A Comprehensive Campervan Road Trip Guide to Poole, Dorset
Read Time: About 12 minutes
Poole. Belinda Fewings
The coastal town of Poole is a lively little resort on the southern coast of England. Located east of Bournemouth and west of Purbeck, this bustling tourist resort is home to Europe’s largest natural harbour, with award-winning blue flag beaches and plenty of exciting spots to discover on a campervan road trip whilst exploring some Dorset campsites. Take a 41-minute drive on the A350 and A354 from our last stop, the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB, to Poole, and use this campervan road trip guide to make the most of your camping adventure.
There’s plenty of great reasons to rumble your way down to Poole. Not only is it a fantastic base for exploring the rest of Dorset, there’s plenty of things to explore in such a small space.
- Why is Poole Famous?
- Poole Road Trip Itinerary
- Can You Swim at Poole?
- Camping in and around Poole
- Best Poole Campsites
- Poole Campsites Near Beach
- Campervan Hire Towns in Poole
- The End of Our Poole Campervan Guide
Why is Poole Famous?
Poole. Nom & Malc Mustard Yellow Photography
Poole has one of the largest natural harbours in the world, second only to the Sydney Harbour in size. It is a boating, shipping, and water sports hub with a wealth of wildlife habitats and stunning landscapes. There’s plenty of history here, too, as the harbour played an essential part during World War II as a launch point for many operations, including the D-Day landings. The town’s maritime history dates back centuries and has been an important port since mediaeval times.
The coastal resort is a fine gateway to other destinations like the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Sandbanks Peninsula. It is also home to a range of cultural attractions, such as the historic quay, the Poole Museum, and others that we’ll explore below.
Poole Road Trip Itinerary
From the famous Sandbanks Beach to Poole's historic quayside, this friendly town has plenty to explore. We'll help you broaden your horizons and maximise your time in Dorset. Start at Poole Harbour, a sizable natural harbour and one of the largest on the planet, and a veritable haven for sailing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
The safe, shallow waters are ideal for exploring over 25 water-based activities and spending as long as you enjoy the thrills of outdoor adventures like paddle boarding, windsurfing and kayaking. If you prefer to remain dry, hop on a ferry and cruise around the harbour.
Can You Swim at Poole?
Yes, Poole is a great place to go for a swim. Like Sandbanks, it boasts several fantastic beaches with calm, clear, clean waters. Famed for its soft golden sand and clear, shallow waters, it is ideal for swimming. It also has lifeguards on duty during summer, plus plenty of amenities like cafes, toilets, and beach huts. Sandwiched between Poole and Bournemouth, Branksome Chine Beach is a quieter alternative to Sandbanks. The water is tranquil, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Isle of Wight. This beach also has lifeguards in summer and cafes, plus restrooms nearby. With convenient campervan hire Bournemouth options available, you can easily explore all these beautiful beaches and find your perfect seaside spot. Hamworthy Park Beach is another stunning stretch for swimming, with plenty of open space and room for the kids to swim in the shallow waters. If you want to venture off the beaten track, head to Canford Cliffs Beach, tucked in more serene settings, and kick back to a stunning woodland backdrop. The beach is less crowded yet has lifeguards in summer and rests within easy reach of local cafes.
Setthorns Caravan Camping Site is an excellent site for guests who want to pitch up among the pines and oaks in the stunning New Forest National Park, arguably the most famous forest in the country.
You can sail over to Brownsea Island and observe red squirrels frolicking in the leafy trees of sheltered woodland or hire a boat to follow the curves of the coastline. The kids can pretend to be captains for the day, while the parents enjoy a slower pace of life while creating unforgettable memories.
Hit buzzing Poole Quay and explore enticing restaurants, bars, and cheeky fish and chips. If you're ready to take things easy, chill on Sandbanks Beach, just around the corner. Visitors often call this the VIP of UK beaches, and it's not hard to see why. The super sandy, immaculate shoreline is ideal for topping up your tan or keeping a lazy eye on the kids while they build sandcastles and enjoy basking in the sunshine. Pop into Poole Museum and soak up local history - from Vikings to pirates to World War II. It's free, too, so no excuses.
Nature lovers can head to RSPB Arne Nature Reserve on the edge of Poole Harbour. It's perfect for peaceful strolls, with vistas over the harbour and plenty of wildlife - especially birds. Wander through various habitats, from heathland to marshes, and watch thriving wildlife in their natural habitat. On-site parking is free for RSPB members and paid for non-members. For more greenery, head to Compton Acres, a stunning, privately-owned garden with beautiful themes, including a Japanese garden section, an Italian villa garden and peaceful corners to sit back and relax. Free on-site parking is available for guests. Upton Country Park, a beautiful Georgian estate, is another gorgeous estate with sprawling gardens, woodland walks, and lovely vistas of Poole Harbour. It is an ideal family space, with a play area, a cafe, and frequent events. Hamworthy Park, right beside the glittering water near the Poole Harbour, has a sandy beach, a large play area for the kids, and a lovely cafe for sorting snacks and ice creams.
Valesmoor Farm is a cracking Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location in the New Forest, welcoming small campervans, motorhomes and caravans.
Poole is such a vibrant holiday destination; we recommend staying here for a few days so you can enjoy the varied attractions and activities around town. We'll explore campsites and campervan hire locations.
Camping in and around Poole
Poole. Karen
Poole campsites are a fantastic way to reconnect with nature whilst enjoying the lively atmosphere. What better way than to wake up to the bracing coastal air on a spacious pitch and look forward to a day that promises endless adventure and seaside frolics? Book a campsite in Creekmoor, Hamworthy, and Oakdale if you want a combination of quiet camping with excellent amenities and quick access to local attractions. Below, we’ll detail the attractions you can expect to explore from our recommended camping locations in Poole. Visit our campsites page for more campsites in UK.
Creekmoor is a quiet and relaxing location close to many local attractions and a fantastic camping base. Book a campsite in Creekmoor, and you’re ideally located for exploring the countryside, lounging on Poole’s famous beaches, and enjoying a range of family-friendly attractions. Take a 5-minute drive from Creekmoor to Upton Country Park, an expansive green area with woodland walks, lovely gardens and adventure play areas. Poole Park, approximately 10 minutes away, is a large, family-friendly park with a boating lake, playgrounds, and a cricket pitch. Rent a paddle board, feed ducks, or visit the cafe for refreshments. It’s a fantastic spot for both adults and children. The Canford Heath Nature Reserve, another 10 minutes by car, is perfect for a rugged outdoor experience, with panoramic views over Poole Harbour.We have 323 campsites within 30 miles of Creekmoor, and more campsites in Upton, campsites in Sturminster Marshall and campsites in Ferndown.
Downton Holiday Park is a compact, friendly site within proximity of the stunning New Forest National Park, yet affords easy access to the delights of the coastline.
Hamworthy is a charming location near Poole, blending coastal beauty with green parks and a wealth of family-friendly activities. When you book a campsite in Hamworthy, you’re a stone’s throw from Hamworthy Park, a stunning space with a shallow paddling pool for the kids, leafy areas for picnics and a small, sandy beach perfect for swimming and building sandcastles. Hamworthy Beach is an uncrowded gem ideal for quiet swimming and paddleboarding. Take a gentle stroll along the shoreline, cast a line at the designated fishing spots, and watch boats sailing by. Rockley Point is great for watersports enthusiasts, with a sailing school and access to Poole Harbour. We have 320 campsites within 30 miles of Hamworthy. If you want to stay close to Poole and Hamworthy, check out our campsites in Corfe Mullen, campsites in Wareham, campsites in Corfe Castle and campsites in Wimborne.
Lytton Lawn Touring Park is a friendly, spacious site set out on eight lush acres of parkland, just a mile from the sandy beach and picturesque village of Milford on Sea.
Oakdale is a peaceful and pleasant Poole location, with access to lots of amenities, nature spots and outdoor activities. Book a campsite in Poole, and you’re close to Upton Country Park, a stunning estate just a few minutes away, with gardens, woodlands, and scenic walks. Drop in at the tea rooms after your day for a treat, or continue the adventures at Poole Town Centre and Poole Quay. Browse through the lovely cafes in the town centre, perhaps picking up a snack to enjoy back at your campsite under the stars, or wander at the waterfront at Pool Quay and sit down to a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. Oakdale campsites are also well-placed for exploring some of Poole’s finest beaches, like Sandbanks, Branksome Chine, and Canford Cliffs. We list 326 campsites within 30 miles of Oakdale, and more campsites in campsites in Lytchett Matravers and campsites in Ringwood.
Best Poole Campsites
Finding the perfect campsite can be quite challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or new to camping. Fret not; we have you covered. South Lytchett Manor Caravan Park is a stunning, award-winning park on 22 acres of beautiful Dorset parkland. The Homestead is a peaceful, family-friendly campsite on six lush acres of fields and woodland, while Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park is a peaceful site for no-frills camping. We’ll explore these sites and amenities in more detail below.
South Lytchett Manor Caravan Park in Poole
South Lytchett Manor Caravan Park, Poole
The award-winning South Lytchett Manor Caravan Park is a stunning site spread over 20 acres of peaceful parkland on the former Lytchett Manor estate. The site rests in beautiful countryside, just 3 miles from Poole, 9 miles from Bournemouth, and 13 miles from the spectacular Jurassic Coastline. Look forward to award-winning amenities, including a fully-stocked shop selling local products, free Wi-Fi access, an award-winning amenities block and more. The site welcomes tents, small campervans, motorhomes and caravans, and offers a range of glamping options, including pods, shepherd huts, and caravans. The site is also a short stroll from several local pubs, making it a fine destination for a Poole campervan road trip.
The Homestead Campsite in Chepstow
The Homestead Campsite, Chepstow
Positioned on the edge of Bournemouth, The Homestead, is a peaceful family-friendly campsite on six lush acres of fields and woodland. Surrounded by beautiful green scenery, the site is well-placed for adventures on the stunning Dorset coast and rests approximately 15 minutes from Bournemouth, plus 25 minutes from Sandbanks. This well-maintained site provides spacious pitches, clean facilities, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for recharging and rejuvenating the body and mind. Just a short drive away, Bournemouth's beaches beckon with golden sands and crystal clear waters. For those who love getting about, nearby hiking trails twist and turn through scenic countryside, and plenty of popular attractions like the New Forest exist. The site also has a 4-person Shepherd's Hut with bed linen, an equipped kitchen, outdoor furniture and more.
Beeches Farm in Christchurch
Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park, Christchurch
Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park in Christchurch is a small, peaceful, family park set on a whopping 80 acres of lush farmland in the quiet village of Bransgore. Set within the New Forest National Park, the campsite has 63 hardstanding pitches for touring vehicles, all equipped with 10 amp electric metres. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans are flat and spacious, with gorgeous views ideal for admiring on lazy days when you want to kick back, crack open a drink of choice, and rest your feet. Anglers can amble over to the on-site coarse fishing lake, accessible to campers, or stretch their legs on a one-mile circular walk. Amenities include two small and one large heated toilet blocks, a laundry room, and access to a shop nearby.
Poole Campsites Near Beach
Snooks Farm, just 30 minutes from Poole, is a peaceful, family-friendly site in a coastal location tucked away on a green, well-maintained working alpaca farm. Wake up to rural Dorset views and stretch out on your non-electric grass pitch for tents and tourers, deciding if you’d like to explore the countryside or the coastline. Mischievous alpacas, who often jump the fence, are known to come and have a nose around the campers, and the site has a range of animals that are certain to delight animal lovers of all ages. Campers often love the peaceful atmosphere, spacious, flat pitches, and access to Bournemouth and the New Forest, a 20-minute drive away. It's no wonder this location is considered one of the finest campsites in Bournemouth, offering both countryside charm and easy access to coastal adventures.
Campervan Hire Towns in Poole
Brownsea Island. Diamond Geezer
Our Poole itinerary would only be complete, with our favourite spots to hire a campervan. Our Dorset campervan road trip is designed for free-spirited readers who prefer a flexible itinerary over a rigid guide. Hire a campervan in Poole and make the most of your time at this fantastic coastal resort. Visit our main page for more campervan hire in UK.
Winning Wimborne is a charming market town with rich history and natural beauty. Located a short 20-minute drive from the bustling port town of Poole, it is a central base for a campervan hire, with plenty to do nearby. Hire a campervan in Wimborne and explore Wimborne Minster, the town’s iconic Saxon church in the heart of town. Hop over to Walford Mill Crafts by the River Allen for a taste of local arts and crafts or enjoy the picturesque woodlands, meadows and riverside paths at Pamphill and Cowgrove Walks. Quick access to Poole offers plenty more to explore, so check out 156 campervans and motorhomes within 100 miles of Wimborne and get adventuring. For more hire options, check out our campervans for hire in Corfe Mullen, campervans for hire in Upton, campervans for hire in Manningto and campervans for hire Ringwood.
Age: 21-70
Travel: Local Area Only
Gearbox: Manual
Morris J Camper Van for Self-Drive Hire. Enjoy a traditional British camping holiday in our iconic berth Morris J Camper Van.
The peaceful village of Sturminster Marshall, just 20 minutes from Poole, is a great base to hire a campervan, especially if you want to explore Dorset. Hire a campervan in Sturminster Marshall and kick off your adventures in the village, visiting stunning attractions like the White Mill and National Trust property on the River Stour. Park the camper for a peaceful riverside stroll through meadows and woodlands, or hit off a tee at the 9-hole Sturminster Marshall Golf Club, ideal for beginners and experienced players. Stop for a refreshing pint and food at the charming village pub before driving to Poole for coastal capers. Browse our selection of 73 campervans and motorhomes within 100 miles of Sturminster Marshall, or check out campervans for hire in Lytchett Matravers, campervans for hire in Blandford, campervans for hire in Blandford Forum and campervans for hire in Bere Regis.
The vibrant town of Ferndown, just 15 minutes from the coastal hub of Poole, is close enough for campervan adventures in the coastal resort. Gear up for a holiday filled with outdoor activities and seaside thrills with a campervan hire in Ferndown. Start your holiday in style, exploring Ferndown Common, a gorgeous heathland ideal for spotting wildlife and enjoying quiet nature walks. The Moors Valley Country Park is a short drive away, perfect for stretching your legs on more walks and cycling routes. Families can watch the kids enjoy treetop adventures at Go Ape and hop on the narrow-gauge railway, soaking in the stunning views. With Poole just a short drive away, you can easily explore Poole Harbour’s stunning beaches and enjoy hours of watersports in your Ferndown campervan. Take a look at 158 campervans and motorhomes within 100 miles of Ferndown, and find more campervans in St Leonards, campervans in Three Legged Cross, campervans in Verwood and campervans in Sopley.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Scooby is a handsome, well-equipped home on wheels, offering a range of comforts for your next road trip.
The End of Our Poole Campervan Guide
And so we end our campervan road trip in Poole. We hope you had as much fun discovering this coastal town as we did creating this handy Poole itinerary With a range of campervans in Poole and top Poole campsite recommendations, you’ll save plenty of research time and can look forward to a stress-free escape. Come by the next stop on our An Itinerary For A Campervan Road Trip Through Dorset, Isle Of Purbeck.
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