Poole harbour on the Dorset coast between Bournemouth and Swanage is famous for its size; it is the second largest natural harbour in the world – Australia’s Sydney Harbour is bigger.   The town of Poole stands on the north side and is a very popular holiday destination on the English south coast.  The quayside is lined with pubs, shops and cafes. There are always tourists milling about, taking photographs, waiting to take a cruise around the harbour or further afield

There are several islands in the harbour, the largest of which is called Brownsea Island. This is managed by the National Trust and consists in main of a huge nature reserve and a lagoon that is favoured by waders and coastal birds.  

An oil well is hidden neatly on another island, the oil if silently transported away via an underwater pipeline. Other islands are smaller and are paradise for wildlife. It is possible to stay on a few of the islands in rented cottages.

The waters of this huge harbour provide a sheltered space for watersports of all kinds. There are numerous yachts, speed boats, rowing boats, wind surfers, jet skiers and just about every other sport that takes place on water.  There is a marina and plenty of mooring for boats. This entire area is a holidaymaker’s fun-filled natural waterpark. The seas around the extremities of the harbour are fairly shallow.

The southern reaches of Poole Harbour are mostly nature reserve and great places for dog-friendly cottage holidays, for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Deer often cross the roads and visitors drive carefully because there are also numerous cyclists and walkers.

This is one of the loveliest areas in the south coast of England for a summer holiday. Do come and try it for yourself.

Places to visit nearby:

Corfe Castle
Swanage
Sandbanks
Bournemouth

Useful Poole Harbour and Dorset Holiday Accommodation pages

Holiday homes within a 15 mile radius of Poole Harbour