'Five million' trips made to Poole town centre during winter period

Business across Poole have been reporting growing momentum, with five million trips to the town during winter.

Poole Museum, Lush, spectacular light installations, and the Poole Quay Bath-Tub Race has brought more then double the amount of returning visitors each year.

BCP Council also says that vacancy rates in Poole are less then half the national average at eight per cent.

Poole Museum re-opened in November 2025 after a three-year, £11million revamp.

More than 50,000 people visited the museum in first ten weeks of it reopening to explore the Iron Age logboat, giant hippo, and newly restored Scaplen’s Court.

Poole Museum

Improved work led by the Poole BID will see a more connected and reassuring presence from Dorset Police’s neighbourhood policing team, BCP Council’s CSAS officers and Poole BID’s security staff.

The RNLI previously announced their intention to move all shipbuilding to Poole from 2027, a long-term contract for Rockley Watersports at Poole Park, and Lush has continued their association with Poole with the opening of a standalone hair salon along the Quay.

Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “As someone who was proudly born in Poole – and still calls it home – it’s fantastic to see our town shining brightly.

“This momentum shows what I, and so many other people have always known: Poole is an incredible place, filled with remarkable people, and a huge amount to celebrate.

“It’s brilliant to see so many visitors enjoyed the best of what we have to offer over the winter period: whether that’s for a splash of culture at Poole Museum, a show at the Lighthouse, a dip along the coast, or just a spot of shopping.

“Working with partners, including Poole BID, and local businesses gives us a really solid foundation to continue that momentum throughout the course of 2026 and ensure that Poole remains a place that everyone can be as proud as I am to call their home.”

Jaine Fitzpatrick, Interim Director of Poole Museum, said, “The redevelopment of Poole Museum has transformed it into a vibrant cultural venue, gallery and museum for all in Poole.

“We’ve welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to our local area in just a few weeks, with the increased footfall benefitting local businesses and ensuring Poole remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

“In 2026 we’ve got even more exciting experiences planned, which includes nationally renowned exhibitions and innovative wellbeing initiatives that will attract even more visitors and interest into Poole.”

Jacqui Rock, Chief Executive of Poole BID, said, “Poole has had a fantastic Christmas period, with great footfall and a real buzz in the town centre.

“We’re especially proud that Poole’s vacancy rate is just 8% – well below the national average – reflecting the hard work Poole BID does to support businesses and attract new traders, helped by the great spirit across the town.

“Through initiatives like Dusty – our grounds maintenance machine is used to ‘spring clean’ areas where businesses need it – alongside our work on safety, events and marketing, we’re focused on keeping Poole welcoming, vibrant and thriving into 2026 and beyond.”

Daisy Evans, Lush Haircare Category and HairLab Lead, said: “Bringing the Lush HairLab to Poole feels like a real homecoming. This town is where Lush was born and where our products are still made fresh by hand just around the corner, so to now have a HairLab here feels like we’re really going back to our roots.

“I’ve been working on shaping this concept for years, so seeing it come to life in such a beautiful space with views across Poole Harbour and the Purbecks is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait for the local community to experience everything the HairLab has to offer, right here in Lush’s hometown.”

Mia Bailey, owner of Bailey Bakes, a coffee and bakes trailer near the RNLI slipway, said: “The past year has been a significant success – demonstrating strong local support and continued growth.

“As a Poole local from a long-standing fishing family it has been an honour to work alongside the Quay and neighbouring businesses, offering my range of handmade cakes.

“My business began as a small community space, providing a place for fishermen to unwind after returning from sea. Since then it has helped bring the “east end of the Quay back to life” and is now widely supported by both Poole residents and returning visitors alike.”