Poole campsites

A boat trip over to Brownsea Island within Poole Harbour is highly recommended. The picturesque island has plenty of local wildlife on show, and has one of the last remaining red squirrel colonies in the UK. The National Trust island used to be privately owned and even has its only castle, which was built by Henry VIII.

Poole's lovely outdoor spaces are sure to please too, with highlights including the soft white sand at Sandbanks Beach (take the Sandbanks Ferry from the harbour) and Branksome Chine Beach. Beautiful Upton Country Park has 120 acres of parkland to explore (with a nature trail for kids), while the 10 acres of attractive gardens of Compton Acres are stunning.

The town also offers an array of watersports, including stand up paddleboarding, sailing, boat trips and fishing.

For a family picnic, head to Poole Park with a good book. It's next to the harbour, which is also a lovely place for a stroll. Alternatively, Hamworthy Park is right on the seafront and has a small paddling pool that the kids will enjoy.

Families with young children will also love Farmer Palmer's Farm Park. It has a range of delightful animals, as well as exciting pig racing and a lovely woodland walk. there's plenty here to keep the little ones entertained. Or for something a bit more uptempo, Splashdown Waterpark is on hand to entertain with a mix of waterslides including Black Thunder (completely in the dark) and the lazy Mississippi Drifter. 

Local museums are a good choice for rainy and sunny days alike, with interesting options including the Poole Museum and Scaplen's Court Museum and Herb Garden, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of Poole. The Poole Old Lifeboat Museum is also worth a visit and includes an old lifeboat, and equipment used by the crews.

Other options for when it's wet include Poole Pottery (where you can paint your own masterpieces), The Ark soft play, Prevail Skatehouse indoor skate park, and the ten pin bowling alley and cinema at Tower Park.

There are a number of of excellent attractions nearby too, including the beautiful Studland Beach and Nature Reserve (with views of Old Harry Rocks), Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. 

The towns of Bournemouth, Swanage and Christchurch are also easy day trips.