Hamworthy Park sits right by the waters edge in Poole and has plenty to entertain the children, especially if it's a nice summers day.

If you're not local then you can reach the park by car and park in the small car park nearby which has very low parking charges or you might get a space on one of the side roads but ensure you check restrictions first.  Alternatively, there is also a bus stop nearby and Hamworthy train station which is just under a mile away.

Around the end of May the popular outdoor paddling pool opens for the summer and I have lots of great memories of my children playing in there on a hot day.  The pool is free to use and you’ll find some grassy areas around the paddling pool which is perfect to put a picnic blanket down or grab a table if you're lucky enough to get one.  Personally in the past I've found the paddling pool to be a little slippy so I would recommend water shoes with grips for the children, especially if they are likely to be running in and out of the water lots.

Next to the paddling pool is a large green, a fitness station and also a big play area with smaller play frames, slides and swings for younger children and play equipment suitable for older children.

If the children enjoy the beach then make sure to pack a bucket and spade as there's a stretch of beach in front of the beach huts.  You'll find a mix of sand and some pebbly areas which goes down to shallow water.  The panoramic views from the beach are stunning and you’ll clearly see the islands in the harbour and the Purbeck hills.

If you need any food, drinks or ice creams while you are there then you can purchase these from the Park Cafe.  Next door to the Park Cafe is the public toilets and baby change facilities.

If the children need even more adventure then you’ll find South Coast Adventures nearby and they offer kids adventure days, kayaking, paddleboarding, guided trips, climbing and even children’s birthday parties.

Please note, dogs are welcome on the beach all year round however they are not permitted in the park or paddling pool area.

To keep up to date with park news and events, please visit the Friends of Hamworthy Park Facebook page.

If you do head on down there on a hot day then don’t forget to pack swimwear, sun cream and sun hat, towels, water/drinks, snacks, water shoes and a sun shelter if you have one.  Have fun!

If you need more ideas on places to visit in Dorset then please take a look at some of our other blog posts below.

Where to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles

40 free or low cost things to do in Dorset

Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Nicks Farm in Bournemouth

Tout Quarry Sculpture Park in Portland

Carey’s Secret Garden in Wareham

Mighty Adventures Adventure Golf in Bournemouth

RSPB Arne

Knoll House Hotel Day Retreat

Slades Park in Bournemouth

By The Way Park in Bournemouth

Walking the Lawrence of Arabia Trail

For further ideas on places to visit in Dorset then please take a look at our list of Attractions and Places to go in Dorset.

ByTheWay Park and Field in Wimborne is a wonderful place to visit with a fantastic play area for children and acres of green space to explore.

The car park entrance is located on Leigh Road (BH21 2BZ) and you’ll find parking right next to the play area.  The large enclosed park was opened in 2016 and has play frames with slides, traditional and basket swings, a wooden trim trail, seesaw and picnic benches.  With the sun shining we were more than happy to sit and relax while the children played games and explored all of the equipment.  Luckily I’d thought to take drinks because there’s nowhere nearby to buy anything, this includes toilets too so you’ll need to be prepared.

Through the trees you can just about make out the pond and beyond there is a beautiful 40 acre meadow.  ByTheWay is a SANG which means ‘Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace’, in other words it’s a great diverse place for people and wildlife.  Leigh Common is a woodland area which sits next to ByTheWay Field and this is somewhere we’ll look to explore next time we go.

We had a lovely long stroll in the meadow before returning to the play park an hour or so later for a bit more fun.  By now I’d run out of drinks and snacks and us girlies were really starting to need a loo so we jumped in the car and went off to the pub haha.

Please note, the car park isn’t huge and there’s a height restriction on entry so you won’t be able to go in if you have a large vehicle like a Landrover or van.  There are currently no parking charges however like anywhere, this may change in the future.