Poole: Walking Tour of Historic Poole

Poole’s rich history is an intriguing tapestry, inviting visitors to unravel its captivating stories. From the iconic red door at 19 High Street to the Lord Baden Powell statue, this guided walking tour promises an engaging exploration of the town’s significant landmarks. Whether you’re fascinated by Poole’s Iron Age and Roman connections or eager to learn about its maritime past, this wheelchair-accessible adventure offers a rundown that’s sure to captivate your interest.

Key Points

• A 2-hour guided walking tour of historic Poole, showcasing significant sites like the Lord Baden Powell statue and the oldest Almshouse.
• The tour starts at 19 High Street, marked by a red door, and is wheelchair accessible with no planned breaks.
• Prices start from $19.42 per person, with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund.
• The tour provides an engaging overview of Poole’s rich history, including its connections to the Iron Age, Roman times, and the infamous Spanish attacks.
• Consistent 5/5 ratings from participants, who praise the guides’ deep knowledge of Poole’s history and the captivating nature of the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The guided walking tour of Historic Poole offers participants a chance to explore the town’s rich history at a leisurely pace.

Lasting 2 hours, the tour covers significant sites like the Lord Baden Powell statue and Poole’s oldest Almshouse.

Starting at 19 High Street, the meeting point is marked by a distinctive red door.

Suitable for individuals, couples, families, and groups, the walking tour is wheelchair accessible and doesn’t include any planned breaks, so participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

The tour provides an informative and tailored experience for visitors to learn about Poole’s past.

Pricing and Booking Information

Prices for the walking tour of Historic Poole start from $19.42 per person.

No upfront payment is required – visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

It’s valid for 1 day, so customers can check availability for starting times that suit them.

The key booking details are:

1. From $19.42 per person

2. Reserve now & pay later

3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours for full refund

4. Valid for 1 day; check availability for start times

Accessibility and Tour Features

The walking tour of Historic Poole is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors of all abilities to explore the area’s significant historical sites. Along the way, guests will visit the Lord Baden Powell statue, the Woolhouse, and Poole’s oldest Almshouse. No planned breaks are included, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

| Tour Features | Description |

|—————|————-|

| Historical Sites | Significant landmarks like Lord Baden Powell statue, Woolhouse, and Poole’s oldest Almshouse |

| Physical Requirements | No planned breaks; wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing |

| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible for visitors of all abilities |

Historical Insights

Poole dates back to 1248 when it was founded by Sir William Longspee. The town has historical connections dating back to the Iron Age and Roman times.

Visitors on this tour will learn about:

1. The town’s colorful coastal reclamation history.

2. Infamous Spanish attacks that threatened the harbor.

3. The once-thriving codfish trade that brought prosperity.

4. The notorious smuggling tunnels that crisscrossed the town.

This walking tour provides an engaging overview of Poole’s rich history, from its humble beginnings to its resilience in the face of adversity over the centuries.

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Exploring Poole’s Founding and Early History

Although founded in 1248 by Sir William Longspee, Poole’s history dates back much further to the Iron Age and Roman times.

Archaeological evidence suggests the area was inhabited during the Iron Age, with Roman connections dating back over 2,000 years.

Over the centuries, Poole’s strategic coastal location led to its involvement in major historical events, from coastline reclamation projects to Spanish attacks and the lucrative codfish trade.

The city’s smuggling tunnels also reveal a colorful past, as locals sought to evade taxes and customs duties.

Today, this rich history is on full display during the guided walking tour of Historic Poole.

Highlights of the Walking Tour

A highlight of the walking tour is the visit to the Lord Baden Powell statue, honoring the founder of the Boy Scouts movement.

The tour also includes stops at:

1. The Woolhouse, a historic warehouse dating back to the 16th century.

2. Poole’s oldest Almshouse, a charitable institution providing housing for the less fortunate.

3. Significant sites along the coastline, where guests learn about the town’s history of reclamation and Spanish attacks.

4. Locations associated with Poole’s past as a center of the codfish trade and smuggling activities.

Learning About Poole’s Maritime Past

As the tour traverses the historic sites, visitors discover Poole’s rich maritime heritage. The town’s strategic location on the southern coast has long made it a hub for seafaring activities. A table highlights key aspects of Poole’s maritime past:

| Era | Significance |

| — | — |

| Iron Age | Coastal settlement with fishing/trading |

| Roman | Port for exporting goods, including salt |

| Medieval | Center of codfish trade and smuggling |

| 16th-18th Centuries | Battles with Spanish armada, expansion of port |

| 19th Century | Shipbuilding, coastal reclamation projects |

Exploring these maritime connections brings Poole’s storied past to life for tour participants.

Customer Feedback and Testimonials

Glowing customer reviews speak to the engaging nature of the walking tour and the guide’s deep knowledge of Poole’s history.

Reviewers consistently rate the tour 5/5, praising the informative and tailored experience:

1. "Our guide brought Poole’s past to life with fascinating insights. We left feeling like locals!"

2. "Fantastic tour for families – the kids were captivated by the stories of smugglers and pirates."

3. "Highly recommend this tour. The pace was perfect, and we covered so much ground in just 2 hours."

4. "An absolute must-do for anyone visiting Poole. Can’t wait to bring friends on this tour next time."

The Sum Up

This captivating walking tour of historic Poole offers visitors a chance to enjoy the town’s rich heritage. From its founding in 1248 to its connections with the Iron Age and Roman times, the tour provides an engaging overview of Poole’s historical significance. With knowledgeable guides and accessible routes, this memorable adventure is a must-do for anyone interested in exploring Poole’s past.

You can check availability for your dates here: