Jane's Midlife Journey

Poole Park is situated on the edge of Poole Harbour, just a few minutes walk from the centre of Poole. The park covers an area of 110 acres, which includes landscaped gardens, play areas and a boating lake, all with spectacular views across the harbour. There are plenty of activities available within the park, including indoor activities for days when the weather prevents enjoying a wander round the park.

How to get to Poole Park

Poole Park is on the outskirts of Poole (just east of the town centre), roughly 5 miles west of Bournemouth along the A338/A35.

By Bus

Buses m1/m2 and 16 stop at Longfleet Road Garage, a 5 minute walk from the park. Bus No 20 runs along the northern edge of the park, stopping at Park Gates, Birds Hill Road, Churchfield Court and Nurses Home.

During the summer, the 60 Harbour Breezer bus is another option. In addition, the City Sightseeing Service runs through the park, stopping at Poole Park – The Ark and Poole Park – The Kitchen heading west and stops again on the outskirts of Poole Park heading east.

Parking

There is free car parking in three car parks within the park, but this does not open until 10 am. Parking is free for 3 hours (2 hours next to The Kitchen). Roadside parking is also available within the park with a 1 hour time limit. There is some additional road side parking (some of it Pay & Display) on the roads adjacent to the park.

Facilities

Poole Park is a lovely place to just go for a wander. But there’s so much more to do than just a walk in the park. Below are some of the other facilities on offer.

Lake

Central to the park is the lake, where you can take a gentle stroll. Feeding the ducks/geese/swans and model boat racing are other popular activities.

Water Sports

If you want to get out on the lake, Rockley Watersports offer a range of activities including swan pedalos, kayak and paddleboard hire, windsurfing and dinghy sailing.

Gardens

The local BCP Council put a lot of effort into landscaping parks, as is evident here. Gardens include the Rose Garden and the Quiet Garden. My favourite are the floral telephone boxes.

Interpretation Features

The park has a number of Interpretation Features to enhance your visit experience. These include silhouette figures, Post Card Viewers and Information Panels where you can learn more about the area’s history.

The Ark

Situated centrally within the park is The Ark, which houses a Café, Pottery Studio and Soft Play Area.

The Ark Café

Opening daily from 10 am, The Ark Café serves snacks, cakes, drinks and ice cream.

Pottery Studio

At the Pottery Studio, you can purchase items to paint and keep. There is a choice of acrylic (can be taken away on the day) and kilned (need to be collected at a later date).

Soft Play

There also an indoor Soft Play Area to keep kids amused in all weathers. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. We haven’t visited here, because I think it’s rather expensive, particularly the fee charged for adults. Entry is charged according to age:

• £1.50 – Babies aged 0 – 1
• £7.50 – Children aged 1 to 3
• £8.50 – Children aged 3 – 11
• £2.50 – Adults

The Kitchen

Also opening at 10 am (9.30 on Saturdays), The Kitchen is further round the lake. It offers breakfast and lunch, which can be eaten overlooking the lake and beyond to Poole Harbour. There is also an ice cream kiosk during peak times.

Playgrounds

There two outdoor play areas; the Plant Explorers Playground (near The Ark) is more suitable for younger children and the Jungle Adventure Playground is for older children.

Poole Park Railway

Poole Park Railway has a small circuit around a lake close to the Ark, where you can take a ride aboard a miniature train.

The railway recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a day of train related events and free train rides.

The train operates throughout the year. During the spring/summer, there is usually a daily service operating between 10 am and 4.30 pm. During the autumn/winter, the service is less regular. A more accurate timetable can be found here. Tickets cost £3.80 per person. Children under 2 are free.

Crazy Golf

The park has a 12 hole Crazy Golf Course, which can be booked via the Park Cafes Website. A round costs £5 for adults (£3.75 for children). Opening times are daily from 10 am until 4 pm during school Easter and summer holidays.

Fitness Trail Green Gym

To add more activity to your park trip, there’s a Green Gym with a range of fitness stations.

Tennis

There are 4 full size and 2 mini tennis courts in the park. Bookings can be made via the LTA Website. Courts cost £8.40 an hour (plus a further £4.20 if you wish to use the floodlights). You pay on booking, which provides you with entry code to access the courts. If you want to brush up on your skills, coaching is also available.

Bowling

I may be getting on a bit, but there are a list of activities I feel I am still too young to try, bowling is one of them. However if you’re getting on a bit more, or just have a different opinion about bowling, then bowling is available in the park. Poole Park Bowling Club is open to non members and can provide shoes, bowls and tuition. Bring your own Zimmer Frame!

Cricket

In the corner of the park is a cricket pitch, home to Poole Town Cricket Club. You have to run round the cricket pitch as part of Poole parkrun, so just looking at it makes me feel a little bit tired.

Poole Park Art & Makers Studio

During the summer, the Poole Park Art & Makers Studio is open. Here, you can watch local artists in action and purchase their wares in a pop-up shop.

Events

Various events take place in the park throughout the year from Family Fun Days, to festivals and sporting events. The Ark and the Kitchen also runs activities such as Pottery & Prosecco, quiz and music nights.

Parkrun

On Saturday mornings, Poole Park parkrun is very popular, with anything up to a thousand or more people turning up at 9 am for a run round the lake. The Christmas Day event is particularly popular.

Park Yoga

On Sunday mornings, things are significantly calmer with Park Yoga. These free sessions take place at 9.30 am between May and September.

Poole Park for Children

There are loads of activities for children in Poole Park. If the weather is good, there are the outdoor play areas, the train, tennis, water sports and crazy golf. Or you can take a walk by the lake and feed the ducks (there are dispensers where you can buy food). If the weather is less amenable, there are the indoor soft play area and pottery studio. Both cafés have children’s menus.

• Updated: April 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.