Poole:

The harbour itself is said to be the Largest natural Harbour in Europe. The Harbour holds 5 main islands the largest Brownsea Island, home of red squirrels and the Birthplace of the first ever scout camp founded by Baden Powell way back in 1907. Regular boats run between Poole Quay and Brownsea allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the island. The smaller islands are long Island, Green Island, Round Island and Furzey Island which holds an oil well. There are boat trips which you can take from the quayside which will allow you view these lovely islands for yourself.

The Quay itself is a mixture of new, up-to-date buildings and apartments blocks with a sprinkle of classic original pubs and buildings. The most notable of these is the custom house which is now a café bar but still holds its own on the quayside. During the summer the quay and surrounding area become a hive of activity. Tuesday night sees the quay closed to traffic as the Poole Dream Machines roll in. This is for anyone who rides a motorcycle, thousands of bikes line the quay and nearby roads it really is a sight to be seen there is a small fee which is collected when you arrive but it is also a great experience for anyone who wants to just walk along and gaze at some incredible creations. Thursday nights is Firework night in Poole depending on the month (as the quay shares the hosting venues with Sandbanks beach) The quay becomes alive with street entertainers and activities and is polished off with a large firework display over the harbour at around 10pm. Friday nights throughout the summer is Quay for my car with different Fridays being dedicated to different cars from the mini to the beetle, custom cars to open top sports cars. (These change every week so if you intend on going its best to look up on the town website what is on what week.)

Poole is also the Main headquarters of the RNLI and of Sunseeker powerboats so there is always plenty of action and things to look at.
Poole has nightlife mainly along the quay and through the high street. There are plenty of Pubs with some good nightclubs. It is quieter than Bournemouth with less people but still a healthy trade and loads of new faces.
The town's shopping centre has many shops including Marks and Spencer, Boots, Monsoon and Oasis these top names continue down the high street which in turns flows on to the quay itself. There are plenty of cafés' and food outlets which will allow you to take the weight off your feet.

Other than shops and the quay there is the Poole Museum home to the Poole Longboat, an Iron age boat found off of Brownsea which has been treated and restored and is now proudly on display. Poole has its own swimming baths and is only a short bus ride or car journey (around 3 miles) from Tower Park a centre which holds no less than 8 restaurants and eating houses
• a 10 screen cinema,
• Splashdown a water park holding 12 indoor and outdoor water rides,
• Bowlplex a 24 lane bowling alley
• Gala bingo Hall
• Phaserzone which is an indoor paintball come laser tag game.
• Arcades and sweet shops to top off your fun.
There is plenty of free parking and fun for all the family.