Rnli College Hotel - Poole

Waterfront hotel overlooking Holes Bay where every stay helps save lives at sea

Rooms

All 60 bedrooms at the Rnli College Hotel feature double beds and pull-out sofa beds, offering flexible layouts for families or single guests. Each room overlooks Holes Bay in Poole Harbour, with en-suite bathrooms that include a full bath and shower. The air-conditioned rooms provide a separate seating area by the window, with free tea and coffee facilities to enjoy the far-reaching water views.

Dining

Breakfast is served in Riggers restaurant as a buffet with hot and cold options, including cereals, pastries, and cooked items, with harbour views from the dining area. The same restaurant offers an evening menu with dishes like fish and chips or Sunday roast, though menu selection may vary by day. A bar and coffee house on site provide additional options for drinks and snacks, and the daily manager's reception is a chance to socialize with other guests.

Location

The Rnli College is set on Holes Bay in Poole Harbour, a 15-minute walk from Poole Quay and its boat trips, bars, and restaurants. A short drive takes guests to Sandbanks Beach, while a ferry from the quay connects to Brownsea Island Nature Reserve and the Jurassic Coast. The hotel offers free on-site parking and is close to Poole railway station, making it easy to explore Dorset without a car.

Family-Friendly Features

Families can use the board games and play areas available in the hotel, while the restaurant offers kids' meals and special diet menus on request. The double rooms with pull-out sofa beds accommodate families of three or four, and the hotel's flexible layouts can be booked as single rooms for older children. The on-site gift shop sells RNLI merchandise, and the tours (including the simulator) are suitable for children interested in the lifeboats.

Tours & Support

Guests at the Rnli College Hotel receive complimentary guided tours of the RNLI's training facilities, including the lifeboat simulator and the boat-building hangar. The Discovery Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at crew training and the college's history, led by knowledgeable volunteers. Every pound spent on accommodation, dining, or shopping directly supports RNLI lifesaving services, making the stay a contribution to a charitable cause.

• Location: Overlooking Holes Bay in Poole Harbour, short stroll to Poole Quay
• Rooms: 60 bedrooms with harbour views, double bed and pull-out sofa bed
• Dining: Riggers restaurant serving hearty breakfast and evening meals with harbour views
• Tours: Complimentary guided tours of world-class training facilities and lifeboat simulator
• Support: Every £1 spent contributes to RNLI lifesaving services
• Family: Board games, kids' meals, flexible room layouts for families