Dorset is a county in the southwest of England, on the English Channel coast. Dorset is famous for its picturesque coastline as well as well as the holiday resorts of Poole, Bournemouth, Weymouth, Swanage and Lyme Regis. These charming coastline resorts attract millions of tourists every year and its number constantly increases. Poole, Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Swanage and Bournemouth attractions have its permanent touristy staff. Today we talk about one of the Dosert pearls - Poole.
Poole is considered to be the dominant among England beaches and indeed it is for sure a beautiful place. There the visitors have an opportunity to see and enjoy possibly the largest natural harbor in Europe - the Poole Harbor (over 100 miles of coastline). Poole is a working port town, with cross-channel ferriage services to Europe, and ship yards. Poole has a rich and interesting history. Elizabeth 1st gave it the county status, which Poole kept until the 19th century. Dating from the 13th century, Poole became a port and fishing town.
Developing extremely fast Poole became an ideal place for pirates and in 1406; it was raided by the French in revenge for the piracy deeds of Henry Page, the local pirate. Despite this fact, in 1433 Poole become the largest Port in Dosert. Poole's importance especially increased with the Newfoundland trade and in the 17th century, Poole was one of the main ports of this trade. The resort status was obtained at the beginning of the 19th century. Nowadays it is a town with a smart mixture of new house and flats, interspersed with renovated Georgian buildings that were demolished between 1950 and 1972. Later this demolition was recognized as the vandalism act and in 1975 part of the town centre was partially reconstructed.
Poole has an impressive number of things to visit and see. Among its attractions and sights there is St. James Church, Waterfront Museum, Stapehill Abbey & Gardens, Compton Acres, Wimborne Model Town & Gardens, Splashdown, the Aquarium, Serpentarium and Great Scenic Model Railway and many-many others worth seeing places of note. Poole has a flourishing town centre boasting of big name shops and a quaint old town cobbled streets. The Dolphin Shopping Centre - the biggest undercover shopping centre in Dorset - is another one salt in Poole.
Being rich in historic places and events Poole Harbour and Quay are the most visited and famous with tourists and locals alike. Poole Quay is a hive of activity with fishing boats, yachts, powerboats and pleasure cruisers. Along the sea shore the visitors can easily find a place to have a rest, meal or shop - the amount of little gift shops, pubs and restaurants is amazing. The beauty of the Quay is originally completed with Anthony Caro's Sea Music sculpture that is the favorite place for making photos - the view is amazing!
Being world famous and reputedly the "finest gardens in Europe", Compton Acres Italian and Japanese gardens are the leading and important stop that provides visitors with the astounding views overlooking Poole Harbor. Being sheltered and calm, Poole Harbor is the "watersports paradise" proposing the superb facilities and a wide range of watersports activities including a huge windsurf following. It is also one of the largest centers for sailing in the UK with many yacht clubs including Lilliput Sailing Club, Parkstone Yacht Club and Poole Yacht Club.
Another one Poole highlight is Tower Park. It is a huge leisure complex with a 10-screen cinema, indoor & outdoor water rides at the Splashdown Water Park, 30 computerized ten-pin lanes at the Megabowl, bingo, amusements, fun galore and a great variety of eating establishments.
Poole is the real paradise on earth!