Poole for a couple of nights Feb half term

MrsMC and I will be child free for most of Feb half term, thinking of a couple of nights away midweek.

“Dorset-ish” has been suggested as somewhere we don’t know but would like to have a quick look – we like a bit of sea air and countryside, but in February towns and cafes might be a better option. My initial thought was to stay at the RNLI training centre in Poole but they are fully booked and look to be around £260. The old fallback of Premier Inn seems to start at £80 round there.

Any local knowledge for places to stay down there nearer the Premier Inn level of cost?

The Travelodge, by the RNLI is alright, but the carpark is frequented by thieves. We had multiple tools robbed on one occasion and then the trucks ransacked over several other days. The Police did sweet FA and the Travelodge just shrugged their shoulders.

Although not Poole I’d take a look at Kingston Country Courtyard.

It’s pretty easy to get to Poole from K.C.C. and the trip is an event when you take the chain ferry from Sandbanks/Studland. Swanage has some of the best fish & chip shop anywhere IMO. Lots of restaurants and cafes within a short drive – esp Clavells @ Kimmeridge and Shell Bay @ Studland – lots of beaches to explore, museums and the Square & Compass pub is walkable from K.C.C.

The Old Customs house and The Antelope are both on the quay/old town and are decent, or Hotel du Vin.

When I am down Dorset way I like to stay here–https://rivendell-guesthouse.co.uk/

It’s in Swanage, great location for local walks, steam train to Corfe Castle, open-top bus (and chain ferry) to Bournemouth, not far to the Square and Compass at Worth Matravers for pasties and a pint, bliss 🙂

I used to camp mostly in that area. Tom’s Field in Langton Matravers or bitd the barman let us pitch in the garden over the road, but owned by the Square and Compass. Don’t know if that is still a thing? Ideal for a late one there. So tractionman’s recommendation will put you striking distance of all this if not camping, or look at any other b&bs in Worth Matravers or Langton Matravers.  A quick dip in the Dancing Ledge swimming pool is recommended.

Yeah Swanage / Charmouth / Bridport a better bet than Poole, which is a hole.

Swanage or Corfe Castle probably better situated for walks or rides along the coast or Purbeck. Wareham may do as well (The Bear in the high street?)

Poole, like Bournemouth, is grim and is really Hampshire!!

Maybe not Poole itself then, will look at some of your suggestions

Poole is OK in small doses, but I don’t think it has the Dorset-ish experience as commented above.

Swanage is a bit small for a couple of days, but is lovely. Good walks on the downs/Durlstone Country Park. Nice beach for a stroll. Good selection of coffee shops/cafes and some fancier places as well plus some unique non-chain shops and the steam railway.

Wareham is also nice, but a bit small/compact, We have stayed at the Bear a couple of times and it is lovely, but unless you get a great deal it is not Premier Inn Prices!

Maybe stay in one or the other and visit which ever one you did not stay at on the second day?

They both give great access to places like Lulworth, Durdle door, Kimmeridge, Dancing Ledge, Tynham Village/Beach Corfe & Corfe Castle plus a host of other great places along the Jurassic Coastline. All in all adding up to a far more “Dorset-ish” experience.

2 Premier Inns in Weymouth…

Maybe not Poole itself then

Maybe too late, but if you drop by the Riptide cafe opposite the Antelope does a decent coffee (even by forum standards) and the bacon bagel is great too.

Poole high street is awesome if you want vapes, charity shops or cheap tat from the market!

I think it’s kept that way to discourage anyone arriving on the ferry from thinking that the UK is worth visiting.

Once across the chain ferry things improve, although in February be prepared for some weather.

Hiya mate, like others have said, I’d avoid Poole. I grew up in that neck of the woods and it’s not the place I’d choose to spend any time if I had a choice.

You could try places like The Scott Arms in Kingston, or The Bankes Arms in Corfe. There are pricier options like Mortons Manor in Corfe or the Priory in Wareham if that tickles your fancy. Knoll House in Studland might also be pricey, depends on your dates I’d imagine.

You could push further west and look to Lulworth, Lulworth Lodge might be nice, but dates reflect the price.

Any of which would sit you nicely in the Purbecks, you’ve then got Swanage/Wareham/Studland/basically the nice parts close by, a much more relaxing break.

Places like Kimmeridge a little further afield.

The views and the locations will be quiet and out of the way with plenty of walks. I could type you an essay but feel free to DM me for more info.