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RNLI all-weather lifeboats in production at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole.

RNLI Tours

Discover the behind-the-scenes tours at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset. Explore the Sea Survival Centre where we train our lifesavers or learn how lifeboats are built in our All Weather Lifeboat Centre.

Volunteer crew members doing capsize training in the wave pool at the RNLI College in Poole.

RNLI/Nathan Williams

RNLI College Tours

See how volunteer crew members and lifeguards are trained with a 90-minute RNLI College Discovery Tour. Experience what it’s like to be onboard a lifeboat in an exciting simulator, get a behind-the-scenes look at our training facilities, and learn about what’s involved in becoming an RNLI lifesaver.

Each tour is led by one of our friendly volunteer tour guides. Up to 12 people can attend per tour. Call 0300 300 7654 or email [email protected] to book your space.

Discovery Tour Key information

12 People per tour

90 minutes walking tour

£10 Adult ticket

£5 Children 15 and under. Min Age 10.

Tour times

Day Morning Afternoon
Monday - 14.00
Tuesday 11.00 -
Wednesday - 14.00
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11.00 -
Sunday 11.00

13.00 and 15.00


Accessibility

Please let us know any access needs when booking. Companion and carer tickets are free but a space must still be booked.
RNLI all-weather lifeboats in production at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole.

RNLI/Nathan Williams

All-weather Lifeboat Centre tours

Discover how the RNLI builds and maintains its fleet of all-weather lifeboats with a tour of the All-weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) in Poole, Dorset, led by our knowledgeable volunteer tour guides. Marvel at magnificent lifeboats at each stage of production and learn about different classes of all-weather lifeboat – from the state-of-the-art Shannon to the pioneering Tamar.

Booking is essential – please call 0300 300 7654 or email [email protected].

ALC Tour Key Information

Mon & Weds Tours RUN Monday 10.30am and Wednesday 2.30pm

90 minutes walking tour

12 people per tour, in two groups of six

PPE Wear suitable footwear for a factory environment. Hi-vis provided

£10 Adult ticket

£5 Children 15 and under. Min Age 10.

A group of people walking alongside a Shannon class lifeboat during a tour of the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole.

RNLI/Nathan Williams

Group tours

Looking to organise a tour for a large group? Group tours are available for up to 24 people (numbers dependent on volunteer tour guide availability).

One of our tours makes for a great day out in Poole. Choose from the College Tour where you'll learn about the lifesaving work of the RNLI or a tour of the All Weather Lifeboat Centre where our lifeboats are built and maintained.

For group tour enquiries and tour catering, please contact [email protected].