Poole Park Poole
A picturesque lakeside park offering playgrounds, mini-golf, watersports, and scenic walks with abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Poole Park Poole
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque lakeside park offering playgrounds, mini-golf, watersports, and scenic walks with abundant wildlife.
"Absolutely just lovely place. Amazing walks, the nature is surreal and seeing all the ducks and birds just chilling about is so nice."
🚰 Toilet Times
Park toilets close at 5 PM, even in summer. Plan your visit accordingly, especially if staying late.
👟 Footwear for Walks
Some paths can get messy with wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes for comfortable walking and running.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Boating Lake
Central Lake
A vast, beautiful lake perfect for leisurely walks, wildlife spotting, and watching model boat enthusiasts.
Playgrounds & Outdoor Fitness
Various locations
Multiple play areas for children and outdoor workout stations offer fun and activity for all ages.
Harbour Front Promenade
South edge of the park
Enjoy scenic views along the water, ideal for a flat, well-lit run or a relaxing stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Park Amenities & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stuff to do as a 19 year old in Poole/Bournemouth
🚰 Toilet Times
Park toilets close at 5 PM, even in summer. Plan your visit accordingly, especially if staying late.
👟 Footwear for Walks
Some paths can get messy with wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes for comfortable walking and running.
Any suggestions for running routes in Poole/Wimborne/Wareham area which are well lit and not alongside a road?
Running Paths
🦢 Wildlife Watching
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the diverse birdlife on the lake and surrounding areas.
🚂 Miniature Train Ride
Take a charming miniature train tour for a unique perspective of the park's layout.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚰 Toilet Times
Park toilets close at 5 PM, even in summer. Plan your visit accordingly, especially if staying late.
👟 Footwear for Walks
Some paths can get messy with wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes for comfortable walking and running.
🦢 Wildlife Watching
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the diverse birdlife on the lake and surrounding areas.
🚂 Miniature Train Ride
Take a charming miniature train tour for a unique perspective of the park's layout.
🏃♀️ Parkrun Route
The park hosts a popular Parkrun; the course is flat and scenic, starting near the swimming pool.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Poole Park is widely praised for its beautiful lake, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and mini-golf. Visitors enjoy the scenic walks and the popular Parkrun. However, some reviewers note issues with path cleanliness due to wildlife and the early 5 PM closing time for public toilets, which can be inconvenient.
"We did Parkrun here, a lovely park with great views across the water. Super flat course that attracts lots of runners but we'll worth going to. We parked in the swimming pool car park and the start to parkrun is about a 10 minute walk. Toilets are available in the park but they do get busy."
Donna S
"Absolutely just lovely place. Amazing walks, the nature is surreal and seeing all the ducks and birds just chilling about is so nice.
The lake is huge and beautiful and there’s even a little walkway through it.
The outdoor workout places are a nice touch.
Maybe my favourite park I’ve been to, definitely a favourite"
Oliver Dyche
"Beautiful park with lots to do for people of all ages. There are lovely walks, a boating lake, exercise machines and a couple of places to get drinks, ice cream, etc. There is also a miniature train to take a little tour of the park on."
Janice N
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Poole Park is easily accessible by car, with parking available at the swimming pool car park or other nearby facilities. It's also reachable by public transport, with bus stops located close to the park entrances. For those looking for a scenic route, cycling paths lead directly to the park.
Yes, there is parking available, notably at the swimming pool car park. Be aware that it can get busy, especially during peak times.
Absolutely! Poole Park offers a flat, scenic promenade along the harbour front, perfect for running. It's also the location for a popular Parkrun event.
Yes, Poole Park has dedicated cycling paths and is a pleasant place to cycle, offering lovely views of the lake and surrounding areas.
Exploring Poole Park can be done on foot, by bike, or even by taking the miniature train for a leisurely tour. The harbour front promenade is particularly good for walking and running.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Poole Park is a public park and generally free to enter. There may be charges for specific activities like mini-golf or tennis court hire.
Poole Park is open to the public, but the park toilets have specific closing times, usually around 5 PM, even during summer.
No, general entry to Poole Park does not require booking tickets. However, for specific activities like watersports lessons or mini-golf, booking might be advisable.
While entry to the park is free, activities such as mini-golf, tennis court hire, and watersports lessons will incur separate charges.
The public toilets within Poole Park typically close at 5 PM, regardless of the season or daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Poole Park offers a variety of activities including playgrounds, mini-golf, tennis courts, watersports like windsurfing and kayaking, and a boating lake. There are also outdoor fitness equipment areas.
Yes, Poole Park is excellent for families with its numerous playgrounds, open spaces for running around, and the boating lake. The miniature train is also a hit with children.
While tempting, it's generally advised not to feed bread to ducks and other waterfowl as it can be harmful to their health. If you wish to feed them, opt for bird-safe foods like peas or corn.
Yes, there are places within the park to get drinks, ice cream, and snacks. For more substantial meals, there are cafes and restaurants nearby.
Poole Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, swans, and other bird species on its large lake.
📸 📸 Photography
The boating lake offers beautiful reflections and opportunities to photograph wildlife. The harbour front promenade provides scenic water views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The playgrounds and miniature train can also make for fun, candid shots.
Yes, Poole Park is excellent for nature photography, with its diverse birdlife on the lake and well-maintained natural areas. Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer distractions.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most flattering light for photography in Poole Park, enhancing the natural beauty of the lake and surroundings.
Drone usage in public parks can be restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over Poole Park.
The large boating lake itself is an iconic feature, along with the various bridges and walkways that cross it. The miniature train and the well-kept gardens also serve as popular photo backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the open green spaces. While there are places to buy snacks, a picnic allows for more flexibility. The flat paths are generally good for strollers, but be mindful of potential wildlife droppings on some routes. The mini-golf and tennis courts also offer family-friendly activities for a small fee.
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
While the main paths are generally good, be aware that some areas might have wildlife droppings, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The park's open spaces are also ideal for other forms of exercise like yoga or stretching. The proximity to the water adds a refreshing element to any workout.
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers and Birdwatchers
While the natural beauty is a major draw, some visitors have noted that the water could be cleaner. However, the abundance of birdlife and the serene setting still make it a rewarding experience for nature lovers. Early mornings are often the best time for spotting wildlife with fewer disturbances.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Watersports and Recreation
Beyond the organized lessons, the park also features mini-golf and tennis courts, catering to a variety of interests. These facilities are popular with families and groups looking for some friendly competition. The presence of outdoor workout stations further enhances the park's appeal as a place for active leisure. Whether you're looking for a gentle paddle or a more energetic game, Poole Park has options to suit most preferences.
Wildlife and Nature
However, some visitors have noted that the water areas could benefit from more regular maintenance, with occasional mentions of algae and moss. Additionally, the presence of wildlife can lead to some mess on the footpaths, which is something to be mindful of. Despite these minor points, the overall natural charm and the opportunity to connect with wildlife remain a highlight for many who visit Poole Park.
Park Maintenance and Facilities
A more significant concern raised by visitors is the early closing time of the public toilets, which shut at 5 PM. This can be inconvenient, especially during longer visits or in the summer months when daylight extends much later. Addressing this would greatly improve the park's usability for families and those spending extended periods enjoying the park's amenities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit