Poole Cruise Port
20 New Quay Road, Hamworthy, Poole Dorset, BH15 4AF
Being the largest natural harbour in Europe, after a £10 million investment Pool will be able to host up to two cruise ships at a time from 2018. On average one ship a week now comes into port in Poole cruise port, serving the West Country as the gateway to the open oceans on a cruise holiday.
Cruise lines and destinations from Poole
Poole not only serves as a cruise destination, but a home port for selected sailings.
Poole’s cruise itineraries are extremely varied with cruises around the British Isles to Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England’s most charming coastal cities and destinations as well as Northern Europe to the Fjords, Baltics, Iceland and the Faroes. Alternatively, you could sail south to Frances’s coastal towns and along the scenic river Seine to Rouen.
- Britain: Liverpool, Dublin, Cardiff and Scilly
- Europe: Norway’s Fjords, Iceland and France
Getting to Poole Cruise Port
By Car
The approach by road into Poole and the harbour depends on if you are coming from the west or the east. Once in Poole follow the signs for the ports or use the Sat Nav code BH15 4AJ.
From the east such as London, Brighton airport or general north, it is quickest to go directly through the town. However, you must note that access to the port is available via one of the two risible bridges over the Upton lake estuary into the larger harbour. You will be informed which bridge is currently crossable via digital sign posts on the approach.
From the west, take either the A350 or A35 to Upton roundabout. From here, simply follow the Blandford Road 3 miles for 10 minutes directly to the cruise port facility.
By Public Transport
By train, Poole is 2 hours directly from London Waterloo station, between 3.5 from Brigham new street station via Winchester and 3 hours from Bristol via either Southampton or Dorchester. Poole train station is a mile from the docks. You can walk there in 20 minutes. Alternatively, from the close by the old library bus stop, the journey takes 20 minutes as well via the number 8 bus to the Potters arms, 152 to Shapwick Road bus stops approximately every ten minutes. Alternatively, Poole train station does have a taxi rank although it is better to book ahead for the best prices and waiting time.
In addition, there is the possibility there will be a coach pick-up service through the local West Country area to serve demand. For those flying in from abroad to cruise from Poole, Bournemouth international airport is the closest 12 miles out and only 30 minutes’ drive away.
Poole Cruise Port Facilities
Poole cruise terminal is a modern facility with all the amenities you need either before boarding or waiting for your connection. As well as toilets with disabled access and baby changing facilities, you will also find a left luggage service, café and shop. In addition, the facility has useful extra features such as a currency exchange, payphone, ATM and Wi-Fi.
There is a drop off and coach area as well as both a long and short-term car parking facility, with two separate check-ins depending on if you arrive by car or foot. In addition, many shops and restaurants and hotels are located within easy walking distance in town and along the waterfront.
Tourism: what to do and see around Poole
In and around the idyllic seaside town of Poole you will find plenty to do either side of your cruise. As well as a wander around the harbour and look at the shops, here are just some of the highlights or what you could do and see in, and around, Poole.
As well as having some of the best sandy beaches in England, Poole is located in the famous Jurassic coast area of the Southwest. In a short drive, you can be at one of the famous fossil-hunting beaches of Weymouth and find out all about the history and discovery of marine dinosaurs and prehistoric life as well as find a few examples for yourself.
A short boat-ride out into the bay, Brownsea island, famous for hosting the first ever scout camp in 1907 is now a world-class bird reservation and one of the last refuges of Britain’s indigenous red squirrel. Stonehenge is another nearby must for history lovers with Salisbury just an hours’ drive away to see the iconic ruins synonymous with prehistoric Britain.
Times | Prices | Location | |
---|---|---|---|
Poole Museum | 10am-5pm | Free | 4, High St |
Old Lifeboat Museum | 10am-4pm | Free | The Quay, Poole |
Splashdown Waterpark | 9am-9pm | Under 5's: £7
Adults: £15.50 |
Tower Park |
Upton Country Park | 8am-6pm | Free | Poole Rd, Upton |
English Oak Vineyard | June-September | £20 | Flowers Drove, Poole BH16 6BX |