There is certainly no shortage of things to see and do around this pretty coastal town, which sits in the eastern half of Dorset. Harbours, castles, nature reserves, charming towns and villages and a coastline that has been littered with fossils over millennia; “I'm bored” is not a phrase you're going to hear from the children when you take holidays in Poole. There's something for everyone here though, not just youngsters with a fondness for beach days: history buffs are in luck, as there's a wealth of time-worn attractions; sporty types can walk, cycle, sail, ride or see the area from a variety of different angles at a variety of dizzying speeds; while food lovers are spoilt for choice with a bountiful supply of fresh produce from the land and the sea (dished up by some of the most creative chefs outside London). 

Spend some time in Poole to savour the unique flavours of this coastal holiday hotspot. Poole Quay is the ideal starting point to get your bearings of this town. The importance of this age-old trading port is reflected in the historic buildings that sit at the water's edge, while the modern cafés and restaurants echo Poole's charm as a destination for fantastic breaks in the sun. Clamber aboard a leisure boat here and see Poole from the water, eyeing up the ultra-exclusive Sandbanks peninsula, just past Brownsea Island, that is home to multi-million-pound beach-side residences. 

Back in the town, a visit to the beach is a must. After all, Poole has more than three miles of Blue Flag beaches on which you can find a spot all to yourself. Sandbanks beach is simply stunning, while Branksome Chine beach is great for kids, Branksome Dene perfect for those with pooches, and Canford Cliffs, with its historic beach huts, is ideal for nature lovers as the cliff face is a retreat for wildlife. 

Rainy days are taken care of too. Tower Park in Poole has a cinema, bowling, restaurants and the terrific Splashdown Waterpark, while Poole Museum offers four floors of interesting exhibits (and entry is free). 

By arranging car rental in Poole as early as possible, you can get the vehicle you want at a great price. Use TravelSupermarket's search tool to compare prices, book your rental, and then collect your car at a convenient location in and around downtown Poole.

Non-stop holiday fun swirls around Poole. Drive in any direction, letting your spirit of adventure dictate the route, and you'll stumble across places of magnificence and wonderment. Here are a few suggestions to get you started though, as there is simply so much to see and do in Dorset.  

Family days are easy to plan around Poole. The beaches are an obvious draw, though you can also visit Monkey World in Wareham, a 25-minute drive to the west, or head east to Adventure Wonderland, another easy 25-minute drive. Both provide endless hours of entertainment for all ages.

Bournemouth is just along the coast too. It takes just 15 minutes to get there by road. Classic seaside splendour scores points with holidaymakers here.

Staying to the east of Poole, the diverse beauty of the New Forest National Park is just across the border in Hampshire and accessible in around 30 minutes. The woods and heathland of the New Forest are perfect for walks and bike rides, while the events calendar is brimming with activities for every kind of visitor. 

Go west from Poole and amble into the heathland of the Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve, 25 minutes by road from Poole, or travel a little further and visit Corfe Castle, which captivates both children and adults. A little further again takes you into the realm of the Jurassic Coast, where layer upon layer of time reveals itself in the cliffs and where fossils are readily found on the beaches. The famed arch of Durdle Door, part of the heritage coast, is just 30 minutes from Poole by road - just another excellent reason to book Poole car hire with TravelSupermarket.