Ferry to Poole

Poole

Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and for centuries its merchants made fortunes far from home: in the 1600s and 1700s the town was one of England's main ports in the Newfoundland cod trade, and the handsome Georgian houses around the old quay were built on the proceeds. Ceramics put Poole on the map in a different way: Poole Pottery, founded in 1873, is still synonymous with bright mid-century designs. For a short, characterful detour, take the little chain ferry across the harbour mouth at Sandbanks, in operation since 1926, to reach Studland's beaches and the Isle of Purbeck, where Corfe Castle stands in a gap in the hills. Beneath the Purbeck heath, Wytch Farm is often described as the biggest onshore oil field in western Europe, hidden so well that most visitors never notice it.

The ferry port at Poole

Address: Poole Ferry Terminal, New Harbour Road South, Hamworthy, Poole BH15 4AJ (sat-nav postcode).

By road: The terminal has good road links from the M3/M27, the A31 and the A35. When you reach Poole, follow the signs to Ferries.

By train and bus: Poole station is a 20 to 25 minute walk from the terminal, or about a 10-minute taxi ride. Poole bus station, at the Dolphin Centre, is also a 20 to 25 minute walk away.

Parking: The passenger car park is just behind the foot passenger hall and is pay-on-return.