There are plenty of playgrounds spread across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including many which have a nautical theme and several with paddling pools and/or splash parks. This article is very much a ‘work in progress‘, but here are the details of some of the playgrounds Orla and I have visited on our adventures.

Playgrounds in Bournemouth

1	Boscombe Chine Gardens
2	East Overcliff Playground
3	King’s Park
4	Littledown Park
5	Redhill Park
6	Seafield Gardens
7	Shelley Park

1 – Boscombe Chine Gardens

Details

Boscombe Chine Gardens runs from Boscombe Beach, up through the chine to the cliff top. Half way up, there is a water themed play area which has a water wheel and chutes which send water to different levels.

Note: The water is not on all year. A sign says it will be turned off from November until Easter, although it appears to have been turned off much earlier than November this year. Without the water, that only leaves a slide and a swing.

How to get to boscombe chine gardens

The gardens can be accessed from all four sides:

• bottom (opposite Boscombe Pier)
• top (A35 – Christchurch Road)
• west side (East Overcliff Drive/Manor Road)
• east side (a small alleyway on Boscombe Spa Road)

To reach Boscombe Chine from Bournemouth, it is a pleasant walk/cycle along the prom or the overcliff or a mile drive along the A35.

Parking

The nearest car park is Boscombe Overstrand Car Park. Fees are seasonal, costing from £2.40 for 2 hours in winter to £2.90 for an hour in summer. Further details can be found here. Some free roadside parking is available to the east side of the chine (for example Boscombe Spa Road or Wharncliffe Road) with steps nearby leading into the gardens or you can walk round the corner for step free access. Note: On a sunny day, you are highly unlikely to find a roadside space.

By Bus

Numerous buses pass along the A35 (1a/1b/1c, m2, X3) stopping at the top of the chine at Boscombe Gardens. In addition, in summer, the No 70 Breezer Bus stops at the bottom of the gardens at Boscombe Pier.

Food & Drink

At the top of the gardens is a community café, which is run by the Parks Foundation. The café is on the upper floor overlooking the mini golf course, offering an opportunity to enjoy a drink and a snack with a lovely view across the gardens. The café is open daily during the summer months between 10.30 am and 5.30 pm.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are toilets at the café, which are open seasonally. Otherwise, there are toilets at the bottom of the chine on the Promenade. Both have changing facilities.

2 – East Overcliff Playground

Details

East Overcliff Playground is on the cliff top, so convenient to combine with a visit to the beach. It has two climbing frame/slide combinations suitable for younger and older children, plus a range of swings. Much of the playground is sandy and there is a sand pit and a sand digger.

How to get to East Overcliff Playground

The playground is at the end of Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne. By car, it is 2 miles east of Bournemouth along the A35/Overcliff. Or you can walk/cycle along the prom. It is adjacent to Fisherman’s Walk Zigzag, which leads down to the beach. There is also a cliff lift.

Parking

There is free parking along the clifftop.

By Bus

Several buses including the m2 and 1b/1c stop at the other end of Fisherman’s Walk, a 10 minute walk away through Fisherman’s Walk park. During the summer, the 70 Breezer bus stops at Fisherman’s Walk Overcliff, right next to the playground.

Food & Drink

There are picnic benches inside the playground, including a small one for younger children. There are several supermarkets and Delis in Southbourne if you wish to pick up picnic supplies. Cafe Riva is next door serving breakfast and lunch, including takeaway options. It has a children’s lunch menu of hot food or a picnic meal. During the summer, it also has food trucks on the lawn next to the playground. There is also a mini golf course here which can be booked via the cafe.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are toilets next to Cafe Riva with changing facilities. And also toilets inside the cafe, but they’re a bit tight for space.

3 – King’s Park

Details

King’s Park is a large park with two playgrounds, plus football and cricket pitches, a skate park and an athletics stadium. It is also the home of AFC Bournemouth.

The play area on the eastern side of the park contains a play frame with slides, swings and a roundabout. This is more suitable for smaller children. The play area on the western side of the park has a wooden climbing frame, swings, a roundabout, a seesaw, a zip wire and a basketball court.

How to get to king’s park

King’s Park is in Boscombe, which is 2 miles north west of central Bournemouth. It is easily accessed by car as it right next to the main road into Bournemouth (A338).

Parking

There is car parking in Kings Park. There is some free roadside parking and a free car park on the eastern side of the park. The car park adjacent to the football stadium costs £1.30 for one hour. Further details can be found here.

By Bus

There is a playground on the eastern edge of the park on Kings Park Drive. Buses number m2 and 1a/1b/1c stop at Pokesdown Station, a 5 minute walk to the playground.

The other playground is on the western edge of the park on Ashley Road. Buses number 22 and X3 stop at King’s Park close to the play area. Buses m2 and 1a/1b/1c stop at the Sovereign Centre, which is a 10 minute walk away, but these services are more frequent.

Food & Drink

The park has its own cafe, which is open daily from 9 am until 4 pm and serves breakfast and lunch as well as drinks and cake. There is a choice of indoor or outdoor seating.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are toilets at the cafe and inside the athletics and football stadiums. There are no actual public toilets.

4 – Littledown Park

Details

Littledown Park is a Green Flag awarded, dog free park situated 3 miles north east of central Bournemouth. The large (47 acre) park has two play areas and a paddling pool, as well as a lake, which is always teeming with ducks, and a miniature railway. Also within the park is Littledown Leisure Centre.

How to get to Littledown park

The park is just off the A338, opposite Bournemouth Hospital.

Parking

There is a large car park where you can park for free for 3 hours.

By Bus

Buses No m1 and 22 stop at Littledown Centre, just in front of the park and bus No X3 stops at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, around a 10 minute walk away.

Food & Drink

The leisure centre has an indoor and an outdoor (seasonal) cafe. The small kiosks in the park are only open during very peak times. There are picnic benches dotted around the park.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are toilets next to the playground and more inside the leisure centre.

5 – Redhill Park

Details

Redhill Park has a large play area, a paddling pool and a cafe which runs weekly kids’ activities. In addition, you can explore nature in the adjoining Redhill Common.

How to get to redhill park

Redhill Park is located 3 miles north of central Bournemouth along the A347.

Parking

The park has its own (free) car park. There is also plenty of free roadside parking in neighbouring roads.

By Bus

Bus No 5 stops at Combe Avenue at the southern end of the park and bus No 5a stops at Co-Op, opposite the southern end of the park.

Food & Drink

There is a cafe in the park – Redhill Park Cafe – which is run by the Parks Foundation and offers a typical cafe menu at breakfast and lunch time with indoor and outdoor seating available. Opening times are seasonal. The cafe also runs activities for children.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

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

6 – Seafield Gardens

Details

Seafield Gardens has a lovely little playground and also a Fairy Garden, which Orla loves. In the playground, there is play equipment, including a zip wire, plus a mini football pitch and basketball hoop. Follow the path past the water tower to reach the Fairy Garden, which has doors in the trees, a den and a pond.

How to get to seafield Gardens

Seafield Gardens is in the suburb of Southbourne, 3 miles east of Bournemouth along the A35/B3059, then turn onto Tuckton Road. Note: If you use Google Maps, you will be directed to Ken Road. Access to the park from here is via steps. For step free access, use one of the entrances on Tuckton Road, Seafield Road or Guildhall Road.

Parking

There is free parking on neighbouring roads.

By Bus

The nearest bus stop is Tuckton Corner on the m2 and 1c bus routes. From here, the park is a 6 minute walk.

Food & Drink

There is a cafe in the bowling club, which is open seasonally when the bowling club is open.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are no public toilets at Seafield Gardens. The only toilets are controlled by the bowling club, so not open all year round. The nearest public toilets are a 10 minute walk away at Southbourne Crossroads.

7 – Shelley Park

Details

The small Shelley Park playground is under the trees, so although it doesn’t have a great deal to keep kids entertained, it’s a good choice in hot weather, because children can play in the shade. Unfortunately, it can be rather litter strewn.

How to get to Shelley Park

Shelley Park is on the outskirts of Boscombe, 2 miles east of Bournemouth along the A35.

Parking

There is free parking in neighbouring roads.

By Bus

The nearest permanent bus stop is Portman Ravine, a 10 minute walk away, served by buses m2 and 1a/1b/1c. During the summer, the 70 Breezer bus stops at Shelley Park, right next to the southern end of the park.

Food & Drink

Not somewhere I’ve ever seen anyone picnic and there aren’t really any cafes or restaurants nearby.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are no toilets in Shelley Park.

Playgrounds in Christchurch

1	Barrack Road Playground
2	Mudeford Quay
3	The Quomps

1 – Barrack Road Playground

Details

Barrack Road Playground runs in between Christchurch Recreation Ground and Barrack Road Garden.

How to get to Barrack Road Playground

Right in the centre of Christchurch, close to the top of the High Street, the playground is 5 miles east of Bournemouth along the A35.

Parking

Bank Close Car Park is right opposite the park entrance. Parking costs £1.30 for two hours. Further details can be found here.

By Bus

Bus No 1b/1c and X1/X2 stop at Bargates, a 5 minute walk away. Bus No 1a stops at Fountain Way, also a 5 minute walk away but with more roads to cross. In the summer, the No 70 Breezer bus is another option.

Food & Drink

The High Street has a wide range of restaurants and cafes. We usually pick up some snacks across the road in M&S for a picnic in the park.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

The nearest public toilets are in Saxon Square or Christchurch Library.

2 – Mudeford Quay

Details

There is a small playground adjacent to the car park on Mudeford Quay. It has a a wooden pirate ship, swings, a roundabout, a zip wire and sand play.

How to get to Mudeford Quay

Mudeford Quay is just east of Christchurch, 7 miles east of Bournemouth along the A35/B3059.

Parking

There is a car park on Mudeford Quay. Parking costs £2.40 for 1 hour between March and November and £2.20 for an hour for the rest of the year. Further details can be found here.

By Bus

Not really an option.

Food & Drink

The Raft serves snacks and drinks on the quayside close to the playground.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are public toilets on the quay, next to the Haven House Inn.

3 – The Quomps

Details

The Quomps is a Green Flag accredited park on Christchurch Quay, which runs along the River Stour. There is a playground and a splash park here. The playground has a pirate theme with a ship and a toddler pirate play unit. There are also swings a supernova and boulders.

Adjacent is the splash park, which is open from May until September and has a paddling pool and other water features.

How to get to The Quomps

The Quomps, is at the bottom of Christchurch High Street, some 4 miles east of Bournemouth along the A338/A35.

Parking

There is a car park adjacent to the park at Mayor’s Mead. Parking costs £2.40 for 2 hours. Further details can be found here.

By Bus

Buses number 1a/1b/1c and X1/X2 stop at Town Centre, a 10 minute walk away. During the summer, the 70 Breezer Bus also stops here.

Food & Drink

We usually pick up supplies in M&S for a picnic in the park. There are benches both inside the playground and around the Quomps. The Boathouse is nearby which sells great food, although it is rather pricey. It has indoor and outdoor seating and offers a children’s menu. Further details can be found here.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There is a toilet with changing facilities on the Quomps, close to the play area.

Playgrounds in Poole

1	Adastral Road Play Area
2	Halstock Crescent Play Area
3	Hamworthy Park
4	Poole Park
5	Puddledown Crescent Play Area (Red Brick Path Playpark)
6	Sherborn Crescent
7	Whitecliff Playground

1 – Adastral Road Play Area

Details

Adastral Road Play Area is in an enclosure in a grassy area close to the shops in Adastral Square, Canford Heath. It has swings, a roundabout and slide.

How to get to Adastral Road Play Area

The park is adjacent to Adastral Road in Canford Heath to the north of Poole.

Parking

There is a free car park at nearby Adastral Square.

By Bus

Buses No 18, 25 and 26 stop at The Pilot next to the playground.

Food & Drink

The Hub on the Heath is just round the corner in Adastral Square. It serves snacks, amazing cakes and excellent smoothies.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

The nearest toilets are in Canford Heath Library in nearby Adastral Square.

2 – Halstock Crescent Play Area

Details

The small Halstock Crescent Play Area sits either side of a path through the woods. On one side are some swings and a climbing frame (with the least slidey slides I’ve ever encountered). On the other side is a small low ropes course. Note: The equipment is not fenced in and the path is popular with dog walkers.

How to get to Halstock Crescent Play Area

The play area is by a path through the woods, so it can only be reached by foot. By car, you can drive to either end of the path, which runs between Canford Heath Road and Halstock Crescent.

Parking

There is free roadside parking in Halstock Crescent.

By Bus

Buses No 18, 25 and 26 stop at Longfleet Drive near the start of the path, just a 2 minute walk from the park.

Food & Drink

There are no facilities here. The nearest cafe is probably Canford Nest, half a mile away, which serves breakfast, snacks and delicious home made cakes.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are no public toilets nearby. I would probably opt for Asda in Canford Heath.

3 – Hamworthy Park

Details

Hamworthy Park sits 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.

The Play Area is more suitable for younger children and contains springy rockers, a small slide, a mini climbing wall and swings. The Adventure Play Area is aimed at older children and has a climbing frame, swings, a seesaw, supernova, skateboard simulator, zip wire, rodeo board, rocking surfboard and skysurfer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4 – Poole Park

Details

Poole Park is situated on the edge of Poole Harbour. It is a pretty place to spend some time. It consists of 110 acres including landscaped gardens, play areas and a lake, all with spectacular views across Poole Harbour. There are plenty of activities available within the park, including two play areas, a miniature railway indoor activities for days when the weather prevents enjoying a wander round the park.

There two outdoor play areas; the Plant Explorers Playground is more suitable for younger children. It has a climbing frame with slide, swings, a roundabout, seesaw, sandpit, talk tubes, a play train and balancing course.

The Jungle Adventure Playground is for older children an offers a climbing frame, slides, swings, a scramble net, a seesaw and zip wires.

How to get to Poole Park

The park is on the outskirts of Poole (a mile east of the town centre), roughly 5 miles west of Bournemouth along the A338/A35.

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 additional road side (some of it Pay & Display) parking on the roads adjacent to the park.

By Bus

Buses m1/m2 and 16 stop at Longfleet Road Garage, a 5 minute walk from the park. Bus No 20 stops at Nurses Home, opposite the park entrance.

During the summer, 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.

Food & Drink

There are two cafes within the park. The Ark Café serves snacks, cakes, drinks and ice cream. The Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch, which can be eaten overlooking the lake and beyond to Poole Harbour. There are also picnic benches in the park if you prefer to do your own thing.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are toilets with changing facilities at both cafes, plus other public toilets within the park.

5 – Puddledown Crescent Play Area

Details

Puddledown Crescent Play Area (marked on the map as Red Brick Path Playpark) has a range of play equipment on either side of a small hill, with stepping stones running up and a slide running down the hill itself. Other equipment includes swings, small and large climbing frames, a spring rocker, a rocking surfboard and kickabout goals.

How to get to Puddledown Crescent Play Area

The park is next to a path which runs down the middle of Sherborn Crescent, from Canford Heath Road. The nearest road is Puddledown Crescent.

Parking

There is free parking in Puddledown Crescent.

By Bus

Buses No 25/26 stop at Warmwell Close, a 3 minute walk from the park.

Food & Drink

There are no facilities in the park. The nearest cafe is probably Canford Nest, half a mile away, which serves breakfast, snacks and delicious home made cakes.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are no public toilets nearby. I would probably opt for Asda in Canford Heath.

6 – Sherborn Crescent Play Area

Sherborn Crescent Play Area is on the eastern edge of Verity Park Open Space in Canford Heath. The play area has swings, a roundabout, zip wire, climbing frame and slide.

Note: The park is not fenced off from the general park area, which is popular with dog walkers, so you may get canine visitors checking what you’re up to.

How to get to Sherborn Crescent Play Area

The play area is just off Adastral Road, around 4 miles north of Poole along the A350/A3049.

By Bus

Buses No 25/26 stop at Henbury Close, a 5 minute walk away.

Parking

There is free parking in nearby streets.

Food & Drink

There are no facilities in the park.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are no toilets in the park.

7 – Whitecliff Playground

Whitecliff Playground is part of Whitecliff Harbourside Park, which is situated on the edge of Poole Harbour. The play area has a sand pit, net climbing frame, play boat, helicopter-themed climbing frame, swings and a large lighthouse themed multi-play unit

How to get to Whitecliff Playground

The play area is off Whitecliff Road, 2.5 miles east of Poole along Parkstone Road/Sandbanks Road

By Bus

Harbour Breezer Bus No 60 stops at Whitecliff Post Office, a 9 minute walk away.

Parking

The recreation ground has its own parking. Whitecliff Recreation Car Park is free during the winter and costs £1.30 for 2 hours for the rest of the year. Further details can be found here. There is free parking in nearby streets, which is also closer to the playground.

Food & Drink

There are no facilities in the park.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are toilets in the pavilion on the other side of the recreation area.

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: January 2025