"The design of the building, guest rooms and public spaces was brilliant and fully in tune with the RNLI's marine heritage."
Anne from United Kingdom
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"The Riggers restaurant have really good chefs from the breakfast to the evening meals were superb."
Heather from United Kingdom
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"Room was perfectly sized with a nautical twist."
Tony from United Kingdom
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"Top marks to Steve Howey, our tour guide, for an excellentve informative and, sometimes, amusing tour."
Chris A from United Kingdom
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"The best bit (especially for my daughter, who is a big fan of "Saving Lives at Sea") was being amongst the boats, crews and happenings of the college and the amazing work of the RNLI."
R C from United Kingdom
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Waterfront hotel overlooking Holes Bay with complimentary RNLI training tours
RNLI Training Experience
Every £1 spent at Rnli College funds RNLI lifesaving services. Guests are offered complimentary guided tours of world-class RNLI training facilities. Exclusive dining events allow interactions with RNLI lifeboat crews.
Rooms & Amenities
All 60 bedrooms have sea views overlooking Holes Bay. Each room includes a double bed and pull-out sofa bed, air conditioning, and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel offers extensive accessibility features for all guests.
Dining & Social
Riggers restaurant serves breakfast and evening meals with harbour views. A daily complimentary manager's reception is held for social mingling. The on-site gift shop is well stocked with RNLI merchandise.
Location & Surroundings
The hotel overlooks Holes Bay in Poole Harbour, close to Poole Quay. Sandbanks Beach and Brownsea Island Nature Reserve are nearby attractions. Free parking is available on site, with easy access to public transport links.
Family & Business
Families can request kids' meals and board games are available for entertainment. Business travelers have access to unique meeting spaces and a business centre with fax and photocopying. Community-focused events held at the hotel enhance guest experiences.
Highlights
Experience: Complimentary guided tours of RNLI training facilities
Rooms: 60 bedrooms with sea views and tea/coffee making facilities
Dining: Riggers restaurant and daily manager's reception
Location: Holes Bay, near Sandbanks Beach and Brownsea Island
Support: Every £1 spent aids RNLI lifesaving services
Facilities: Free parking, gift shop, and accessibility features
“Staying here offers a compelling harbour view alongside the unique chance to witness RNLI crews in training, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. The comfort of the rooms is matched by the genuine warmth of the staff and the exceptional value found in both dining and on-site parking. It's a place where a good stay directly supports a vital cause.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukdorset
Select your room type
Rnli College offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
23 m²
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Double Room Sea View
2 persons
23 m²
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Rnli College offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Sun terrace
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
Rnli College offers an array of dining options that cater to every palate, with an emphasis on family-friendly environments and dietary inclusivity. From a comforting Continental breakfast to delightful high teas, the culinary offerings provide a unique blend of taste and comfort in a modern setting.
A family-friendly spot with a modern, inviting decor perfect for both casual lunches and romantic dinners.
Key Offerings
Highlights include an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring all dietary preferences are met, alongside a delightful high tea experience.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and high tea.
Rnli College Location
West Quay Road Rnli College, Poole, BH15 1HZ,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
Poole Museum and Scaplen's Court Museum and Herb Garden
1.41 km
Landmark
Poole Harbour
2.04 km
Museum
Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
770 m
Landmark
Purbeck Pottery
900 m
Landmark
Sea Music Sculpture
920 m
Shopping Area
The Dolphin Centre
890 m
Landmark
Poole Town FC Stadium
1.29 km
Bay
Holes Bay
2.19 km
Landmark
Poole Quay Ferry
600 m
Landmark
Studio Poole
610 m
Museum
Poole Waterfront Museum
1.03 km
Park
Poole Park
1.99 km
Landmark
RNLI Lifeboat Museum
780 m
Park
Upton Country Park
2.68 km
Landmark
Evening Hill
2.19 km
Landmark
The Project Climbing Centre
1.08 km
Park
Hamworthy Park
2.13 km
Landmark
Birds of Poole Harbour
1.06 km
Park
Poole Park Santas Grotto
1.9 km
Landmark
Boating Lake
1.41 km
Landmark
Harbourside Park
1.58 km
Island
Brownsea Island
3.05 km
Landmark
Baiter Park
2.16 km
Landmark
Whitecliff Recreation Ground Play Area
2.46 km
Landmark
Lake Pier
2.55 km
Island
Brownsea Island Scout camp
3.25 km
Landmark
Lake Beach
2.66 km
Landmark
Ham Common
2.83 km
Nearby
West Quay Road
RNLI Memorial Sculpture
40 m
Bridge
Twin Sails Bridge
550 m
Restaurants
New Orchard Cafe
1.09 km
5-9 New Orchard
Butler and Hops
1.06 km
88 High Street
Starfish Luncheonette
980 m
119a High Street,
Giggi Gelateria Italian ice cream
1.13 km
66A High Street
Just Bean Ground
1.12 km
60 High Street
The Spire
940 m
High Street
Sandwiches Etc
1.02 km
112 High Street
Hortons Of Poole
1.21 km
65 High Street
The Lord Wimborne
930 m
59 Lagland Street
Taco Bell
990 m
141 High Street
Explore Poole
Activities Near RNLI College
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
RNLI Memorial Sculpture
1 minutes' walk
A tribute to lifesavers, this sculpture honors the bravery of RNLI volunteers, situated just steps from the hotel.
Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
10 minutes' walk
This museum showcases the history of lifeboats and rescue missions in Poole Harbour with engaging exhibits.
Sea Music Sculpture
12 minutes' walk
A stunning art installation by artist Anthony Caro, the sculpture intertwines art and nature by the waterfront.
Poole Museum and Scaplen's Court Museum and Herb Garden
17 minutes' walk
A fascinating museum featuring local history and a beautiful herb garden, perfect for leisurely strolls on a sunny day.
Hiking at RSPB Arne
17 minutes' drive
Enjoy scenic hikes and birdwatching at RSPB Arne, known for its unique habitats and diverse wildlife.
Kayaking in Poole Harbour
25 minutes' drive
Thrilling kayak rentals available to explore the stunning coastline and marine life of Poole Harbour.
Yoga at Poole Park
25 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga classes in Poole Park offer a peaceful setting to unwind amidst nature.
Visit Compton Acres
10 minutes' drive
Exquisite gardens filled with exotic plants provide a tranquil escape and stunning photo opportunities.
Butler and Hops
13 minutes' walk
A casual eatery specializing in craft beer and gourmet burgers, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
Starfish Luncheonette
12 minutes' walk
This cozy cafe offers fresh seafood and local specialties, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal by the beach.
New Orchard Cafe
14 minutes' walk
Farm-to-table dishes in a charming cafe setting, featuring homemade pastries and seasonal ingredients.
Giggi Gelateria Italian ice cream
14 minutes' walk
Delightful Italian gelato made with authentic recipes, perfect for a sweet treat after a day of exploring.
Studio Poole
10 minutes' walk
A vibrant venue hosting live music and events, known for its relaxed vibe and eclectic programming.
Poole Quay Ferry
10 minutes' walk
Enjoy scenic ferry rides across the harbor, perfect for sightseeing and a unique perspective of Poole.
The Project Climbing Centre
13 minutes' walk
A fun indoor climbing venue suitable for all ages, with lessons and sessions available for beginners.
Poole Park Santas Grotto
25 minutes' walk
Family-friendly festive entertainment during the holiday season, featuring Santa visits and seasonal activities.
Getting around
City Centre
Poole 3 min · 200 m
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH) 30 min · 19.4 km
Southampton (SOU) 92 min · 60.9 km
Train
Poole Train Station 6 min · 500 m
Poole Railway Station 6 min · 500 m
Bus
Bus stop 10 min · 800 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
57
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Rnli College from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.1/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
8.9/10
Pros
Pleasant staff
Good value
Spacious rooms
Cons
Scaffolding views
Inconsistent room setup
Unattractive breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 2723 reviews
9.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Rnli College
Is it possible to request a travel cot for my stay?
10 November 2024
A travel cot can be provided in your room upon request. It's advisable to contact reception prior to your arrival to ensure availability.
Are walk-in showers available in the accessible rooms?
12 February 2025
Accessible rooms feature walk-in showers and accessible toilets, designed with comfort in mind. It's recommended to inquire with reception when booking for specifics.
What are the breakfast serving hours, especially for early departures?
15 April 2025
Breakfast is served between 7 AM and 10 AM. For guests needing to leave early, a takeaway breakfast can be arranged by notifying reception in advance.
Is parking guaranteed if I arrive late?
20 March 2025
While parking spaces cannot be reserved, there is an additional car park located nearby for guests if the on-site parking is full.
Can I book a room that has a great view?
18 December 2024
Every bedroom overlooks Holes Bay, providing stunning views of Poole Harbour. All rooms are designed for maximum comfort.
Is parking free for guests staying at the property?
23 January 2025
On-site parking is complimentary for guests. A permit must be collected from reception upon arrival to display in your vehicle.
Are dogs allowed on the premises?
5 March 2025
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the building. Outdoor areas may allow non-assistance dogs during certain months.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated during meals?
17 June 2025
The restaurant offers various options for dietary requirements, and staff will be happy to assist with special meal requests.
Is there a gym available for guests?
11 July 2025
A small gym with lovely views is available for guests, although there is no swimming pool at the property.
What can you tell me about events and tours at the college?
30 August 2025
The RNLI College offers guided tours that provide insights into lifesaving training, as well as a variety of experiences including dining and event hosting opportunities.