The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea
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RNLI College

The Lifeboat College at night.

RNLI College is the home of training for our charity's lifesavers. Overlooking Poole Harbour on England's south coast, the college welcomes lifeboat crew members and lifeguards from around the UK and RoI, who visit for training courses and to make use of our training facilities – including a lifeboat bridge simulator, sea survival pool.

Since opening in 2004, RNLI College has also been used to raise funds – through hosting conferences, weddings, functions, film crews and holidaying RNLI supporters.

For enquiries or to book please phone us on 0870 833 2000.

Contact us

​Available to everyone, all 60 rooms have harbour views.

In-room facilities:

  • en-suite with bath and shower 

  • remote control TV and radio

  • direct-dial telephone

  • broadband internet access

  • well-lit workstation

  • easy seating

  • tea and coffee-making facility

  • hairdryer

  • iron and ironing board.

Some rooms have facilities for people with disabilities and others have adjoining doors for families.

Upgrade packages

Make your stay extra-special with one of our add-ons:

Pack A: £65​

Pack B: £40​

Pack C: £20​

Flowers

Champagne

RNLI bear

Chocolates​

Champagne

RNLI bear

Chocolates

Wine

RNLI bear

 

For enquiries or to book please phone us on 0870 833 2000.

 

 
Riggers restaurant in the Lifeboat College, looking out over Holes Bay. FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY - NOT FOR PRINT SALES OR EXTERNAL COMPANIES

Riggers restaurant

Riggers Restaurant is open to everyone - RNLI volunteers, members, staff, conference delegates and members of the public. We offer harbour views and a wide selection of food, sourced locally where possible.

Pop in for breakfast or lunch, or make a reservation for dinner or Sunday lunch by calling 0870 833 2000 or email us.

Riggers opening hours:​​​

Monday–Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Breakfast​

7am–9.45am​

8am–9.45am​

8am–9.45am​

Lunch​

12 noon–2pm​

12 noon–4.30pm​

Dinner​

6.30pm–9pm​

7pm–9.45pm

7pm–9pm​

 

See our special offers

 

 

Slipway bar at RNLI college

Slipway bar

The Slipway café bar, with panoramic harbour views, is open to RNLI volunteers, members, staff and conference delegates.

We serve a variety of bar food and snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks, including locally brewed and exclusive Lifeboat Ale.

A piano and a selection of board games allow old-fashioned fun in a truly modern setting.

Slipway opening hours: ​

Monday-Saturday:
Sunday:

10am–11pm​

10am–10.30pm​

 

See our special offers

 

 

Menus

Pop in for breakfast or lunch, or make a reservation for dinner or Sunday lunch by calling 0870 833 2000 or email us.


RNLI College is a unique harbourside location for conferences, training and corporate hospitality. In choosing the college as the venue for your event, you and your organisation are helping save lives at sea.

RNLI College is a full member of the International Association of Conference Centres. This accreditation is only awarded to dedicated conference facilities that meet the highest levels of customer service.

 

 

 

Facilities:

  • All rooms have individual climate and lighting controls and are soundproofed.

  • Most rooms have harbour views.

  • Ergonomically designed chairs.

  • Use of all AV equipment is included in delegate rates, together with technical assistance.

  • A good range of room sizes and flexibility in seating configurations.

  • The main auditorium has a dedicated conference reception, with bar and refreshment facilities.

  • Breakout areas with a continuous beverage service through the day.

  • A hearing loop is available in some rooms.

'By far the best venue we have used in my 25 years in the Royal Air Force.'

Wing Commander C Simpson

‘From the moment we arrived, our members were made to feel welcome, and I should be most grateful if you could pass on our thanks to everyone who helped to make the weekend a resounding success.’

David J Nobbs, St John Ambulance



 

Your ultimate guide to what's on at RNLI College

Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter – there’s always something going on at the college. Come for the weekend; try one of our themed evenings; or come for the day and take a Discovery tour of the college, maybe followed by a Dorset cream tea.

Check out what's happening at the college over the next few months:

Contact us

 

Accommodation special offer - June-July

Two nights' bed and breakfast at RNLI College for just £149 (double) or £139 (single). Limited availability - book now!

Pimms O'Clock - 24 June-7 July

To help you get in the Wimbledon mood, the Slipway café:bar is offering a glass of Pimms and a delicious bowl of strawberries with cream for only £4.95 per person.

Afternoon Tea for Two - July

Indulge in a British tradition and enjoy a delicious full afternoon tea in our scenic Slipway café:bar. Relax with a friend and watch the boats sailing past in the harbour too. £13 for two people.

Corporate Meeting Offer - August

Why not hold your meeting at RNLI College? Enjoy stunning harbour views. Day delegate prices from £37.50 per person and every £1 spent helps the RNLI save lives at sea. Offer price applies to new bookings only. Call 01202 662261 for more details.

Nautical Skills Weekend - 5-6 October 2013

Taught by RNLI College trainers and sea safety specialists, the Nautical Skills Weekend will give you essential techniques to keep you safe at sea. You'll take the plunge into one of Europe's biggest sea survival tanks, refresh or improve your ropework, learn man overboard techniques, and more. See workshops and book here.​

Christmas Celebrations - November-January

It's not too early to start thinking about Christmas 2013! Whether you're planning a private lunch or dinner, or would like to organise a Christmas party night, RNLI College is the perfect venue. Please call 01202 663489 for more details.

Wedding Open Day - 19 January

10am-3pm

View the stunning RNLI College wedding venue and meet local suppliers. Free entry and car parking. Hosted by Bellissimo Weddings and Events.​

College Discovery tours

Find out how our volunteer crews and lifeguards are trained with a behind-the-scenes 90-minute tour of the RNLI College. The tours are taking place twice daily Monday–Friday.

Tours cost £7.50 per person (no charge for College residents), please contact reception to book your place!

Shop at RNLI College

Pick something up at our brand new shop and all profits go towards saving lives at sea.

Come see our range of gifts, cards, calendars, clothing and much more.​

What's on in Poole?

There's always something to do in Poole. For more information about events in the local area please visit Poole Tourism.​

And remember, every £1 spent at RNLI College helps save lives at sea.

​RNLI College
West Quay Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 1HZ

Telephone: 0870 833 2000​

​From Poole Bus Station:

Exit Poole Bus Station, passing KFC, and follow the pavement all the way around the perimeter of the shopping centre. Stay on the left walk, underneath the flyover. When you come to the end of the pavement, you will see the train station on your right. From here, follow the directions below.

From Poole Train Station:

Exit the station onto Holes Bay Road (Platform 2 side), from the station platform or the subway. Crossing the dual carriageway, turn left and walk onto West Quay Road.

Map of driving directions to RNLI College

Driving directions:

Travelling west on the M27, the road becomes the A31 to bypass Ringwood, Ferndown and Wimborne Minster. Stay on the bypass until you reach the roundabout junction signposted A349 Poole Town Centre and Ferry Port.

Follow the A349 and ferry signs until you reach the roundabout signposted A350 Poole Town Centre. Turn left here onto the A350 (Holes Bay Road).

Follow the dual carriageway, which skirts the bay. You should be able to see RNLI College and the lifeboats moored across the water.

At the next roundabout, at the end of Holes Bay Road, take the last exit and head left onto West Quay Road. RNLI College is on the right after about 200m.

Parking:

Parking at RNLI College is very limited. If you must bring your own car, please go to the Gatehouse at the front of RNLI College, where security guards will advise.

drivingdirections2.jpg

RNLI College has been awarded the Bournemouth Tourism Award 2009 for Contribution to the Conference and Business Tourism Experience and the HRS Hotel Excellence Award 2010 for Excellence in Meetings. Further accolades include Eventia Awards 2010 Best Team Building Event winner, HBAA Awards 2010 finalist for Best Demonstration of Customer Service; AEO Awards national finalist for Unsung Hero and South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2010 finalist for Outstanding Customer Service. 



 

 


Out on a shout

Our lifeboat crews launch 24 times a day on average. Find out which station has launched near you around the UK and Republic of Ireland. View shouts.

Shouts