Poole Quay

Poole’s historic Quay is a working quay, filled with plenty of daily hustle and bustle. Rich in history, there’s many a maritime tale it has to tell including that of the town’s favourite pirate son, Harry Paye; whose name, according to some, lives on in the local rock formation, Old Harry Rocks.

This infamous pirate was a privateer and smuggler from Poole in the late 14th and early 15th century. Every year, Pirates of Poole celebrate his life with a day of family-friendly, pirate-themed entertainment and fun on the Quay, to help raise funds for local charities, taking place in June.

For more insight into the town and Quay’s past, look out for the reopening of Poole Museum (free entry), due to open soon after a huge redevelopment. Set in a Victorian quayside warehouse in the Old Town area (just along the Quay at the bottom of the High Street), the galleries of the Museum are to be filled with collections guiding you along from prehistory to the 21st century. Scaplen’s Court, a Grade I-listed medieval building dating back to the 1300s has just reopened after a major refurbishment and is well worth your visit.. Or for more sea-themed stories, take a short walk along to West Quay Road to visit the RNLI College Headquarters (open all year) and enjoy a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour. Part of Poole’s history has been created with clay and at Studio Poole you’ll find the world’s largest retail selection of Poole Pottery. Fancy giving it a go, yourself? Here you can get hands-on and create your very own masterpiece.

A great way to explore the Old Town is by doing the self-guided ‘Cockle Trail’, available from the TIC. Or use your mobile to follow the interesting and interactive Poole Trail (pooletrail.com) that features films and photos of the town’s past — look for the colourful ‘More to Explore’ signposts. Other guided and ghost tours are available.

Get your buckets and nets at the ready, as crabbing is a must when you visit; younger adventurers will love taking part in their own quayside quest of hauling in their own catch of the day. Or stick on your sea legs and set sail on a fishing trip or leisure cruise from the Quay. Voyage out on a Harbour cruise or stop off on Brownsea, the National Trust’s island of adventure. Home of the scouting movement, the first camp was held by Lord Baden Powell in 1907, and today you can enjoy den building, squirrel spotting, mini-beast hunting and more. Boat trips run daily across to the Island.

And charmingly scenic the Quay is. Make the most of the views from one of the coffee shops, cafes, or restaurants as you enjoy tasty refreshments or tuck in to some local produce. You’ll always find delicious, fresh seafood on the menu, La Mia's family restaurant serves delicious Paella on the quayside during the summer, and is a popular spot!

Getting to Poole Quay is easy, with either a 15-minute walk down the High Street from the bus station, or on the ‘RouteONE’ bus service. Leaving regularly, jump on and off the circular route at your leisure — maybe stop at the Dolphin Centre for a spot of shopping before continuing your trip to Poole’s Quayside. (No Sunday service).

For more information visit: www.pooletourism.com or sign up for regular updates at: www.pooletourism.com/newsdirect

Photo (top): Chris Jones

Places to go around Poole Quay

Deli on the QuayPoole

Sea Fishing PoolePoole

Studio PoolePoole