RNLI College Discovery Tour
RNLI College Discovery Tour
5
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Full view
About
RNLI College Discovery Tour : 2 tours a day 7 days a week. 10:30 & 14:00 (except Friday when the afternoon tour starts at 15:30) Find out how our crews and lifeguards are trained with a behind the scenes 90 minute tour of the RNLI College. Each tour is conducted by one of our dedicated volunteer tour guides, providing a passionate and insightful look at the work we do here at the College. During your 90 minute guided tour, you will be given the chance to explore the RNLI College and its training facilities, including our world-class Sea Survival Centre, which hosts the wave tank and Live Engine Workshop.
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RNLI College Discovery Tour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
292 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
20
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Cherriesfan99
Cheltenham, UK679 contributions
Jun 2022
Run twice a day, seven days a week , with pre-booking essential, this tour, run as so much is in the RNLI by volunteers is superb. Yes, there is a section on money and how the RNLI needs financial support - there being no government input, unlike other nations.
Starting with a history, then moving on to how rescue happen, followed by a walk outside to view the various type of rescue craft, including jet ski and hovercraft. We had a brief video of the associated works carried out in other, less developed / fortunate nations.
Then it was the fun and experiences in an interactive mock up of a lifeboat cabin, complete with wave action, poor weather and heavy seas - great fun, but only from the safety and comfort of Poole Town.
Our tour was led by a very enthusiastic local yachtsman, who as with all volunteers , was keen to spread the word about the work of the RNLI and by doing so help raise the huge amount needed daily to keep the waters of the UK and Irish Republic safe.
Great tour.
Starting with a history, then moving on to how rescue happen, followed by a walk outside to view the various type of rescue craft, including jet ski and hovercraft. We had a brief video of the associated works carried out in other, less developed / fortunate nations.
Then it was the fun and experiences in an interactive mock up of a lifeboat cabin, complete with wave action, poor weather and heavy seas - great fun, but only from the safety and comfort of Poole Town.
Our tour was led by a very enthusiastic local yachtsman, who as with all volunteers , was keen to spread the word about the work of the RNLI and by doing so help raise the huge amount needed daily to keep the waters of the UK and Irish Republic safe.
Great tour.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Digger Downes
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A great chance to get inside the RNLI College and see behind the scenes of this facility where they train their crews from all over the country.
Takes about 90 minutes for the guided tour, a bit of history, a bit of the training facility and getting to see some serious big boys toys.
Heartily recommended and a small price to pay for an insight of an independent organisation dedicated to saving lives and promoting safety.
Takes about 90 minutes for the guided tour, a bit of history, a bit of the training facility and getting to see some serious big boys toys.
Heartily recommended and a small price to pay for an insight of an independent organisation dedicated to saving lives and promoting safety.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bryan P
Rugby, UK648 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
While visiting Poole we have thought about visiting the life boat college. So as we were planning on visiting the area we looked up what we needed to do, which was to email the college, Rachael promptly sent us the details & were booked on to our desired tour. The tours are at 11am in the morning & last around 90 minutes & are £7.50 which we paid for on arrival. We were advised to park at the adjacent Asda car park which is free for 3 hours & only 2 minutes walk to the college.
On arrival we checked in & paid our money then looked around the small shop there selling RNLI related items then waited a few minutes for our guide to arrive. When Michael arrived he gave a short h&s briefing & explained some of the history of the organisation. We then went outside where some of the boats were moored & explained what the numbers mean on the boat (the length in metres & the number made) he also explained about the college & its facilities. We then went in & watched a short video on some of the water based training that they do prior to going in to see the Poole where they practice a lot of the water based life saving skills.
We then went into a Severn class simulator where I helmed the lifeboat to a major rescue just outside Dover Harbour which was very realistic & gave you an insight of what the crews can face when going out to sea & how to control the boat.
We then had a short tour of some of the other facilities there such as the bar & restaurant which looked very good & overlooked the water & is open to the public & helps pay for the running of the facilities there are also bedrooms you can stay in & function rooms you can hire for functions. We then ended up back at the entrance & the shop.
Michael was a excellent & very knowledgeable tour guide & should be paid at least 10 times more than he currently is which will be 0 as he is a volunteer like the vast majority of the people who work for the RNLI so please give generously.
On arrival we checked in & paid our money then looked around the small shop there selling RNLI related items then waited a few minutes for our guide to arrive. When Michael arrived he gave a short h&s briefing & explained some of the history of the organisation. We then went outside where some of the boats were moored & explained what the numbers mean on the boat (the length in metres & the number made) he also explained about the college & its facilities. We then went in & watched a short video on some of the water based training that they do prior to going in to see the Poole where they practice a lot of the water based life saving skills.
We then went into a Severn class simulator where I helmed the lifeboat to a major rescue just outside Dover Harbour which was very realistic & gave you an insight of what the crews can face when going out to sea & how to control the boat.
We then had a short tour of some of the other facilities there such as the bar & restaurant which looked very good & overlooked the water & is open to the public & helps pay for the running of the facilities there are also bedrooms you can stay in & function rooms you can hire for functions. We then ended up back at the entrance & the shop.
Michael was a excellent & very knowledgeable tour guide & should be paid at least 10 times more than he currently is which will be 0 as he is a volunteer like the vast majority of the people who work for the RNLI so please give generously.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Bryan P,
Thank you for your great review, and it sounds like you had a fantastic experience with us from start to finish!
I will be sure to pass your thanks on the Rachael, as well as Michael who is, as you said, a volunteer.
We run tours of our All-weather Lifeboat Centre, which are also managed by volunteers.
Thank you again for helping save lives at sea, and we hope to welcome you back some day.
Many thanks,
Steve
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel R
Hertfordshire, UK10 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
During half term we did both the Discovery Tour and the All Weather Lifeboat building centre tour.
So much information about the amazing work undertaken in building and refurbishing the current fleet of boats. Any budding engineer would appreciate the work that goes into these builds.
Followed by a look around the college on the Discovery Tour we were lucky enough to see some training in the sea survival pool (recovering from a capsized boat), have a chance to 'drive' a boat in the simulator and learn about the work undertaken abroad to educate people about drowning risks etc.
If you ever doubted the work of the RNLI and their many heroic volunteers these tours will show how dedicated, professional and brave they need to he to 'Save Lives at Sea'
Our guides were knowledgeable, engaging and welcoming and never forget that money spent here contributes to help keep up this organisations amazing work.
So much information about the amazing work undertaken in building and refurbishing the current fleet of boats. Any budding engineer would appreciate the work that goes into these builds.
Followed by a look around the college on the Discovery Tour we were lucky enough to see some training in the sea survival pool (recovering from a capsized boat), have a chance to 'drive' a boat in the simulator and learn about the work undertaken abroad to educate people about drowning risks etc.
If you ever doubted the work of the RNLI and their many heroic volunteers these tours will show how dedicated, professional and brave they need to he to 'Save Lives at Sea'
Our guides were knowledgeable, engaging and welcoming and never forget that money spent here contributes to help keep up this organisations amazing work.
Written October 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
welshlass53
Cardiff, UK10 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Well, what an excellent way to spend 2 hours. Our tour guide was Nick - so informative and made us feel so welcome. One of the young members of our group was a huge fan of Saving Lives at Sea and I think she may be an even bigger fan now. Well worth a visit even if you have to travel (we're from Cardiff) and the best £7.50 we have ever spent. Will definitely go back and next time we will stay at the College and maybe do another tour (it was THAT good). Thank you RNLI - you are amazing.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark H
11 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Tried to book this tour in the past for the all weather boat build but it is popular. Luckily we managed to get on today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very informative and to be able to see the full process of a build from start to finish is fascinating. Our Guide was very knowledgeable and took us all through at a gentle pace. There are stairs to go up the levels but there is a lift available for less able. Considering this is a working boat yard the workshops are very clean and well organised a credit to the ladies and gents who work there. Very educational and would highly recommend. Enjoy it if you go!
Written March 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa F
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
I went on the tour with my family and two children, it was really enjoyable and great to see all the hard work involved in training the rnli volunteers and building the lifeboats. The tour guides are very knowledgeable, we learnt a lot and took park in a fantastic simulator which was very like real life, where you got a chance to drive the lifeboat, and also saw the pool where they train. Kids loved it, adults loved it, would thoroughly recommend, and all money goes to supporting the rnli. Great job well done to all involved!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi lisafA7731TK,
Thanks for your great feedback, sounds like your family had a brilliant day out with us!
Our volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and like the vast majority of our organisation, are all volunteers.
We hope to see you and your family beck sometime soon.
Many thanks,
Steve
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlotte S
5 contributions
Oct 2022
Absolutly fantastic Tour, the Gentleman who took the Tour last Thursday at 2pm was so passionate in everything he spoke about. The fact he is a volunteer with that much passion for the RNLI is so commendable. Have to say the access you get to the college and the different elements to the tour is amaing. Would reccomend to anyone and I am sure I will do it again when I am nearby.
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helen R
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Family
The tour gave a great insight into the work of the RNLI. Chris was very informative, and patient with the youngsters (8-10 yr olds). We enjoyed learning about the lifeboats and their deployments and how the volunteer crew are trained to deal with emergencies at sea and inland water. Thank you Chris.
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Helen,
Glad you and the children enjoyed it.
I'll pass your feedback on to Chris
Written March 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah W
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Couples
We were not sure what to expect when we booked the tour but figured the money was going to a good cause and it would be quite interesting. Arrived early (good job we did, car parking is limited, so plan ahead in case it is full) and went in for a coffee first. Good coffee in the Slipway Bar and fab views over the boats and the Twin Sails bridge. To our surprise we were the only 2 on the tour ( although a wet and windy Monday at the very start of March is probably not counted as tourist season on reflection!).
The guide was knowledgeable, interesting and careful to ensure we were comfortable and happy at every stage of the tour.
The best bit for me was going into the balcony of the swimming pool where a team was being trained on how to right a capsized lifeboat in the dark. Really impressive!
For my husband the best bit was having a go on the lifeboat simulator - actually piloting the boat out on a rescue! I suspect we had more opportunity to have a play because it was quiet and obviously, because students were not being trained the equipment was available.
Even if the simulator was not available, we agreed it was a good value and interesting tour.
The guide was knowledgeable, interesting and careful to ensure we were comfortable and happy at every stage of the tour.
The best bit for me was going into the balcony of the swimming pool where a team was being trained on how to right a capsized lifeboat in the dark. Really impressive!
For my husband the best bit was having a go on the lifeboat simulator - actually piloting the boat out on a rescue! I suspect we had more opportunity to have a play because it was quiet and obviously, because students were not being trained the equipment was available.
Even if the simulator was not available, we agreed it was a good value and interesting tour.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi sarahwC4308TF,
Thank you for your great review, and i'm happy to hear that you got a good go on our simulator!
Our Sea Survival Pool is where we recreate treacherous conditions to train our volunteer crew for sea survival skills. Along with our simulator, this allows us to train in a safe and controlled environment.
We hope to welcome you back in the future.
Many thanks,
Steve
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ste H
3 contributions
Hi on the tour could you try on a drysuit and all the gear and have a photo taken ? If not can you give a donation to put a suit on and have a photo taken ?
Digger Downes
2 contributions
This wasn't offered as any option or possibility.
The tour lasts about 90 minutes and I don't think there would be time to do this.
The tour is a pretty full 90 minutes and you do cover a bit of ground.
You could ask - you never know.
ccl743
London, UK2 contributions
How do we reserve a tour?
RNLI_Tours
Poole
Apologies for the delay in responding. You can contact our reception team on 0300 300 7654.
We look forward to welcoming you to the RNLI College
Helen B
Beverley, UK26 contributions
Are dogs on a lead allowed on the tour please? Thanks
RNLI_Tours
Poole
Hi Helen as we are a working environment we only allow assistance dogs on site.
We hope you will still be able to visit us
Tours Team
840donald
Taunton, UK
Is the tour suitable for disabled people?
RNLI_Tours
Poole
Hello
Yes, the tour is fully accessible for everybody. If you would like to book then please call us on 01202 336141.
Kind regards
Jo
Is the tour appropriate for a 5 year old and 2 year old please?
Thanks
Steve B
Bournemouth, UK24 contributions
Not really. The recommended minimum age is 10yrs, as the tour is based on seeing RNLI operational areas and learning about they operates.