The Customs House on Poole Quay is a Grade II listed Georgian building dating from 1813, designed by noted architect John Tasker. For over 150 years, customs officers worked here collecting duties on imports arriving at this major port. The elegant three-story building with Regency features exemplifies early 19th-century commercial architecture. While now privately operated, the Customs House remains a Poole landmark symbolizing the town’s maritime trading heritage. The quayside location amid historic warehouses, restaurants, and pubs creates an atmospheric waterfront scene. The building’s presence reminds visitors of Poole’s importance as a trading port dealing with wool, Newfoundland cod, clay, and diverse goods. The Customs House exemplifies how Georgian commercial buildings contribute to Poole’s historic character while adapting to contemporary uses.
Photo by Chris Talbot from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Poole Customs House
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more places within 10km
Poole Museum (Waterfront Museum)
Maritime heritage museum on Poole Quay exploring town's history from Iron Age to present.
Scaplen's Court Museum
Poole's oldest building - remarkably preserved Grade I listed medieval merchant's house from 1500.
St. James' Church, Poole
13th-century parish church with Victorian Gothic features and maritime heritage.
RNLI Poole Lifeboat Museum
RNLI museum celebrating 200 years of lifeboat heritage with historic boats and rescue stories.
Poole Lighthouse
Contemporary arts center with concert hall, theatre, cinema, and galleries near Poole Quay.
Poole Museum
Free museum on Poole Quay showcasing 2,000 years of harbor history including Iron Age logboat.