Sandbanks View Poole

Poole Old Lifeboat Museum and Shop

Poole Old Lifeboat Museum and Shop

Old Lifeboat Museum Fisherman's Dock, The Quay BH15 1RA

01202 666046

Housing one of Poole's historic lifeboats, Thomas Kirk Wright, the old boathouse and souvenir shop at Fisherman's Dock at the end of Poole Quay offers the public a close-up view of the lifeboat and the history that surrounds it.

The old lifeboat station was Poole's serving lifeboat station from 1882 to 1989, when a new station was opened by the Poole Lifting Bridge at the other end of the quay. The old boathouse then became a museum.

The Thomas Kirk Wright (1939-62) was one of the 'Dunkirk Little Ships'. On 28 May 1940 she sailed from Poole to Ramsgate to join the rescue flotilla, and was the first of 19 lifeboats to reach Dunkirk on 30 May 1940.

The shop in the Old Boathouse sells RNLI memorabilia, cards, gifts, clothing and nautical-themed items. Proceeds from the gift shop itself will go directly to the RNLI in order to save lives at sea.

The museum and shop is open daily between April and early December (subject to availability of volunteer staff) 10am-4pm and admission is free.

Closed from 3rd December until April, but can always open up for specific requests.

Poole - Things To Do

poole park

poole park

Famous for its aquatic birds and miniature railway, Poole's Victorian park is great venue for relaxing.

Opened in 1890 by HRH Edward Prince of Wales, the park enjoys an open aspect to the south with extensive views across Poole Harbour.

brownsea island ferries

brownsea island ferries

Est.1887 - Poole's Oldest Boat Company with the newest luxury boats - leaving from the Yellow Kiosks on Poole Quay.

Ferries to Brownsea Island & Harbour tours. 

hamworthy park

hamworthy park

Hamworthy Park Beach is a traditional seaside park located in Poole with a quaint sandy beach with fantastic views over Poole Harbour and the Purbecks.

Poole - Food & Drink Recommendations

Restaurant Recommendations Poole

Restaurant Recommendations Poole

From fishermans cafes to up market celebrity restaurants, Poole really has it all.

delicatessans and cafes

delicatessans and cafes

There are numerous coffee shops and cafes on The Quay and nearby.

Poole Bars and Pubs

Poole Bars and Pubs

Numerous choices all along the Quay or nearby in the Old town centre.