Poole Park
Victorian parkland with railway, play areas and watersports lagoon
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Free
Time Needed
2–4 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor with some indoor facilities
Weather Fit
Great year-round; wet-weather gear helps
Stroller Access
Yes, mostly step-free paths
Washrooms
On-site public toilets
Food
Two cafés on-site
Parking
Pay-and-display car parks
Booking
Not required for park entry
Parent Effort
Low–medium (supervise near water)
Poole Park is a wonderfully varied family destination where children can ride a miniature railway, explore two large play areas, try crazy golf or watch model yachts on the distinctive saltwater lagoon. The 110 acres of Victorian parkland mean there is space to run, picnic and cycle, while heritage features and free summer yoga add extra character for a relaxed day out.
About This Place
Poole Park, located in Poole Harbour and within walking distance of the town centre, offers 110 acres of Victorian parkland with diverse family-friendly amenities. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, a large saltwater lagoon perfect for watersports, tennis courts, bowling greens, and a miniature railway for leisurely rides. There's a fitness trail, crazy golf, and modernised play areas to ensure fun for all ages. The park also hosts free yoga sessions in the summer and has a rich historical heritage, having undergone extensive improvements funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Official Website open_in_new- Sunday
- 00:00 –
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
- Admission
- FREE
Prices were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date rates.
Miniature railway rides
All aboard ‘Howard’ for a scenic trip around the freshwater lake in wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly carriages.
Adventure play areas
Two large, modernised playgrounds give plenty of climbing, sliding and imaginative play for different ages.
Watersports and lagoon
The large saltwater lagoon offers a unique backdrop and opportunities for sailing, kayaking and model-boat watching.
Free park yoga
Join friendly outdoor community yoga sessions on Sunday mornings through the summer—no booking needed.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Railway tickets
- £3.90 standard, under-2s free; family ticket £15 (max 2 adults & 3 children). Contactless payments only.
- Park opening
- The park itself is open daily with no entry fee; individual attractions have their own hours.
- Dogs
- Dogs are welcome in the park and on the railway at no extra charge.
- Yoga sessions
- Free Sunday yoga runs 7 May – 17 September 2026, 9:30–10:30 am; weather dependent.
- Accessibility
- Railway carriages are wheelchair and pushchair accessible; paths are mostly level.
- Cafés
- Two on-site cafés provide food and drink options.
- Watersports
- Rockley Watersports operates from the lagoon; check their site for hire and lesson times.
Kid Fit by Age
Smooth paths for prams, soft-play zone indoors, and gentle railway rides.
Large play areas, splash-friendly lagoon edges, and the miniature railway are perfect for this age.
Plenty of playground equipment, crazy golf and space to run and explore safely.
Cycling, watersports, tennis, bowling and the fitness trail keep this age group busy.
Orienteering, watersports and sports courts offer more challenging activities.
Watersports hire, parkrun and sports facilities; some may want more adrenaline-focused options.
Insider Tips
Download the location plan from the website before you visit so children can help navigate to the railway, playgrounds and lagoon.
Check the Friends of Poole Park Railway Facebook page on the day for live running updates, especially in winter when services are less frequent.
Combine a morning train ride with a picnic on Westfield near the yoga flag for a relaxed, activity-packed day.
- •Supervise children closely near the saltwater lagoon and boating lake—there are no barriers along all edges.
- •Railway service is weather dependent and run by volunteers; check Facebook for live updates before promising a ride.
- •Yoga sessions go ahead in light rain but are cancelled in poor weather—check social media before travelling.
- •Cyclists and pedestrians share some paths; keep younger children close on busier routes.
- •The miniature railway has wheelchair- and pushchair-accessible carriages.
- •Most park paths are level and suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, though some older areas may have uneven surfaces.
- •Public toilets are available on-site; baby-changing facilities are typically provided in park toilet blocks.
- •The indoor soft-play zone and pottery studio offer sheltered options on wet days.
schedule Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are usually the quietest time to enjoy the play areas and railway with shorter queues. Sundays are livelier due to parkrun and free yoga, while summer weekends draw the biggest crowds—arrive before 10 am to secure easy parking.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxA picnic blanket and snacks for a relaxed lunch on the lawns
- check_boxWet-weather gear or a change of clothes for waterside and playground play
- check_boxA yoga mat or towel if you plan to join the Sunday morning session
- check_boxPocket change or card for railway rides, crazy golf and car parking
- check_boxSunscreen and hats in summer—much of the park is open with limited shade
Location
Address
Poole Pk, Poole BH15 1TU, United Kingdom
Phone
+441202123432
Make it a half-day
View All Poole
Last checked: 2026