Part of the Haven holiday chain, Rockley Park is a pristine, four-pearl example of a family-friendly, UK holiday caravan park, located right on the beach outside Poole. The grounds and common areas are modern and well-maintained, while the trailers -- called caravans in the UK -- are well-kept and surprisingly stylish. There are various levels of lodgings to suit families of different sizes and budgets, all with a kitchen area, lounge, and shower room. The park offers a huge range of family-friendly activities, including pools, direct beach access, a spa, and a kids’ club -- many guests rarely leave the park during their stay. Those who do venture out will find some good restaurants within a 15-minute walk, and a beach and nature reserve just at the edge of the park.
Part of the Haven holiday chain, Rockley Park is a pristine, four-pearl example of a family-friendly, UK holiday caravan park, located right on the beach outside Poole. The grounds and common areas are modern and well-maintained, while the trailers -- called caravans in the UK -- are well-kept and surprisingly stylish. There are various levels of lodgings to suit families of different sizes and budgets, all with a kitchen area, lounge, and shower room. The park offers a huge range of family-friendly activities, including pools, direct beach access, a spa, and a kids’ club -- many guests rarely leave the park during their stay. Those who do venture out will find some good restaurants within a 15-minute walk, and a beach and nature reserve just at the edge of the park.
The 38-room Harbour Heights Hotel is an upscale boutique where the main feature is a wonderful tiered terrace that offers superb views over Poole Harbour. Rooms are mostly spacious, with lovely sea vistas seen through floor-to-ceiling windows or from furnished balconies. While jetted tubs come standard in all bathrooms, a lack of any spa facilities is disappointing for this level of hotel. Dining, however, is first-rate and the hotel keeps an excellent wine cellar with a full-time sommelier. Overall, rates are not cheap, but it's certainly worth the upgrade for a room with a spectacular view. Wi-Fi is free, as is breakfast.
The 38-room Harbour Heights Hotel is an upscale boutique where the main feature is a wonderful tiered terrace that offers superb views over Poole Harbour. Rooms are mostly spacious, with lovely sea vistas seen through floor-to-ceiling windows or from furnished balconies. While jetted tubs come standard in all bathrooms, a lack of any spa facilities is disappointing for this level of hotel. Dining, however, is first-rate and the hotel keeps an excellent wine cellar with a full-time sommelier. Overall, rates are not cheap, but it's certainly worth the upgrade for a room with a spectacular view. Wi-Fi is free, as is breakfast.
The 84-room Haven Hotel is a lovely seafront property dating back to the late 19th century that's situated on Poole's Sandbanks peninsula. The location is particularly enviable as it's overlooking the sea on two sides and offers direct access to a long sandy beach. Most rooms open to balconies with superb views, though decor is on the generic side. Leisure facilities are certainly impressive (including a big outdoor pool and large spa) and scenic waterside dining is a big plus. While not the cheapest option in the area, the setting is spectacular. Wi-Fi is free.
The 84-room Haven Hotel is a lovely seafront property dating back to the late 19th century that's situated on Poole's Sandbanks peninsula. The location is particularly enviable as it's overlooking the sea on two sides and offers direct access to a long sandy beach. Most rooms open to balconies with superb views, though decor is on the generic side. Leisure facilities are certainly impressive (including a big outdoor pool and large spa) and scenic waterside dining is a big plus. While not the cheapest option in the area, the setting is spectacular. Wi-Fi is free.
The upper-middle-range Sandbanks Hotel is a family-friendly, beachfront hotel right on Poole Harbour that's part of a small, local hotel chain. It has 108 rooms, the majority of which have unobstructed views of the water, but many are dated and worn and could use a refresh. There are loads of facilities here, including a small indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness center. There's also a restaurant and bar, and breakfast is included in the room rate. One of the main draws is the hotel's direct access to an untouched sandy beach. Facilities for children are excellent, too, and include a kids' club that hosts a wide range of activities and allows parents to put their feet up. All in all, the facilities here are extensive, but the tired guest rooms are a let down. Those looking for a quieter escape might want to check out the nearby Harbour Heights, with more modern rooms and fewer family-friendly amenities.
The upper-middle-range Sandbanks Hotel is a family-friendly, beachfront hotel right on Poole Harbour that's part of a small, local hotel chain. It has 108 rooms, the majority of which have unobstructed views of the water, but many are dated and worn and could use a refresh. There are loads of facilities here, including a small indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness center. There's also a restaurant and bar, and breakfast is included in the room rate. One of the main draws is the hotel's direct access to an untouched sandy beach. Facilities for children are excellent, too, and include a kids' club that hosts a wide range of activities and allows parents to put their feet up. All in all, the facilities here are extensive, but the tired guest rooms are a let down. Those looking for a quieter escape might want to check out the nearby Harbour Heights, with more modern rooms and fewer family-friendly amenities.
