Poole Harbour festive cruise: Mulled wine and mince pies

A harbour cruise that trades sightseeing for seasonal cheer

A 70-minute guided cruise around Poole Harbour, Europe's largest natural harbour, with live captain commentary on Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and the area's history. Includes mulled wine and a mince pie for adults. Soft drinks and treats for children. The boat carries a fully licensed bar and welcomes families, groups and anyone wanting a festive outing on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Festive Poole Harbour Cruise

• Board the cruise vessel
• Enjoy complimentary mulled wine and mince pie
• Cruise around Poole Harbour
• Pass picturesque Brownsea Island
• Cruise past millionaire's row and Sandbanks houses
• Listen to live commentary from captain
• Option to purchase drinks at licensed bar
• Disembark at cruise end

The experience

If you've got a free afternoon in Poole during the festive season and want something that doesn't require planning or travel beyond the waterfront, this 70-minute cruise does the work for you. The boat leaves with a knowledgeable captain who talks through what you're passing: Brownsea Island, the grand houses of Sandbanks, the landmarks that make this Europe's largest natural harbour worth knowing. You get a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie as standard. Children get soft drinks instead, and a fully licensed bar sits open if anyone wants more.

The route itself is the point. You're not getting off anywhere or hiking to viewpoints. You're sitting on the water while the harbour unfolds around you. The captain's live commentary means you learn the history and the geography without having to read a guide or ask questions. Brownsea Island slides past with its own story, and Sandbanks appears with its row of expensive waterfront homes. It's the kind of outing that works for families with small children (prams and strollers are fine), for groups of friends, or for anyone who wants the festive feeling without the crowds of a market or a high street.

What’s included

• The ticket includes the 70-minute harbour cruise.
• mulled wine and a mince pie for adults, or soft drinks and treats for children.
• and live captain commentary on the sights and history of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and Sandbanks. A fully licensed bar is available on board for additional purchases.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Monday and FridayDepartures at 11:30, 13:00 and 14:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Coastal Cruises Poole

Is this one for you?The cruise is a seated experience on the water with no walking or landings required, so it suits anyone who wants festive atmosphere and harbour views without physical exertion. Book this if you have a free afternoon and want something self-contained that doesn't demand planning or transport beyond the waterfront.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is included in the ticket price?

The ticket covers the 70-minute cruise itself, a glass of mulled wine for adults, a mince pie, and soft drinks for children. A fully licensed bar is available on board if you want to order anything else.

How long is the cruise and what do we actually see?

The cruise lasts 70 minutes and passes Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, with the captain providing live commentary on the harbour's history and landmarks throughout. You stay on the boat the whole time. There are no stops or landings.

Where does the boat depart from and how do I get there?

The cruise operates from Poole Harbour. Public transportation options are available nearby, and service animals are allowed on board if you're traveling with one.