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Room 1
Entrance to the RNLI College in Poole

Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams

Welcome to the home of RNLI training

We are delighted that our Hotel, Riggers restaurant, Slipway bar and shop are open to guests and members of the public. Our lunchtime buffet and evening a la carte menus are being served in Riggers Restaurant overlooking the sea terrace with stunning views across the bay.

For all reservation enquiries, please contact our front of house team on 0300 300 7654 or email [email protected]. For any function or event bookings please email [email protected]

 The RNLI College sits beside Poole harbour

A venue like no other

A hotel, conference venue, and event venue like no other - a home from home for our family of supporters.

When you stay at the RNLI College hotel, eat in the restaurant, drink at the café bar, buy gifts in the shop, attend an event or a tour, or host your corporate or private event here, every £1 you spend helps save lives at sea. And you’ll be in good company too, rubbing shoulders with our brave lifesavers.

Crew members learning team building skills

The home of RNLI training

RNLI College in Poole is the home of RNLI training, where willing lifeboat volunteers from across the UK and Ireland are trained to become able crew members.

Formerly known as the Lifeboat College, RNLI College is a centre of training excellence, not only for our lifeboat crews but for our seasonal lifeguards too. RNLI College Discovery Tours take you behind the scenes so you can see our world-class training facilities first-hand, including the Sea Survival Centre and lifeboat simulator.

A lifeboat crew member is helping his crewmate with their kit

Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams

Every £1 you spend will help keep our crew trained, equipped and ready

The RNLI College raises vital funds to help save lives at sea. Funds that our brave volunteers rely on if their mission to save every one is to be successful.

Every £1 you spend at the RNLI College will make a difference, because it will help to provide the kit, training and equipment lifeboat crews need to answer urgent calls for help

Your kind gift today will help our crews save every one they can. Please donate to our Spring appeal and help them get there in time. Thank you.

Whitstable's B class lifeboat flies from the crest of a wave as it navigates grey stormy seas
Mayday appeal badge

Will you help RNLI volunteers get there in time?

Donate to the RNLI Mayday Appeal and help lifesavers be ready to rescue this summer
RNLI lifesavers need your help to get there in time this summer Photo: Stephen Duncombe

Recognised by Trip Advisor

  • 2026 Traveller Review Award from Booking.com with rating of 9.2 out of 10 displayed
  • Dorset Tourism Award 2024/2025 logo
  • Travelers' Choice Awards 2025 logo
  • Efeca Dorset Sustainable Palm Oil Community