Poole

This morning we set off on our bikes to ride the five miles into Poole. An easy ride, mostly on a dedicated cycling/walking track through a park and around an inlet.

I do not know what I expected when I got there, having only ever seen the lights of Poole from a hotel room in Bournemouth. And I remember thinking that I must visit the town one day.

However, I was a little surprised to find our introduction to Poole today was an ugly 1960's railway station and then an even uglier shopping area. The shops looked dowdy, with a great number of charity shops and pound shops, a sure sign that this was not an affluent town. The people around consisted of mainly pensioners and those who obviously had plenty of time to spare, many of whom sat on the available benches. A significant number of people were starting early, drinking high alcohol beer. My heart sank, Poole was certainly not like its genteel neighbour, Bournemouth, just up the road.

Luckily the day improved due to the kindness of people, the sunshine, general relaxed atmosphere plus the bike friendly streets. I then started to see the town, and the people, in a positive light.

We first went down to the very busy port. Not quite the ritzy Cote D'Azur but still full of atmosphere that is very English. And plenty to see. And lots of fish and chip shops, pubs and coffee bars.

However, there were still some extremely large yachts, the type and size that no doubt appear in St Tropez every year.
We rode our bikes around the town and part of the coastal path. Not only is it bicycle friendly but also wheelchair, disabled scooter and walking stick friendly. The town is flat, with good paths and roads and very little traffic. We were very impressed.
In order to rest our legs we took a trip on the Poole Land Train. Very enjoyable!
There were lots of pubs in the town, and some very upmarket restaurants.
This pub was covered in green tiles!
Another pub on the quay front.
And only one amusement arcade! Full marks here.
When we arrived back, I just had to take a photo of the entrance to the caravan park. It is the original entrance to the manor house, the owners would have owned all the land around here no doubt. The gate house stands beside the gate. How often do you see a caravan and camping ground with such a grand entrance!
I found the other wine glass. It had not been broken. Harmony in the motor home!