Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, covering 36 square kilometers with a stunning mosaic of islands, mudflats, saltmarsh, and channels. The shallow tidal harbour hosts internationally important bird populations including up to 40,000 waders in winter. Five islands dot the harbour including Brownsea Island (largest and most visited), Furzey, Green, Long, and Round islands. The harbour supports diverse marine ecosystems, commercial fishing, recreational boating, and water sports. Views across the harbour toward Purbeck Hills create picturesque scenes from Poole Quay, Sandbanks, and coastal paths. The harbour has shaped Poole’s identity as a maritime town for centuries, supporting trade, fishing, pottery industry, and tourism. Today it balances ecological protection with recreation, hosting sailing regattas, kayaking, paddleboarding, and harbour tours. Poole Harbour’s natural beauty and ecological significance make it a defining feature of Dorset’s landscape.
Photo by Malc McDonald from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Poole Harbour
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
Brownsea Island
Wildlife sanctuary island in Poole Harbour, famous for red squirrels and birthplace of Scouting.
Poole Museum
Free museum on Poole Quay showcasing 2,000 years of harbor history including Iron Age logboat.
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.