Hi folks. Me and some riding buddies are doing a South Coast jaunt in August and are looking for some secure accommodation near Poole. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. BJB
I'm a regular out of Poole for the Channel Island ferries and there is not a good option. I have used the Hotel Du VIn, which is over-priced and not very good, and the Bridge House on the Ringwood Road; here, parking is off-road, rather than completely secure. Hotel is OK but not really my cup of tea. There are another two I've used, which I wouldn't recommend at all. I have effectively given up with Poole and now use either the Crown Hotel at Blandford Forum (large old hotel with Ringwood Brewery, where parking is again off-road, around the back, so out of sight, but not gated) or more preferably the Langton Arms at Tarrant Monkton (country pub in the middle of nowhere so loss of vehicle highly unlikely - I've never lost one there in 20-odd years). Great pub with really good food, terrific breakfast but I've not been for two years, because they no longer accept one-night stays. You could ask, I suppose. If you are really paranoid about bike security, I have an option at Portsmouth (my other ferryport) which is the Holiday Inn Express at Gunwharf Quay, where parking is in multi-storey underneath and really bike-friendly with helmet lockers and ground anchor points. Hotel is so-so, but staff are really helpful and loads of eating options in the mall in which it is located.
As an alternative, Swanage is a nice place, close to Poole, picturesque, quiet and off the main routes. I've stayed in the Purbeck House Hotel, which is close to the centre and has a large car park at the rear, it's enclosed but not gated. However, my bike was ok in there during my stay. Obviously, if you are interested there are other hotels in the town, which should show on a search. Good luck with the search for a hotel and the trip. Tom. PS. There's always Sandbanks if you wish to push the boat out!
Thank you. Someone else in our group has now booked accommodation in Poole. we’ve agreed to chain the bikes together and cover them which we did in Eastbourne (gods waiting room) last year. I guess good CCTV coverage is the best we can hope for apart from our own security. Cheers BJB
Never been but must be an overspill for Christchurch because they are ALL old there and they constantly moan that their own families (free nursing) can’t afford to live in the area, and they don’t want them moving in with them because that’s too close, so they rattle around in their 6 bed homes all on their own moaning about everyone and everything
