Holiday rentals and lettings in Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour offers so much for the lucky visitor who comes to explore its delectations, from watersports to fine dining, from countryside walks to sparkling beaches, from excellent bird watching to traditional England pubs. Find a holiday rental in the Quay area, next to the bustling nightlife and wide assortment of shops. Or head to the beaches of the Sandbanks spit for a family holiday to remember. For nature enthusiasts, there are some wonderful lettings to choose from right next to the lovely Arne Nature Reserve.

There are dozens of self-catering holiday rentals in Poole Harbour to choose from. The Quay area offers single bedroom rentals which are ideal for couples or single travellers. Look out for lettings with harbour views, as they often have terraces from which you can watch the sun set over the water. The Lilliput area offers some enormous lettings with six or more bedrooms, suitable for large groups, and you will discover some truly charming properties around the Arne Nature Reserve and nearby village of Wareham.

Poole Harbour is the largest natural harbour in Europe and second largest in the world. To the north is Poole Quay, with its myriad bars, restaurants and shops. To the east of the harbour is the suburban area of Lilliput which merges into Sandbanks and Canford cliffs, home to some of England’s very best beaches that are clean, safe, picturesque and simply fantastic for families.

The south of Poole Harbour is home to Brownsea Island, a unique slice of nature and wildlife right on the doorstep of civilization which makes for a great day out. Then to the west is Arne Nature Reserve, which stands out for its bird watching and views over the harbour. Then finally, as you come full circle back to Poole Quay, is Holton Heath Nature Reserve, with its ancient woodland magnificent old pollards.

There are some wonderful places to eat out in Poole Quay. Don’t miss Rossos Italiano, a modern, stylish, authentic European open plan restaurant which affording diners panoramic views of Sandbanks, Brownsea Island and The Purbecks beyond. Harbour Heights is a critically acclaimed restaurant with an impressive creative menu and exceptional international wine list, where you can enjoy the finest cuisine served on alfresco terraces with unrivalled views over the water. Hugely popular Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant boasts glorious outdoor dining areas and the best seafood in the area.

Poole’s huge natural harbour is the ideal place to visit for watersports. The harbour is known as one of the best places in the south for windsurfing, with 'taster' sessions for beginners to more advanced tuition for freestylers. The area is very welcoming for divers with sheltered waters boasting a diversity of sea life. Most of all, Poole Harbour is much loved among the sailing community, with plentiful yacht clubs, sailing clubs and marinas, and fantastic wind conditions.

Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour and is a unique haven for wildlife. It is the perfect day's adventure, easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore.

Poole Park is an urban park right next to Poole Harbour. It was opened in the Victorian era and has remained immensely popular among visitors ever since. It makes for a great day out for the family and is famous for its aquatic birds and miniature railway.

Arne is a great place for family walks where you can learn about the unique nature of the heaths. The reserve overlooks Poole Harbour where you can observe thousands of wading birds, ducks and geese.

Why not spend an exciting and unusual evening at the Greyhound Racing at Poole stadium? Held every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday evening, watch the greyhounds chase the mechanical rabbit and maybe win some money whilst you are at it!

During the weekends and summer long by 9 pm there is a wonderful atmosphere in Poole Quay with its many pubs and bars. The oldest and highest-rated pub is the Poole Arms, dating back to the early 17th century. Family run, this historic pub specializes in delectable pan-fried, poached and oven baked seafood.