Poole, along with Bournemouth, was voted one of the ‘worst places to live in England’ last year
When you think of Poole in Dorset, you likely picture Sandbanks Beach with its white sands and blue waters, million-pound mansions and, of course, views of the Jurassic Coast.
However, while the area is indeed stunning, the town has an edge which is why I wasn’t entirely surprised Poole was ranked one of the worst places to live in England.
Poole, along with Bournemouth, was voted one of the ‘worst places to live in England’ last year, according to a poll on the satirical website ILiveHere.co.uk.
Poole, even though it’s home to stunning Blue Flag beaches and some of the most expensive real estate in the world, was named the 32nd worst place to live, putting it firmly in the top 50.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth, which is slightly grittier and has a large student population, placed in ninth place just behind Swindon which puts it firmly in the top 10.
The Old Town feels like you’re in a completely different place
Poole residents who voted in the survey claimed the town is “a state” and “chavvy”.
Having lived in Poole, the town’s ranking, and the opinions of those who reside and visit the town didn’t come as a shock.
One of the main complaints residents and visitors have is the town centre, the shopping centre and the local bus station.
Poole is well-connected with numerous bus routes that will take you to Bournemouth, Swanage and even Ringwood.
However, to get a bus, you will likely have to visit Poole bus station. While well-situated and clearly laid out, the bus station is very shabby and usually filled with litter and teenagers shouting insults at one another.
There’s also the lingering smell of fast food and pollution from the busy main road and nearby fast-food outlets.
All-in-all, the experience is unpleasant with the entire station needing a thorough cleaning and a lick of paint. But if you’re looking to get somewhere in a hurry, you will likely find a bus that will take you there – or thereabouts.
Another huge downside to Poole is the Dolphin Shopping Centre, which adjoins the bus station, and the main high street. The shopping centre has more than 80 stores including H&M, New Look, River Island and Next, and some brilliant places to stop and enjoy a quick coffee and a slice of cake.
One of my favourite buildings in Poole is The Guildhall on Market Street
However, since Marks and Spencer closed its doors for the final time in January 2022, the shopping centre hasn’t quite felt the same. The M&S store first opened in 1971 and occupied a large space, offering clothes, homeware, food and drink, and a cafe.
Last year, The Dolphin Shopping Centre also lost its Wilko branch which has left a gaping hole in the first floor of the retail centre.
Unfortunately, many visitors have voiced similar opinions. One Trip Advisor user said: “Not many decent shops, all the same stuff, cheap stores etc. The only decent shop was M&S which has now closed down!”
Another wrote: “Run down, bad design, no food court, left wishing we hadn’t bothered.”
When exiting the other side of the shopping centre, visitors will enter Poole High Street. The high street is huge, stretching to Poole Quay. The high street has plenty of cafes, restaurants and independent shops and has undergone a slight transformation in recent years with several trendy shops including Wild Roots Greenery opening.
However, the further you walk along the high street, the more charity shops and run-down shop fronts you will notice.
The idyllic backstreets have uneven cobbles and every building is steeped with history
It’s a shame as when I was growing up there, the high street was always bustling. Now, it seems largely empty and rundown.
While there are some unpleasant parts of Poole, there is a hidden gem – Poole Old Town.
Unless you’re local or know the area well, Poole Old Town can easily be missed as it’s tucked away down narrow backstreets away from the crowds on the quay.
The Old Town feels like you’re in a completely different place. The idyllic backstreets have uneven cobbles and every building is steeped with history.
On Thames Street, visitors will find stunning Georgian mansions including Hotel du Vin which has some of the best views of Poole Harbour.
One of my favourite buildings in Poole is The Guildhall on Market Street. The Grade II listed building is used as a register office and a venue for weddings.
Poole is definitely worth a visit – even if you’re just passing through. But I’d give the shopping centre a miss and head straight for the cobbles in The Old Town.