Jane's Midlife Journey

Kings Park is a large park in Boscombe on the outskirts of Bournemouth. The park got its name in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII. The park on the opposite side of the A338 was named Queens Park the same year. The park is a great place to take young children as it boasts two playgrounds and a soft play area as well as a skate park, numerous sports and plenty of open space to play in.

How to get to Kings Park

There are various vehicle access points to the park. By car, it is possible to enter from the north, west or east side.

• From the north, you can access from Holdenhurst Road, which links with the A338 exit slip road.
• From the west, you can access from Ashley Road. Note: This is a one way road, so you must exit via Holdenhurst Road.
• From the east, you can access via Kings Park Drive, Clarence Park Road and Petersfield Road. These bring you to a car park next to the playground, but you can’t drive any further into the park.
• Although it is technically possible to access from the south via Gloucester Road, there is usually a barrier here. This barrier is open on certain occasions, such as for AFC Bournemouth matches.

By Bus

The nearest bus stop is dependent on which part of the park you are visiting. Buses No 22 and X3 stop at Kings Park on the western side of the park. Buses 1a/b/c and m2 stop at the Sovereign Centre. This may be a slightly further walk (around a 10 minute walk to the park) but these buses are far more frequent.

Pokesdown Station is a 10 minute walk from the park. This is on the main Bournemouth to London rail line.

Access

The park is mainly flat and there are roads and paved paths linking most of the facilities.

Parking

There is some free roadside parking inside the park and several car parks. The main car park, which runs between the football and athletics stadiums, costs £1.40 for 1 hour. Further details can be found here. The other car parks are free. If you head for Gloucester Road, there is some free roadside parking and you can also access a small chunk of the Leisure Centre car park.

Opening Times

The park is open around the clock. It can get very busy on AFC Bournemouth match days and during the Air Festival, when it acts as a Park & Ride site.

Suitable for age

There’s something for all ages in Kings Park.

Details

Playground (West)

The first playground, on the western side of the park, is more suitable for older children. Equipment includes a climbing frame, swings, a roundabout and ball court.

Note: Much of this equipment has been removed and the council in the process of arranging for it to be replaced.

PlayGround (East)

The second playground, on the eastern side of the park, is more suitable for younger children. Equipment includes a multiplay frame, swings, a seesaw and a zip wire.

Skate Park

The Skate Park tends to be frequented by older children/adults. My favourite thing about the skate park is that it gets an annual makeover every august by local street artists. The current paint job is arcade themed, but it got covered in graffiti before I could take a photo. Here is one from the previous year, which had a jungle theme.

Vitality Stadium

The Vitality Stadium is home to Premier League football club, AFC Bournemouth. There is a shop selling the club’s merchandise in front of the stadium.

Athletics Stadium

The Athletics Stadium is the home of Bournemouth Athletics Club.

The stadium is also the start/finish point for Bournemouth parkrun, which takes place at 9 am Saturday mornings.

Kings Park Conservation Area

Mainly meadow and heathland with a small wooded area, the picturesque Kings Park Conservation Area is a haven for wildlife.

Other Facilities

Other facilities include football and cricket pitches, a basketball court and a bowling green.

Kings Park Learning and Leisure Centre

The newly open Kings Park Learning and Leisure Centre (previously the Indoor Bowling Centre) offers a range of leisure options including a café, sports hall and soft play area. Sport on offer include basketball, netball, football and pickleball.

Numerous adult education classes are also held here from languages and maths to art and photography. A list of current classes can be found here.

Action Zone

The Action Zone is sports and adventure soft play facility for children aged up to 12 years. The two storey play structure is surrounded by a road for children to drive mini vehicles round.

There is also a fun interactive football pitch, which Orla really enjoys playing in.

Opening times vary. Check the website for further details. Single entry costs are as follows listed below. A range of packages is also available.

• £7 for children age 6-12
• £4.50 for children age 0-5
• £1 for adults

Activities and Events

The park is home to a range of regular activities, including football, cricket, athletics, orienteering, bowling and yoga. Many events are also held in the park throughout the year, including a funfair, reggae festival, cultural festival and bus rally.

Food & Drink

Kings Park Cafe

Kings Park Cafe is open daily from 9 am until 4 pm. Their breakfast menu is particularly popular. There is also a cafe in the leisure centre.

Kings Park Learning and Leisure Centre

There is a cafe and bar in the Kings Park Learning and Leisure Centre.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

Toilets can be located next to the cafe and inside the leisure centre. There are also toilets available on either side of the athletics stadium, if the gates are unlocked.

• Updated: June 2025

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.