Poole Harbour, Dorset, Live Webcam

More info: Poole is a seaside resort in the county of Dorset and is nestled between Bournemouth, the Isle of Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast. It is well known for having Europe’s largest natural harbour and the second largest natural harbour in the world (Sydney, Australia being the largest). The harbour is extremely shallow with an average depth of 48 cm and with one main dredged channel through the harbour, from the mouth to Holes Bay.

The entrance to Poole Harbour is from the east, via Poole Bay and the English Channel. Entering the harbour, heading west, on either side are the shores of Studland beach (south west) and Sandbanks (in particular, the Haven Hotel and the peninsula, north east).

Poole's harbour is a haven for sailors, wildlife and watersports and is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Poole is also home of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and their training college with hotel and restaurant is located right on the harbours edge.

Poole Harbour’s safe, shallow waters are ideal for trying one of over 25 water based activities such as windsurfing, sailing. kayaking and powerboat riding. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also available.

Poole’s traditional working Quay has many cafés and bars on the waterside – ideal for watching ships, fishing boats and luxury Sunseeker yachts leave the harbour.

Poole is served by regular cross-Channel passenger ferries, with Brittany Ferries offering a passenger and freight service to Cherbourg. Condor Ferries operate to the Channel Islands and St Malo as well as a joint high-speed service with Brittany Ferries to Cherbourg.