Dolphin Shopping Centre image

Dolphin Shopping Centre

Shopping center

One of the Most Revieweds in Poole


Address

110 Dolphin Centre, Poole BH15 1SZ, United Kingdom

Website

www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk

Contact

+44 1202 673906

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (9.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: shops (51) shopping (35) centre (31) good (16) shop (15) Dolphin (15) Poole (13) empty (13) clean (12) parking (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Adam W. 1 year ago on Google • 26 reviews
    The roads in area a little complicated but once you’re parked up and shopping, the fun begins! This medium sized shopping centre provides plenty of well known brands, each shop is appropriately sized and usually well stocked. DSC is a multi-level facility, complimented by the main town centre of Poole. There’s an abundance of food shops outside and a good variety of retailers between the two options. Often a local musician will be playing in the main town square, which sits just outside the main pedestrian entrance. It’s extra special at Christmas time!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L H. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to the Dolphin Centre today to pick up an order and was pleasantly surprised to see a relaxing audience indoors watching the Wimbledon tennis on free deck chairs. Well done Dolphin management company or whoever put it on at some expense. I look forward to the world cup from Quatar?
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shalom B. 10 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    Very pleasant shopping centre, bright, modern. Never feels too crowded or noisy. Nice spots to sit down, lots of different exits and entrances. The toilets are very impressive - so modern and clean.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Barry B. 6 months ago on Google • 188 reviews
    OK not appreciated that parking wound be so small but enjoyable

  • 3/5 Carol P. 1 year ago on Google
    Lots of coffee places and shops but escalators were out of order and there was a queue for lift. Toilets upstairs were very clean. Boots only had one till open and a queue outside shop so left stuff there and shopped elsewhere. Be prepared to queue for ages in boots. Other shops are good. Just a normal shopping centre.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doreen V. 1 year ago on Google
    Very big shopping centre every store you could think of from hmv to M&S
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place for shopping and having your breakfast before you shop till you drop. Lovely Xmas decorations feeling festive.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Spacious shopping area, usual high street shops. Lifts & escalators. Toilets. Walk through the centre & you can walk along High Street with a lot if independent stores. Charity Shops & all major banks. This walk then takes you to the Quays. Surface ideal for mobility scooter or for someone pushing wheelchair
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ajesh J. 2 years ago on Google
    The Dolphin Shopping Centre at the Poole Town Centre, is a very large shopping centre even though the entrance to it is a bit small. It does have lots of stores inside where you can do variety of shopping big and small. Recommend it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark “Marky Mark” D. 3 months ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    Nice shopping centre with good parking for disabled and alike. Lift and stairs to shops . All the normal shops found in a place like this Primark ,sports direct, and more , clean and nice toilets. Cafes and food shops.

  • 4/5 winifred A. 1 year ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Always very busy. Dolphin Shopping Center houses lots of stores and eateries you can hang out with your family and friends. It is a More busstation too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 rachael h. 2 months ago on Google • 91 reviews New
    Sad to see the decline and empty shops. The ground floor only has decent shops such as Primark, Boots, jewellers etc. unfortunately parking is not great so I rarely go. This was my first time in three years!

  • 3/5 Roland S. 1 year ago on Google
    First time today for over 20 years we have been in the Centre - think it was called the Arnedale when we last visited. To be fair whilst there were a number of empty units it was actually pretty good for such an old complex. It is a shame I think - Poole could support a premier shopping experience - with so many tourists in a relatively afluent area making do with a 70s /80s set up that is long past its best. A credit though to the traders and facility managers that it does look as well as it does.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 P 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely dead inside. There's almost nothing left upstairs and downstairs is even worse, more and more shops leaving including the post office. Only giving it 3 stars generously because at least the Wilko, Primark and Boots are surviving. Can't say much else about the others
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 dom c. 2 years ago on Google
    lovely layout, we visited a couple of weeks back before the restrictions were increased but all centre staff were visible, wearing face coverings, cheerful and helpful! the centre is quite bright and airy and an alive feel to it with clean toilets, well presented shops of various types. for a slightly dated shopping complex, it has managed to maintain a modern, comfortable persona.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Lexi 1 year ago on Google
    it's a shame because this is was once a very busy place with plenty of shops to choose from but as with most places, high Street shops are disappearing to make way for online shopping. I remember my parents always bringing us here every weekend when the wooden animals were there to play on and being taken round all the shops. It seems an empty shell with very few shops left to browse round
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ann-marie T. 1 year ago on Google
    It's okay . Like a lot of other places, there are shops that have closed but there is still a good range of shops. I remember the Arndale and I feel that it isn't as good as it used to be , which is a shame. Note to youngsters, as far as I'm concerned it's the Arndale centre not the dolphin shopping centre.🙃
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matthew 2 years ago on Google
    Until recently, the high street (including upstairs in the Dolphin Centre) has been rather desolate. Despite this, I have noticed certain improvements. 1. Cleanliness of the centre. 2. Better toilet facilities 3. More seating In my opinion, I believe that the Dolphin Centre could have more shops on the upper floor as most seem to be empty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nikki M. 4 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    I like the Dolphin shopping centre, plenty of different options, shop till you drop ,coffee shops, food options, disabled access and parking check how much it cost ,Christmas present ideas from all ages!!!. trainers ,clothes glore and perfumes, phone shops ,etc etc, you must check out Flip Out !!! We had a lovely time ,relaxing in having cuppa tea and watching the children play, it's in the Dolphin centre you can't miss it ,if you can't find it, please ask someone to say where it is worth the money ,and after we bought some shopping all indoors warmer and you don't get wet in the rain all under one roof, highly recommended to go Christmas Shopping for the family x or jewellery shops ,for this time of year ,GO for it !!! & have a great time. It's been there many years ,however, I'm going back to FLIPOUT and food amazing variety of different menu options around the place ,have fun & keep your children close and pass your experience with your family or friends!!!!!...

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 1 year ago on Google
    Quite a variety of shops, free toilets, good bus connection and the train station isn't far. There is indoor cycle parking, a multistory carpark.

  • 5/5 Al F. 1 year ago on Google
    Very convenient as next to the bus station but a pitiful lack of seating while waiting for your bus. Plenty of food outlets, clean conveniences, wide range of retail units & spotted a little shop on the top floor that does clothing alterations.

  • 4/5 BujinMK T. 1 year ago on Google
    I liked the bus station before they got rid of the toilets. Now it feels more transient. Good variation of shops from sports wear to food.

  • 4/5 Daniel 11 months ago on Google
    Nice shopping centre with some decent shops including a good Primark. Like all such places it has lost lots of stores relatively recently but does a good job of making sure it's not all empty.

  • 5/5 Lynda B. 1 year ago on Google
    Just needs more shops in it and a bigger lift as there is always a queue to get in it. Disabled toilets are the best with a hoist and adult changing bed. You need to bring your own sling but perfect for a relaxed shopping trip with my elderly mum. We'll done Poole x

  • 5/5 Jenivere S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great accessibility, clean and bright, well decorated and with seasonal displays. Toilet facilities for disabled people are fantastic. Lots of varied businesses inside. If main glass lift is busy I recommend using either the lift inside Beales or going out of the building to use the car park lift instead.

  • 5/5 Owen M. 2 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    Great local place to shop. Good variety of shops, some of which are now closed but more on their way. Want somewhere to go for the day? This is one of the places to go. Food, Shopping and so much more which happens throughout the year, different events. Great time. 👍

  • 4/5 Rex H. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely shopping centre some shops inside some outside good variety of retailers plenty of places to get a coffee and multi storey car park just a quid an hour.

  • 4/5 phillip m. 8 months ago on Google
    Good place to shop. Parking easy and cheap.. Toilets are Hotel Standard excellent. But mind the down ramp when leaving .. especially if you drive a largish car it's a bit narrow

  • 5/5 den a. 8 months ago on Google
    My favourite shopping centre is always well presented. Great range of shops. SKY TV has a stand here, which is always handy. The toilets are clean, with car parks nearby too.

  • 4/5 STEVE G. 10 months ago on Google
    Love popping through, used the record, cd shop. Gate way to the lovely Poole park.

  • 3/5 Jess P. 9 months ago on Google
    Good selection of shops, but the vibe is not great. Transit centre outside - lots and lots of people. Busy doesn't always mean poor atmosphere - but this place had a bad busy atmosphere. Shouting. Pushing. Manners of people left at home. Could've just been the day I went as I only visit the area, am not local.

  • 5/5 Hayley 7 months ago on Google
    The discount book store was just amazing! Staff were so friendly and knowledgeable H.m Samuel staff were awesome! Had my daughters ears pierced by Sophie and she was so calm And reassuring throughout the whole process. Nothing was too much trouble for her

  • 5/5 Deangate C. 8 months ago on Google
    Quite a change since the 1960s clean a good selection of shops but like all towns with large shop malls the old people high street have suffered expect Boos Hardware shop for everything old and new things as a kid I used to buy my fishing gear, you can find the odd things from early 1900s to tread on the old timber floor must have been many thousands of feet. A joy to have visited again into old Poole days Aladin's cave a place of history.

  • 4/5 Nigel L. 7 months ago on Google
    I really like this shop. Interesting selection. Good staff. I would like to see if possible a turn around of stock so new items are there more often.

  • 5/5 Teresa H. 7 months ago on Google
    The Dolphin shopping centre has a varied selection of shops situated on two floors . There is a multi story car park plus two open car parks , bus station right outside and the train station in easy walking distance . The back entrance leads into Falklands square and down to the high street which then leads to Poole Quay . What a great day out whether your looking for shopping , restaurants or a pint on the quay . If the kids get bored take them to Poole park easy walking distance from the Dolphin centre or Flip Out entertainment center inside the Dolphin centre .

  • 4/5 Rebecca L. 3 months ago on Google New
    Good mixture of shops, easy multi storey parking and good toilet facilities. Getting more places to eat which is nice. Overall my go to place to shop.

  • 5/5 mike g. 2 months ago on Google New
    Nice spacious shopping centre plus loads more shops outside. Plenty of good value parking too.

  • 3/5 Donna 5 months ago on Google
    Yeah it's OK but nothing major. Whole thing is a bit like a giant closing down sale. Some nice coffee shops outside but the whole place leaves a lot to be desired. Decent Primark tho (home section is dire). Wouldn't visit Poole again

  • 5/5 Florina B. 4 months ago on Google
    Great to take a walk. You can get from anywhere by bus that is right in front of one of the Dolphin Centre entrances. Quite a lot of famous and clean shops and also restaurants if you want to serve lunch.

  • 5/5 Poole B. 3 years ago on Google
    The Dolphin Shopping Centre has done an excellent job to ensure everyone can safely return to their stores. An intuitive one way system, including junctions so you don’t get stuck in a loop is a brilliant idea. We also really the the clearly marked “Safe Seats.” Queuing measures outside the stores have been very well planned. The, colours, the positive and hopeful tone of the signage is also a lovely touch.

  • 5/5 Abboman 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to browse, slowly seeing improvements and a drive for new shops and names.. Mind you the outside bus station let's the whole place down big time.. Loved here for over 50yrs and nothing has changed or improved since it was built back in the 70,s

  • 5/5 Duncan B. 2 years ago on Google
    Large variety of shops inside and out. Large multistorey car park attached.

  • 5/5 eddie w. 2 years ago on Google
    Liked it very much. Clean good accessible toilets.

  • 3/5 Trish M. 2 years ago on Google
    Not such a great shopping experience now with empty shops, but at least there is an H& M and a very large 3 floor Primark. Easy parking attached.

  • 4/5 Debbie G. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice airy centre and even post covid loads of shops still trading. I liked it.

  • 3/5 Sheelagh B. 2 years ago on Google
    It was fine , not to many people about so easy to keep your distance

  • 4/5 SPIRITUAL G. 2 years ago on Google
    Easy to shop, its very handy even if you live miles away, everything under one roof, how cool is that 😉

  • 4/5 Liz M. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a shopping centre. Beals department store is interesting. Ladies department has varied stock.

  • 4/5 Chika O. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a neat mall, I couldn't find staff around to ask questions.

  • 5/5 Rebecca C. 2 years ago on Google
    Really becoming the place to go shopping these days! Fou n more gifts and unique stores here than anywhere else

  • 5/5 Leonard W V. 2 years ago on Google
    The Dolphin centre in Poole is too big, I nearly lost the way, lucky there are informative maps of the complex there

  • 5/5 alexander s. 2 years ago on Google
    As a wheelchair user I find the dolphin shopping centre very user friendly.

  • 5/5 Arus G. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the fact that it has the most modern public toilet around Pool , Christchurch, Bournemouth😁 honestly, it is important if you go to the place where you can spend hours. Very convenient also , as you wish to shop, eat/drink whenever you want, the way you want.

  • 5/5 Nathan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Fast, friendly, affordable & knowledgeable. My iPhone 8 was shattered to what I thought was beyond repair, but now it looks flawless! Best part was I was able to pick up groceries while getting my phone fixed. I’m definitely a new loyal customer.

  • 3/5 Rony C. 2 years ago on Google
    This could be such a magical shopping centre with unique shops. Unfortunately, the economy has left so many shops empty. Planners should think of maybe dividing some of the bigger sites that are empty into units and encouraging smaller businesses to share the space

  • 3/5 Lilia M. 2 years ago on Google
    Have some selection of usual high street shops. Not much more than in Castle Point. Few cafes to stop and a relatively clean toilet block. But you have to pay for parking - sum to add to your shopping experience. Local government is killing shopping centres with parking charges. No wonder high streets and shopping centres are dead! If you can go to Castle Point where parking is free and get some groceries at the same time why going to Poole!

  • 4/5 Wendy H. 1 year ago on Google
    Love the clipper cafe. Food always great. Lots to choice from. Clean and tidy. Staff really nice. Some shop closed. M & S gone. Big primark.

  • 4/5 dennis M. 2 years ago on Google
    Plentiful shops but not much seating areas for older folks like us who had already walked all the way up High street. Shops are too warm inside and could be better air conditioned. We had a nice snack and coffee in a department store and then quickly bought some towels and left. We experienced this kind of shopping way back in the seventies and covered shopping Malls are convenient but they kill off the High street shops with their individuality that are much more interesting. And there is much more going on in a street to see and do and fresh air added.

  • 4/5 Will P. 2 years ago on Google
    A decreasing selection of shops but still safe and undercover. Has about the only public toilets in town. Nice to find some independent shops as well as main shops.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth H. 1 year ago on Google
    The ladies toilets are by Wilko (top level) and we're very clean and spacious. The Dolphin Centre still has green arrows on the ceiling showing which directions to walk in (covid restrictions step I think). But the centre is very bright and spacious with wheelchair friendly options as well.

  • 5/5 Alan B. 1 year ago on Google
    I like this center, its always clean and tidy, and ever since a child I remember liking this place, I do miss the Wooden animals they used to have along the main strip, They always decorate with lovely lights at Christmas, they have lovely coffee shops and a good selection of shops to choose from,

  • 5/5 Lisa N. 2 years ago on Google
    Great shopping centre. The even have some old visitors back. You used to be able to play on these when I was a kid. I'm glad to see they are taking PPE seriously....

  • 3/5 Matt 1 year ago on Google
    It's becoming very empty store wise, especially upstairs, which other than Wilkos, The Clipper (always worth eating here) and a few tiny units on the way to the car park is totally empty. Downstairs has all the normal retail units you'd expect to find in a shopping centre and parking is good too. It would be nice to see something done with the upstairs, like they have done with Kingland. Its rather disheartening to see it so empty, as a child in the 90s/00s I always remember this place being the heart of Poole, we always used to enjoy trips here, but over the years it seems to have lost its appeal since the bigger companies have focused on online sales. So maybe, instead of having empty units upstairs, they could rent them out at an affordable price to smaller businesses, even first time businesses, its better than an empty unit making no money.

  • 4/5 Will 1 year ago on Google
    Very loud, so not ideal for myself and others with sensory issues/needs, but with some ear plugs, I found everything I needed, and did it with a minimum of fuss. (For people with sensory needs, I would suggest any day except Saturday, it’s the busiest. Also earlier in the morning is quieter, I think most shops open at 9-10, so go nearer those times!)

  • 2/5 Oliver C. 1 year ago on Google
    A lot has changed over time. It's OK. Got most of the shops you'll need. Don't really need to or want to visit Poole anymore. It's a bit of a dive. The only place I'd truely recommend going here for is the 'IN TIME' watch repair service.


Call +44 1202 673906 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Arcade games
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ In-store shopping

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