Best Places Guide

We take an independent look at the top things to do in Poole, Bournemouth and surrounding areas.

Soft Play Bournemouth & Poole

Soft Play in Bournemouth & Poole: 13 Super Venues

If you are looking after restless little ones, it is very useful to know where good local soft play facilities are. They are a reliable fallback option as you can go in all weather conditions, are open all year round with good changing facilities, and normally have a decent café serving great coffee and cake.

Great Playgrounds, Play Areas and Splash Parks in Poole and Bournemouth

10 Super Play Parks in Poole & Bournemouth

There are so many playgrounds in the area it can be hard to know which ones are really worth the time and trouble to visit. We’ve compiled a list of the best ones in Poole and Bournemouth so you can spend time having fun instead.

Cycling Routes, Cycle Shops and Bike Hire in Poole and Bournemouth

8 Best Bike Shops in Bournemouth & Poole

Here is our list of recommended bike shops in Bournemouth and Poole, together with top-end cycle cafés, bike hire and cycle routes to kick start your search…

Children’s Farms and Animal Parks near Bournemouth and Poole

Zoo Bournemouth: 12 Best Places to See Animals Locally

Being in Dorset, you’d expect Bournemouth and Poole to have a few good children’s farms and animal parks nearby; and you won’t be disappointed. These options are all worth a visit if you have children interested in animals and energy to burn.

Family Pubs with Play Areas near Bournemouth & Poole, East Dorset

12 Family Pubs with Play Areas Near Bournemouth & Poole

Who doesn’t enjoy a roast dinner in a cosy pub on a Sunday? That said, it can be a bit more of a challenge when you have little ones to entertain. Here are our top picks of close-by pubs with play areas and more to keep the whole family happy.

Things to Do Indoors and on a Rainy Day in Bournemouth and Poole

14 Best Indoor Activities Bournemouth & Poole Offer

Whilst there is plenty to do in good weather, on rainy days it can be tricky to think of local indoor activities that will suit all the family. To give you some ideas, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best things to do indoors in the Bournemouth and Poole area.

Best Garden Centres near Poole & Bournemouth

12 Best Garden Centres Bournemouth & Poole

There are a variety of different garden centres around Poole and Bournemouth, each with their own character and appeal. Here is a flavour of what is available in the area…

Cycling Routes, Cycle Shops and Bike Hire in Poole and Bournemouth

8 Best Bike Shops in Bournemouth & Poole

Here is our list of recommended bike shops in Bournemouth and Poole, together with top-end cycle cafés, bike hire and cycle routes to kick start your search…

Leisure Centre Options in Bournemouth and Poole

10 Best Leisure Centres in Bournemouth and Poole

When we first moved to the area, we spent an evening visiting local leisure centres to get a feel for what’s on offer. Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch have a good range and you are sure to find one to suit your needs.

Easy East Dorset Walks To Try Today

8 Best Walks in Bournemouth, Poole & Surrounding Areas

Bournemouth and Poole have some fantastic country parks and areas to explore. If you are looking for a leisurely stroll with tea and cake after, here are some good options.

Fish and Chips Bournemouth and Poole

Fish and Chips Bournemouth & Poole: 7 Best Places

Getting fish and chips is a perfect takeaway meal when you don’t feel like cooking. Affordable and tasty, it is the ideal pick me up – in more ways than one. To help you with your search, we have compiled a list of the best fish and chips shops located in popular areas around Bournemouth and Poole.

Great Coffee Shops and Cafés in the Poole Area, near Bournemouth

Best Coffee Shops Poole: 14 Local Cafés Near Bournemouth

There has recently been a big surge in the opening of artisan coffee shops in the Poole area. There is nothing nicer than relaxing in the welcoming atmosphere of a great coffee shop. With all those delightful aromas you can enjoy a delicious coffee made by an experienced barista. Here are a few places to try.

Top Poole Pubs to Try Right Now

25 Best Pubs in Poole Quay, Ashley Cross & Poole Harbour

The quality of Poole drinking holes varies significantly and it’s not always easy to judge what they are like from the outside. A lot of time can be wasted going in and out of establishments, or just settling for second best. To save time, here is a list of great all-round pubs and bars that appeal inside and out.

Vegan restaurants in Bournemouth

9 Best Vegan Restaurants in Bournemouth and Poole

Looking for a plant-based meal out in the local area? You are in luck, there has been a recent explosion in vegan eating and there are some marvellous vegan restaurants in Bournemouth and Poole to try right now.

Family Pubs with Play Areas near Bournemouth & Poole, East Dorset

12 Family Pubs with Play Areas Near Bournemouth & Poole

Who doesn’t enjoy a roast dinner in a cosy pub on a Sunday? That said, it can be a bit more of a challenge when you have little ones to entertain. Here are our top picks of close-by pubs with play areas and more to keep the whole family happy.

Farm Shops Worth Visiting near Bournemouth and Poole

Farm Shop Near Me: Best 9 Around Bournemouth & Poole

Enjoy buying local produce, cutting down food miles and supporting the local agricultural economy? South East Dorset has a selection of small to medium farm shops nearby, and going West into more rural areas they get bigger and better.

Super Poole & Bournemouth Theatre Venues

8 Best Theatres in Bournemouth and Poole

If you’re looking for some live evening entertainment, Bournemouth and Poole offer a wide selection. Options include muscials and the globally acclaimed Bournemouth Syphony Orchestra, to boutique venues serving up circuit comedians, farce theatre and indie bands.

8 Best Poole and Bournemouth Cinema Options

8 Best Poole and Bournemouth Cinema Options

If the weather takes a turn for the worse or you just fancy a relaxed evening out, the cinema is a great choice. We are lucky in this area to have a few places to choose from too, so you can mix things up a bit. Here is our pick of the best cinemas in Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding area.

Bed and Breakfast Bournemouth and Poole

Cheap Bed and Breakfast in Bournemouth: 20 Best Choices

You’ve decided you would like to visit Bournemouth for a few days and are now looking for some comfortable and affordable accomodation. It can be difficult to find a good Bournemouth bed and breakfast (B&B), as they are not as well advertised as the larger hotels and the quality can vary. That’s why we’ve pulled together our local knowledge of the area and created a list of top-notch guest houses to help you on your way.