Things To Do
in Parkstone
Parkstone is a coastal suburb located in Dorset, United Kingdom, known for its beautiful views of Poole Harbour. The area is popular for its upscale residential properties, shopping centers, and golf courses. Parkstone offers easy access to nearby beaches, parks, and walking trails, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
The community has a vibrant social scene with various restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll around the beautiful Baiter Park, enjoying the fresh morning air and stunning sea views. Don't forget to grab a coffee from a local café to fuel your adventure.
Spend the afternoon visiting the Poole Museum to learn about the town's rich history. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant with fresh seafood options.
In the evening, relax at the iconic Poole Quay, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Consider dining at one of the waterfront bistros for a delightful and scenic meal.
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Sandbanks Beach, perfect for a morning walk or some light beach activities. The golden sands and clear waters will set a pleasant tone for your day.
Head to the nearby Brownsea Island for a nature walk and explore the rich wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the beautiful surroundings.
End your day with a ferry ride back to the mainland, followed by dinner at a local pub famous for its cozy ambiance. Take a leisurely stroll along the coast as the stars begin to twinkle.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic coastal views and proximity to beaches.
- Access to various parks and green spaces for outdoor activities.
- Good local amenities including shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Strong community spirit with local events and activities.
- Well-connected to larger cities like Poole and Bournemouth.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other areas in the UK.
- Potential for traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors due to its size.
- Public transport options may be less frequent compared to larger urban areas.
- Weather can be unpredictable, particularly in winter months.
Best Activities in Parkstone
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A large public park with beautiful gardens, boating lakes, and picnic areas, perfect for a family day out or a relaxing stroll.
A stunning sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, with nearby cafes and scenic walking paths.
A community park with a playground and green space, suitable for outdoor sports and family gatherings.
A waterfront park that offers stunning views of the harbor, walking and cycling paths, and areas for picnicking.
Renowned for its golden sands and vibrant beach culture, offering water sports, beach volleyball, and sunbathing opportunities.
A beautiful nature reserve and beach area perfect for walking, swimming, and exploring the coastal scenery.
A picturesque chine with wooded paths leading to the beach, great for a stroll and enjoying nature.
Ideal for water sports like kayaking and sailing, with stunning views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
A large park featuring gardens, trails, and historical buildings, perfect for nature walks and outdoor events.
A scenic area for birdwatching, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the coastline and estuary.
Tours
Uncover the best of Parkstone with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Parkstone
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning natural harbor that offers breathtaking views, especially during sunset. Ideal for photographing boats and the surrounding landscape.
A picturesque park area in the heart of Parkstone. It provides a lovely backdrop with grassy areas and mature trees, perfect for leisurely photography.
A viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of Poole Harbour and the coastline. It's particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Famous for its golden sands and clear waters, this beach is an excellent spot for capturing seaside scenes and stunning horizon shots.
A scenic area along the coast that features woodland paths leading to the beach, offering diverse photographic opportunities of both nature and seascapes.
Food in Parkstone
Parkstone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A delicious cake made with local apples, served with clotted cream or custard. Try it at The Plantation or The Little Teapot.
Must-Try!
An exquisite blue cheese with a creamy texture, perfect on a cheeseboard. Visit The Dorset Dairy Company to sample and purchase.
Tender steak slow-cooked in a rich gravy with herbs and local ale. Available at The Yachtsman Pub for an authentic taste.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Head to Parkstone Farmers' Market for a range of local produce, artisanal goods, and street food stalls offering diverse cuisines.
Don't miss the annual Parkstone Food Truck Festival, a vibrant celebration of street food featuring gourmet delights from around the world.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Parkstone, as in much of the UK, it's important to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others. Crowding someone can be seen as intrusive, so it’s best to keep a comfortable space.
Using polite language such as 'please' and 'thank you' is highly valued in British culture. Make sure to greet people appropriately and engage in small talk, which is often an important part of social interactions.
The British are known for their love of queuing. Always wait your turn in line and be respectful to those ahead of you. Cutting in line is considered very rude.
Safety
Tipping in Parkstone
Ensure a smooth experience
In Parkstone, as in much of the United Kingdom, tipping is generally seen as a way to show appreciation for good service. It is customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included in the bill. In pubs, it is common to round up the bill or offer a small tip to bartenders for good service. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also appreciated, although not mandatory.
Payments in Parkstone can be made using various methods, including cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Many businesses also accept contactless payment options such as mobile wallets. While cash is still accepted, electronic payments are becoming increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has encouraged contactless transactions for hygiene reasons. Some restaurants may also use digital payment systems for added convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a delightful time to visit Parkstone. The weather begins to warm up, with temperatures averaging between 10°C to 15°C. You can expect blooming flowers, vibrant gardens, and clearer skies, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring parks.
Summer (June to August) in Parkstone is warm, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 22°C. This is the peak tourist season, so expect bustling streets, lively events, and beautiful beach outings. However, it's also a good idea to book accommodations in advance.
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, with stunning fall foliage. It's a quieter time to visit, perfect for enjoying the scenic countryside and local festivals, and experiencing Parkstone's serene atmosphere.
Winter (December to February) in Parkstone is chilly, with average temperatures around 2°C to 8°C. While there may be some rain and occasional frost, the winter months offer a cozy charm. Expect fewer tourists, making it a peaceful time for walking and enjoying local pubs or cafes.
Parkstone at Night
Hiking in Parkstone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A peaceful nature reserve offering tranquil hiking trails through diverse woodland.
A large public park with scenic paths, ideal for leisurely hikes and enjoying nature.
A beautiful park with well-maintained trails, gardens, and views of the Poole Harbour.
A popular park featuring woodland trails, a miniature steam railway, and a variety of outdoor activities.
A coastal area with a range of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscapes.
Aiports
How to reach Parkstone by plane.
Bournemouth Airport is located approximately 7 miles east of Parkstone and serves a range of international and domestic flights.
Southampton Airport is about 30 miles east of Parkstone, offering a variety of international flights and easy transport links to London.
Bristol Airport lies approximately 70 miles northwest of Parkstone and is a major international gateway to the west of England.
London Heathrow Airport is about 90 miles northeast of Parkstone, and is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering extensive international travel options.
London Gatwick Airport is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Parkstone and is a key international airport serving London and the South East.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Parkstone, predominantly consisting of individuals whose ancestry dates back to Britain.
Includes individuals of Irish, Italian, and Eastern European descent, as well as other white ethnicities.
Includes individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and other Asian backgrounds.
Comprising individuals of African, Caribbean, and other Black heritages.
Includes individuals from mixed backgrounds, such as those with one parent from a White background and another from a different ethnic group.
Includes individuals from various other ethnic backgrounds not categorized elsewhere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A team sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball. It is widely popular in Parkstone and many local clubs and leagues exist.
A bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players, often played during the summer months. Parkstone has a rich cricketing tradition with local teams and tournaments.
A contact sport played by two teams of fifteen players, known for its physicality and team dynamics. Rugby has a strong following in Parkstone with several clubs.
A racket sport that can be played individually or in doubles, popular in local parks and clubs in Parkstone, especially during the warmer months.
A popular recreational activity with numerous local running clubs and events in Parkstone, often attracting participants of all ages.
A favored activity, both for leisure and sport, with various cycling routes available around Parkstone and nearby areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Parkstone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Parkstone provide excellent vegetarian and vegan choices, including The Goods Yard and The Courtyard Cafe.
Those seeking gluten-free options can enjoy a hearty meal at The Salterns Harvester or indulge in gluten-free cakes at The Guildhall Tavern.