Information about Poole

Poole is a large coastal town in Dorset as well as a borough, port and tourist destination. Poole is situated on a popular stretch of coastline with Bournemouth to the east and the Jurassic coast to the west.

Human settlement in the area dates back to before the Iron Age. The earliest recorded use of the town’s name was in the 13th century when the town became an important port, prospering with the introduction of the wool trade. Poole is also famed for its natural harbour which is claimed to be second largest in the world which still exists in aiding well with its sea and maritime trade. Poole Quay was once the busy centre of Poole's maritime industry but today operates as a popular visitor attraction. It is lined with a mixture of traditional public houses, redeveloped warehouses, modern apartment blocks and historic buildings.

Poole has some great transport links with buses running in and out of the resort at regular intervals. There are four railway stations on the South Western Main Line. Poole also has a cross channel ferry port for both passengers and freight. The A350 is Poole town centre's main artery, running north from Poole Bridge along Holes Bay and on to the A35, and as a single carriageway to Bath and Bristol. The A337 runs east to Lymington and the New Forest. The A35 trunk road which runs from Devon to Southampton connects to the A31 on the outskirts of the town which in turn connects to the M27 at Southampton. From here the M3 leads to London, and fast access may also be gained via the A34 to the M4 north of Newbury, Berkshire.

Poole also had up to 45 schools to choose from to cater for all ages and requirments.

Photographs of Poole