Visiting Poole Harbour

Moonshining

Well-Known Member
Joined
11 May 2005
Messages
3,674
Location
Surrey, UK
picnicsintheharbour.blogspot.com
Assuming that the weather isn't too horrendous, we're hoping to make our first trip West of the Solent next week and all being well, will at least get as far as Poole Harbour.

Is there a recommended place for visitors? We'll have the dawg with us, so pontoon access to land overnight is pretty vital.

The Poole Quay Yacht Haven looks about right. It's not somewhere we'll be pelted with rocks by the local youth or anything is it? We'll probably be there mid week.
 
Never been pelted with rocks BUT you will have to put up with the 'Sunseeker Set' that seem to congregate there on a regular basis. Otherwise its pretty good; easy berthing, close to the town / pubs / eateries etc etc. Should be ideal with a dog in tow.

Mark
 
The marina at Poole is OK, if pricey, no rocks but can get fairly loud of an evening but if you're there mid week you should be ok. Decent shower block across the road from the marina and handy for the town centre, etc.

If you are looking for some P&Q you could try going through the bridge (see your almanac for lifting times) and go to Cobbs Quay which is out of the town but quiet.

Robin, of this parish, could tell you more about Parkstone YC marina which again is outside of town but quiet and certainly cheaper.
 
Check out the Poole Harbour Commissioners website HERE and you'll find info about the local byelaws. In the middle of the page there's a link to a guide map of the harbour, which will lead to info and a chartlet of the marina......
 
I'd happily recommend Parkstone YC if you want some peace and quiet - but it might be an idea to have a bike with you if you want a quick run into town - otherwise it is a (pleasant) walk or taxi.
 
If it's midweek, if you're shallow draft, and if you're feeling adventurous you could make your way right up to Redcliffe Yacht Club just below Wareham. They've always fitted us in on their pontoon midweek but it's not available for visitors on Friday evening or at the weekend. Cheap, including basic facilities in the clubhouse, and about a 20 minute walk in to town along the river bank.
 
Parkstone YC is a bit cheaper than The Dolphin Marina at Poole Quay and also quieter, but a good walk to town. You will need to call ahead and get a berth number allocated as these are vacant members berths, best to call on Ch37 or 01202 738824. The website and charges are HERE
 
I went to Poole a few weeks back; it was my first trip west and only the second out of the Solent. Pity there was no wind, in either direction.

We stayed in Parkstone Yacht Club. Nice quiet place, friendly people, very good food. There is a nice park nearly where you can walk the dog. Its a 40 minute walk into Poole town centre.

Watch out for the chain ferry as you enter the harbour, it has right of way!!!

Colin
 
We were in Poole at beginning of June, temp ladies showers were better than many permanent showers I've stood under!We saw Royal yacht Bloodhound, and they had a nice fireworks display on the thursday evening with live music on the quayside which made for a very pleasent evening!
 
We took our first trip west of the Solent last week, and stayed at Dolphin (near the town centre). It was pleasant and not as expensive as some marinas (East Cowes springs to mind). They also sent a chap down to the pontoon to help us in, which is rare and welcome. The showers and toilets are clean and pretty much brand new, security also seemed quite good. On the whole, and being mid-week, recommended.

Oh, and when a boat was leaving, and had to squeeze past us, the marina manager came down to help. He used one of our fenders as a rover, then left it on the departing French boat. Within minutes he was back with a replacement shiny Sunseeker fender of the same size. We will of course fit a sock to cover the logo.
 
Contrary to popular opinion we are a mixed Yacht Club and have quite a lot of mobo members, one of which is a forumite too, Zazu. No problem for a berth but call ahead to make sure one is available as there are no 'visitor' only spots, members advise when they are away so the berth is free for a visitor to use. Unless we have a rally visiting, if the weather is good we will have free berths, if it's bad our boats may not have gone away. It's best to phone in normal hours or radio ahead direct on on Ch37 'Parkstone Haven', they have Ch80 too but not on the handheld radio if the berthing master is out of the office or on the pontoons.
 
[ QUOTE ]
That is good to know. I would rather pay berthing fees to support a club over Poole Council any day.

[/ QUOTE ]

Half the visitor fees but minus the exorbitant harbour dues are divided up at the end of the year and shared pro rata amongst those members that notified when their berths were available. That way encourages people to allow use of their berths and for us every little helps! Enjoy your visit, if you look on F12 you will see a proper boat!
 
Lucky you. We have friends in the club still waiting here (3 weeks today) for a weather window to leave for S Brittany and Spain! We leave too in 3 weeks and we may yet be in company with them - or still be here like them!

Robin
 
Top