Published on Friday 30 January 2026
Businesses in Poole are reporting growing momentum into 2026 with five million trips made to the town centre during the winter period.
Returning visitors have more than doubled year on year with the likes of Poole Museum, Lush, spectacular light installations, and the ever-popular Poole Quay Bath Tub Race pulling in crowds and enhancing the coastal town’s reputation as one of the South Coast’s most welcoming destinations.
Businesses are backing the town with increased investment; vacancy rates in Poole’s town centre are less than half the national average at just 8% with big name brands and independent traders creating a thriving offering for residents and visitors.
These figures underline Poole’s growing reputation as a costal location of choice – a town where culture, local businesses, and community come together to create a truly vibrant destination.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “As someone who was proudly born in Poole – and still calls it home – it's fantastic to see our town shining brightly.
“This momentum shows what I, and so many other people have always known: Poole is an incredible place, filled with remarkable people, and a huge amount to celebrate.
“It’s brilliant to see so many visitors enjoyed the best of what we have to offer over the winter period: whether that’s for a splash of culture at Poole Museum, a show at the Lighthouse, a dip along the coast, or just a spot of shopping.
“Working with partners, including Poole BID, and local businesses gives us a really solid foundation to continue that momentum throughout the course of 2026 and ensure that Poole remains a place that everyone can be as proud as I am to call their home.”
The newly re-opened Poole Museum, Scaplen’s Court & Garden has quickly established itself as a must-visit attraction – embedding itself regionally and nationally as a culturally significant museum, gallery and venue.
More than 50,000 people visited the museum in its first 10 weeks of opening – exploring the Iron Age logboat, giant hippo, and newly restored Scaplen’s Court in all its glory.
The museum officially opened in November 2025 following a three-year, £11million revamp supported by BCP Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Heritage England and charitable trusts and foundations.
Jaine Fitzpatrick, Interim Director of Poole Museum, said: “The redevelopment of Poole Museum has transformed it into a vibrant cultural venue, gallery and Museum for all in Poole.
“We’ve welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to our local area in just a few weeks, with the increased footfall benefitting local businesses and ensuring Poole remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
“In 2026 we’ve got even more exciting experiences planned, which includes nationally renowned exhibitions and innovative wellbeing initiatives that will attract even more visitors and interest into Poole.”
Recent initiatives from Poole BID have helped to deliver enhancements to the local area with the introduction of Dusty – the BID’s chief cleanliness officer – clearing graffiti and keeping streets tidy.
Improved multi-agency work, led and funded by Poole BID, is set to deliver a safer, stronger Poole with a more connected and reassuring presence from Dorset Police’s neighbourhood policing team, BCP Council’s CSAS officers and Poole BID’s security staff.
Jacqui Rock, Chief Executive of Poole BID, said: “Poole has had a fantastic Christmas period, with great footfall and a real buzz in the town centre.
“We’re especially proud that Poole’s vacancy rate is just 8% – well below the national average – reflecting the hard work Poole BID does to support businesses and attract new traders, helped by the great spirit across the town.
“Through initiatives like Dusty – our grounds maintenance machine is used to ‘spring clean’ areas where businesses need it – alongside our work on safety, events and marketing, we’re focused on keeping Poole welcoming, vibrant and thriving into 2026 and beyond.”
New jobs are being created and protected thanks to ongoing investment – with the RNLI previously announcing their intention to move all shipbuilding to Poole from 2027, fresh proposals from Loungers and a long-term contract for Rockley Watersports at Poole Park.
Lush has continued their association with Poole with the opening of a standalone hair salon along the Quay – delivering enduring investment in the surrounding area from one of Poole’s most iconic businesses.
Daisy Evans, Lush Haircare Category and HairLab Lead, said: "Bringing the Lush HairLab to Poole feels like a real homecoming. This town is where Lush was born and where our products are still made fresh by hand just around the corner, so to now have a HairLab here feels like we’re really going back to our roots.
“I’ve been working on shaping this concept for years, so seeing it come to life in such a beautiful space with views across Poole Harbour and the Purbecks is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait for the local community to experience everything the HairLab has to offer, right here in Lush’s hometown.”
And from traditional brick and mortar stores, to businesses operating out of converted horseboxes – there is plenty of success to celebrate along Poole’s high street and the Quay.
Bailey Bakes, a coffee and bakes trailer near the RNLI slipway, has fast become a local favourite and has reported a bumper end to 2025.
Mia Bailey, owner of Bailey Bakes, said: “The past year has been a significant success – demonstrating strong local support and continued growth.
“As a Poole local from a long-standing fishing family it has been an honour to work alongside the Quay and neighbouring businesses, offering my range of handmade cakes.
“My business began as a small community space, providing a place for fishermen to unwind after returning from sea. Since then it has helped bring the “east end of the Quay back to life” and is now widely supported by both Poole residents and returning visitors alike.”
Building on that positive progress from 2025, BCP Council is continuing to work with partners and local businesses to ensure 2026 is a year of opportunity and momentum for Poole – ensuring everyone can be proud of their surroundings.