockley Watersports which is based on the beach, from here you can hire paddle boards, kayaks and sailing boats, there are also payable lessons available. Slightly further afield, towards Sandbanks, there are many waterspouts companies where you can hire equipment plus wetsuits and tuition.
