Poole is a coastal town in Dorset, southern England, known for its large natural harbour and sandy beaches. The Old Town has Georgian houses and Poole Museum, which explores local history in 4 buildings, including medieval Scaplen’s Court. From Poole Harbour, boats head south to Brownsea Island. This wooded area has trails and wildlife such as red squirrels, plus 16th-century Brownsea Castle, now a private hotel.

The town of Poole was probably founded in the late 12th century. Merchants from nearby Wareham, which was burned in 1139 during a civil war, may have founded it. Perhaps merchants from Wareham moved to Poole because it was easier to defend. Poole was built on a peninsula.