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For children, Hamworthy Park, on the edge of Poole Harbour is probably one of the best parks in the area. With two large play areas, a paddling pool and beach access, it covers all the bases for a fun day out.

How to get to Hamworthy Park

Hamworthy Park is on the northern edge of Poole Harbour, 1 mile west of Poole or 7 miles west of Bournemouth along the A338/A35/A350.

By Bus

During the summer, the No 60 and 70 Breezer buses stop at Hamworthy Park, right outside the park entrance. The nearest permanent bus stop is at Ashmore Avenue, a 5 minute walk away, served by bus No 8.

Access

The area is flat and easily accessible.

Parking

The park has its own car park. Parking costs £1.30 for 2 hours during the day between March and October. In the evening and during the rest of the year, parking is free. Further details can be found here. There is also some free roadside parking in neighbouring roads.

Note: The car park only has 60 spaces. On a hot summer’s day, finding a space is likely to prove tricky.

Opening Times

The paddling pool is open from 9am to 6pm between May and September.

Price

Entry to the park is free.

Following the council’s recent overturned decision to close the paddling pool, the cost of maintenance is being subsidised by the Friends of Hamworthy Park. There are scannable QR Codes at the entrance, should you wish to contribute.

Suitable for age

The play equipment is divided into two zones, with the Play Area being suitable for children under 8, whilst the Adventure Play Area is suitable for children under the age of 14.

Details

There is plenty to do in the park, as detailed below.

Paddling Pool

The popular Paddling Pool has been here since the park’s inauguration in 1931 and was refurbished in 2019. The large area means that even on busy days, there’s plenty of room for everyone and shallow enough for even young children to safely paddle in.

Play Area

The Play Area for younger children has a nautical theme, with a ship shaped climbing frame accessed by climbing a series of frogs and a bi-plane rocker.

Adventure Play Area

For older children, the Adventure Play Area has plenty to keep kids occupied, including a zipwire.

Park

There is a large expanse of grass adjacent to the play area, which is popular with dog walkers.

Beach

Hamworthy Park even has its own little bit of beach, which can be accessed directly from the park, complete with promenade and beach huts.

Water sports

For older children (and adults), South Coast Adventures offer kayaking and paddleboarding in Poole Harbour.

Friends of Hamworthy Park

The Friends of Hamworthy Park organise other events within the park, such as a Summer Fair, Dog Show and Children’s Stay & Play sessions.

Food & Drink

There is a cafe in the park – The Cafe in the Park – which offers a typical cafe menu at breakfast and lunch time. In addition, during the summer, it holds a Supper Club on Friday and Saturday evenings with more adventurous cuisine, such as steak and mussels. The Nippers Menu (sausage/chicken bites/fish fingers and chips) costs £6. They also sell a range of ice creams etc. For adults, the cafe is licensed and sells beer, wine and cider.

If you choose to bring your own food, there plenty of picnic tables dotted around the park.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There is a toilet block with changing facilities next to the cafe.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.

• Updated: July 2024