Poole Ghost Walk

About this event

⚓ Poole Ghost Walk – Description Poole is one of the oldest port towns in England, with a history shaped by the sea, by trade — and by secrecy. Long before it became a peaceful harbour town, Poole was a place of smugglers, privateers, press gangs and plague ships, where fortunes were made and lives were lost along the quay. For centuries, these narrow streets and waterfront buildings saw sailors depart and never return, prisoners locked away beneath customs houses, contraband unloaded under cover of darkness, and justice delivered swiftly — and sometimes brutally. Disease arrived by ship. Executions were public. And the harbour itself became a watery grave for those unlucky enough to fall between ship and shore. On this guided evening walk, we explore the historic heart of Poole, from the quay and old town streets to former merchant houses, warehouses and hidden corners that still echo with the past. Along the way, we uncover stories of crime, punishment, lost sailors, unexplained sightings and restless spirits tied to Poole's maritime history. You'll hear tales of: Smuggling, piracy and illicit trade Public punishment and forgotten prisons Sailors, merchants and victims of the sea Ghost stories rooted in real events and locations This is a slow-paced, atmospheric walk that blends dark history with ghostly folklore, revealing a side of Poole that daylight rarely shows — where the past still seems to linger in the shadows of the harbour. Age Guidance: Under 16s are welcome on the earlier of the two scheduled walks (recommended age 8+). The later walk is reserved for ages 16 and over due to darker themes and content.