Poole is a working town as well as a destination, which is part of why it stays alive out of season.
The port and the water
Poole's commercial port handles freight and ferry traffic alongside the leisure harbour. The marine sector is substantial here: boatbuilding, marine engineering and the trades around them have been part of the town's economy for a very long time. The RNLI's headquarters and training college are in Poole.
Tourism and hospitality
The visitor economy supports a great deal of employment across accommodation, food and drink and attractions, with a strong seasonal pattern.
Commuting
Bournemouth is minutes away, Southampton under an hour by rail, and London Waterloo about two hours direct.
Running a business here? List it with the guide. See also living in Poole.