If you want to escape the summer crowds of Sandbanks without losing the sea views, Hamworthy Park is the perfect retreat.
It combines the best of a traditional park with a beautiful, sheltered harbour beach. Because it faces directly south across the water towards Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills, it offers some of the most spectacular, uninterrupted views in Dorset. Whether you want to launch a paddleboard, let the kids run wild in the play park, or simply grab a coffee and walk the dog along the promenade, it offers a beautifully relaxed vibe.
Tucked away just across the bridge from Poole Quay, it is very easy to access.
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By Car: Drive over either of the Poole lifting bridges towards Hamworthy. There is a pay-and-display surface car park (with around 60 spaces) located at the Lulworth Avenue entrance.
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By Foot/Bike: It is just a scenic 15-to-20-minute walk or a quick cycle from the bustling Poole Quay.
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Street Parking: If the main car park is full during the height of summer, there is limited free street parking on the surrounding residential roads (always check the local signs).
The park transforms with the seasons, offering something different all year.
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Summer: The absolute best time for young families. The massive, newly refurbished paddling pool is fully filled, and the outdoor water fountains are switched on.
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High Tide: The ideal time for launching a paddleboard or kayak directly from the beach into the harbour.
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Winter: A favorite among locals for brisk, stunning dog walks along the quiet, frosty shoreline.
Hamworthy Park is wonderfully accessible for all mobility levels.
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The Promenade: There is a wide, flat, and fully paved tarmac promenade that runs the entire length of the beach, offering level access directly from the car park.
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The Beach: Access to the sand/shingle beach itself is mostly via steps, which can be tricky for wheeled mobility aids.
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Facilities: There are accessible public toilets (RADAR key required) located right next to the park’s central café.
The park and beach are free to enter and open to the public 24/7.
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The Paddling Pool: Free to use and generally open daily from May through to September (between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM).
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The Café in the Park: Usually open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, serving fantastic hot lunches, cakes, and ice creams.
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Car Park: Open from dawn until dusk (locked overnight).
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Map Directions
A Paddleboarder’s Paradise
Because Hamworthy Beach is tucked inside the natural shelter of Poole Harbour, the water here is incredibly calm, making it one of the absolute best spots in Dorset for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking. If you have your own gear, you can launch directly off the sand. If you are a beginner, the brilliant team at South Coast Adventures operate directly from the park. They offer pay-and-play board hire by the hour, as well as guided lessons and tours out into the harbour.
The Ultimate Kids’ Playground
Hamworthy Park is legendary among local parents. At the heart of the park is a newly refurbished, massive seasonal paddling pool with interactive water features—a completely free facility that is a lifesaver on hot summer days. Right next to it is a huge, fully fenced adventure playground featuring everything from toddler cradle swings and mini climbing walls to a massive climbing frame and a zip-wire for older children.
A Year-Round Dog Haven
Finding a beach where dogs can run free during the summer can be tough in Dorset, but Hamworthy Park is wonderfully dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted on the beach off-lead all year round, meaning your four-legged friend can enjoy a swim in the sea even in August! (Note: Dogs must be kept on a lead while walking on the paved promenade and are not allowed inside the fenced play areas or paddling pool).
Picnics and Harbour Views
Behind the beach and the promenade lies 26 acres of sprawling, perfectly kept green grass. It is the ideal place to unroll a blanket, set up a picnic, and let the kids play football while you take in the views. If you didn’t pack lunch, the excellent Café in the Park serves highly-rated hot and cold food, meaning you can easily spend the entire day here without needing to leave.
