There seem to be distinct shopping experiences in the centre of Poole; the typical town centre comprising of the ususal high street names, mixed with some local shops, part indoor shopping centre and part outdoor pedestrianised, and the more interesting quay and old town.
The indoor part, The Dolphin Shopping Centre, has the claim to be Dorset’s largest indoor mall. Here you will find department stores Marks & Spencer and Beales, plus the popular fashion, jewellery, chemist and footwear names to list a few.
Outside, the pedestrianised main street extends towards the waterfront and Poole Harbour. One of the longest in the South of England, more well-known high street names gradual mingle with independent shops. The railway bisects the high street causing regular delays as the barriers come down, but the shopping centre is pedestrianised for a good distance.
Continue up the high street and the shops thin out before reaching the Old Town and Quay. Here craft shops are more prominent along cobbled streets and speciality shops can be discovered. Poole Pottery, an art gallery and Dorset Country Fayre, give an idea of the area, mixed with a wide choice of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The whole area has a relaxed atmosphere as the shooping streets open out onto the Quay front, opposite the Sunseeker yacht factory and views out over Poole Harbour.
Over in Sandbanks, haven to super desireable luxury propertys on the waterfront, a few top end boutiques have sprung up to serve the area’s super rich residents, mixed with convenience and beach shops. And Poole is large enough to support the typical out of town retail centres which line the main road into the town, interpersed with fast food drive throughs and supermarkets.
So Poole isn’t reinventing shopping experiences. However visitors will be able to find anything they need and the Old Town and Quay provide attract visitors with the background of the views over Poole Harbour and the interesting mix of craft shops and waterfront restaurants.
Find out more at www.pooletowncentre.com.
