A registered Historic England site, Poole Park recently underwent a massive £3.5 million restoration project to conserve its unique Victorian heritage.
Today, it perfectly balances nostalgic charm with state-of-the-art facilities. At its heart sits a massive 21-hectare saltwater lagoon and a beautiful freshwater lake. Whether you want to hire a swan pedalo, challenge the family to crazy golf, or simply relax with a coffee while watching the model racing yachts, Poole Park offers a full day of entertainment without ever needing to step on the sand.
Located practically in the centre of Poole, the park is incredibly easy to reach with excellent parking.
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By Car: There are three dedicated, free car parks within the park itself (located near The Kitchen, The Ark, and Rockley Watersports). Please note these are limited to 2 or 3-hour maximum stays to keep spaces moving. You can also park for free on the internal park roads.
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By Foot/Bike: It is just a short 10-minute walk from Poole High Street and the main bus/train stations.
Because it features both massive outdoor spaces and brilliant indoor attractions, Poole Park is the ultimate “weather-proof” destination.
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Summer: The absolute best time to hire a kayak, ride the miniature railway, or take part in the free community Park Yoga sessions held on the lawns.
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Rainy Days: If the weather turns, head straight to The Ark for indoor soft play, pottery painting, and the indoor ice rink.
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Autumn/Spring: Perfect for brisk walks around the lake, admiring the changing colors of the trees, and feeding the resident swans.
Poole Park is one of the most accessible green spaces in Dorset.
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The Terrain: The entire park is built on level ground. The paths circling the lakes are wide, smoothly paved, and completely step-free, making them ideal for wheelchair users, mobility scooters, and pushchairs.
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Facilities: Accessible toilets are available at The Kitchen restaurant, The Ark, and the public blocks near the play areas.
The park itself is free to enter and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Vehicle Access: Cars are restricted from entering the park via the main gates between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM (Monday to Saturday) to keep the roads safe for morning walkers and cyclists.
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The Ark & The Kitchen: Generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (times may vary seasonally).
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Rockley Watersports: Operates daily throughout the school holidays and weekends from April to October.
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Map Directions
Safe and Shallow Water Sports
The defining feature of Poole Park is its massive saltwater lagoon. Because the water is remarkably shallow (between 1 and 1.5 meters deep) and completely sheltered from the coastal winds, it is arguably the safest place in the South to learn water sports. Rockley Watersports operates a fantastic centre right on the water’s edge. Here, you can hire everything from stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to their famous swan pedalos. They also offer excellent RYA sailing courses for youngsters.
If you prefer to stay dry, find a bench near the water and watch the Poole Radio Yacht Club race their incredibly fast, remote-controlled model yachts across the water!
The Ark: All-Weather Family Fun
Located right in the center of the park is The Ark, a multi-award-winning indoor family activity centre. It is the perfect retreat if the clouds roll in. Inside, you will find:
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Soft Play: Three levels of adventure with slides and interactive zones (for children up to 11), plus a dedicated toddler zone.
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Ice Skating: A real, indoor ice-skating rink offering public sessions, parent-and-toddler skates, and fun family disco nights.
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Pottery Studio: A creative space to paint your own ceramics.
Outdoor Play and The Miniature Railway
If the sun is shining, the park features two large outdoor playgrounds, including the fantastic Jungle Adventure Play Park, which boasts state-of-the-art climbing frames. Don’t miss a ride on the Poole Park Railway, a beloved miniature train that chugs along a scenic half-mile track around the freshwater lake. For the competitive family members, there is also a fantastic crazy golf course and bookable tennis courts.
Dining and Relaxation
You certainly won’t go hungry here. The Kitchen is a stunning, glass-fronted waterside restaurant serving excellent lunches and locally sourced dinners with panoramic views over the lagoon. For something quicker, Scoops Ice Cream Parlour and The Ark’s café offer great coffee, cakes, and snacks.
If you are looking to escape the bustle of the play areas, head to the eastern end of the park. Here, you can watch a local match at the beautiful Cricket Pavilion, or take a quiet stroll through the vibrant Rose Garden. Finally, while feeding the ducks and swans on the freshwater lake is a cherished park tradition, please remember to bring birdseed, sweetcorn, or peas—bread is incredibly harmful to the birds and the water quality!
