Absolutely amazing Day on the island. We got the first ferry over and it was beautifully quiet just us walking alone for miles. Easy access to all the beaches below with some steps down. Loads of red squirrel sightings which was so sweet as the only place I've seen them is at Escot in Devon. Helpful smiley and knowledgeable national trust staff from the entrance to the finish. It seems like October is a fab month as the squirrels are getting ready for hibernation so they were all over the place collecting. I cant wait to go back may be at another time of year to see the difference. Would highly reccomend.

Well worth the visit. Short boat ride from Pool harbour. Plenty of wildlife notably the Red Squirrel. Lots of Birdlife especially near the lagoon. Nice cafe ideal for lunch or tea and cake. All the staff very helpful.

Wow, what a lovely place, we got the first ferry over at 9 and the last one back at 5. There's loads to see and lots of information boards. There are different way marked trails and all are easy to walk. There's a nice little cafe selling the normal National Trust food. There are 3 different bird hides with a massive range of birds to see.

Defo worth a visit. Lovely place for a family walk, swim and just time to relax and escape from a busy world. Easy to book tickets through National Trust website which confirms your ferry booking and then you pay at the kiosk for the ferry upon arrival.

Amazing island with beautiful views a lot of nice walks. Great little cafeteria wit good of and some good pastries.

Stunning, beautiful place and seeing red squirrels in the wild to top it off. Need a couple of days minimum to explore it all properly.

Just lost myself there watching the sunset beautiful

Good day out taking some wildlife photos, worth booking as you can only reach the island by boat. Red squirrels on the island are fairly easy to see and photography. Some birds but not many interesting varieties. Small island so not much else to see. Worth a trip though

Absolute lovely place, stayed for the weekend in the castle, as my Fiancee is Waitrose staff. The wildlife and views are amazing. The weather was brilliant. Highly recommend a trip, just to walk around the island.

Spectacular Island. Not enough one day to explore properly. They do fantastic camping sight. Ideal for families with any age children. Some of the hills can be a bit steep, please bare in mind. Food it's a must to bring otherwise only National trust café is open.

Brownsea island is very cool, you can get there from Poole it's only 20 minutes on a ferry, there's a cafe and a lovely walk and animal watching spots for all you nature lovers, definitely worth a visit.

After a brief boat journey to the island, you will be greeted by a wonderful period property as part of the National Trust. The island is a unique place to visit as it lies at the route of scouting. Lord Baden-Powell used this amazing island for his first ever scout camp, which makes it a sort of pilgrimage for scouts worldwide. So if you are a member of scouting, then I'd highly recommend a visit. Camping is available for scouts also.

Decent to go and have a look around, but was pretty busy, and the walks through the woods were a bit samey, not much variation. The museums were ok, but a bit bear. Does seem a bit of a tourist trap.

A beautiful island about 20 mins from Poole Quay. Maintained by the national trust and the entry is free for members. The boat service costs 13 pounds. The Island is full of greenery with lots of wildlife and places for birdwatching. A walk around the Island is very relaxing with great views of the ocean.

Poole has to be one of lives hidden treasures. The harbour is picturesque and always has a bustling friendly vibe. Plenty of restaurants and cafes to visit and a beautiful walk in both directions along the harbour.

Loved the boat trip & seeing all the other boats on the water. Disappointed with cleanliness of harbour where your expected to sit & eat outside.

Enjoyed a super afternoon and evening walking around the maritime harbour . The Christmas lights were beautiful. Well worth the visit

The gate. Way to the beautiful brown sea island. Lots of facilities around the Harbour and plenty of parking.

Given 5 star for the memories. The harbour has had changes in recent years which I do not consider are to holiday makers benefit. Some sights have been marred, but for boaters it obviously better. I am still going this year as I love the place and surrounding area.

Masses to do and see, very interesting place. There's a Wetherspoons right on the Quay or lots of other places to eat. Also you can easily walk into town or take a boat trip from here.

Having had a great boat trip tound Poole harbour (beautiful), we were ready for a tasty lunch. We were so disappointed at the grubiness, shabby tables and chairs and unappetising food smells in nearly all the restaurants and pubs it was quite dispiriting. Also there were no obvious wc's and the tourist board office looked abandoned. Our saving grace was the Lord Nelson pub which was rather overwhelmed on a Monday lunchtime. However the basket fish and chips was beautifully and freshly cooked and delicious. We didn't see the today specials of crab sandwich or we would have been tempted. So come on Poole pull up your socks and ensure that area near the boat trip kiosks are brought up to scratch.

Great views of the harbour,nice pubs and restaurants. The air feels like the golden age has passed long ago,and sadness now rules. Many homeless people,make sure you take the main Street,just to be on the safe side

Poole Harbour is a natural extension of the town of Poole. The Harbour, Europe’s largest natural harbour, was formed at the end of the Ice Age and is basically a flooded valley. With a fascinating collection of Bars and shops along its front and side streets, it also has regular boat trips to Brownsea Island and Swanage. There really is something for everybody and it doesn’t disappoint. There is also a multi story car park near the Harbour but be warned, it’s tight, not for the faint hearted and if you have a 4x4 I’d be very careful or try the short stay car parks instead. These tend to be busy but are only a short walk to a vibrant shopping centre.

Lots to do ,recommend the boat trips

We enjoyed our boat trip around Poole Harbour which was around 1hr 15min with a live commentary ,

Poole Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world. A fantastic variety of wildlife. Includes Poole Quay, Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. Boat trips and watersports. Many beautiful views.

This is one of my favourite sand beaches in the south of England. Soft, white sand and clear water. you can rent the boat here to enjoy a good sunny day. it is also a good place to have a long walk to explore the natural beauty from one end to other end. I would highly recommend this beach . Parking: It has a huge and easy paid parking but gets full very fast so plan accordingly. Near by seafront parking. Toilets: toilets and showers are nearby the beach with dog washing facilities.

Beautiful sunset 🌅 views. We parked by Banks Road where you can easily find disable parking places near the roundabout, just before the bus stop. And we could take amazing pictures on the 1st June from 8:30 to 9pm.. you can sit there and enjoy the views 🤩! The pictures don’t do it justice!

Visited this beach many times & is our favourite. Love that you can BBQ in the evening before our drive back. Areas of the back designated for dog owners, which is a nice touch all year round. Car Park nearby, toilets and cafe’s. Pool harbour wall a stones throw away is Ideal for crabbing. Great family day out.

We took a drive to check on how my nephew was coping up with being a young independent adult/new student. We then decided to take a walk around the beach. I thought the water would be cold at this time of the year but after an experimental deep with my toe, i enjoyed a refreshing barefoot around. It is a clean lovely beach.

Lovely to walk on the beach at any time. Dog friendly from September to April in certain parts. Other parts are dog friendly all year round. Great place for a swim or body board. You can get snacks and drinks at Shore road. Mine and my dogs happy place when it's not too crowded.

So far the best beach in England. A lot of on street and off street parking, cafe and public toilets. But the best is clean sandy beach without any seaweed and rocks. Love it. ❤️❤️❤️

Great sandy beach. On a sunny weekend one should visit as early as possible or the car park gets full very quickly. Stretch of the beach is very long and you may find may entrances to it. Beach is very clean, water is transparent and clean, it’s fun to be in the water or just on the beach doing your favourite leisure activity. We had food from Jazz Cafe which was not bad. There are good toilet and shower facilities. There is one more shop who sells wetsuit, sea toys and rents Sup. Overall a great experience.

What a lovely beach, the carpark is quite busy, but the beach isn't overcrowded like the close by Bournemouth beach. Nice and clean with easy to access amenities. It's a sandy beach with man made rocky breakers which create lovely little rock pools the kids love playing with lots of shrimp and fish to catch. The sea around this beach is lovely and clear too! Also loads of water sports on the other side, yes the beach is double sided!

A beautiful beach away from the hustle and bustle of the main towns. On one side you have a long sandy beach and on the other you have the mariner. The beach is dog friendly and the car park has a dog washing station! Parking is plentiful but on major holidays I expect it will be busy, plan ahead for entertainment and food as there are only a handful of stores nearby. I recommend this for a nice day out!

One of the most enchanting aspects of Sandbanks, UK, is the incredible sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky with breathtaking colors. Witnessing the morning sun rise over the serene horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters, is truly a magical experience. It's as if the world awakens with a burst of warmth and beauty. As evening approaches, the sunsets at Sandbanks are equally spectacular. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues, with shades of orange, pink, and purple, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the fading day. The sight of the sun sinking into the sea, casting a shimmering reflection on the water, is a moment of pure tranquility and wonder. These remarkable sunrises and sunsets add an extra layer of allure to the already captivating charm of Sandbanks, making it an unforgettable destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

One of my most favourites beach in Bournemouth!! There’s a wide car parking space where you can pay by phone app or ticket booth. The sand is perfect for making castles, hunting little pebble/shell treasures when the tide recedes. Perfect spot for picnic and beach lovers. You could spend minimum 2-3 hours and just be lost at its beauty

Nice clean beach generally, however, dog owners need to take ownership of picking up after their dogs! Too much talking or looking at their phones, not paying attention to what their dog is up to! And picking up the poo but then leaving it on the beach in a bag is NOT good enough! As usual, some will spoil it for the rest of us dog owners! Luckily there's a beach cleansing team, but it shouldn't be up to them to deal with it! Rant over!

Loved it! We visited for the first week in July 2022. The weather was kind and the clear sea was calm and refreshingly cold. The beach and promenade were fantasticly clean and well kept. We hope to return!

In the local area this is by far the best water and best sand. It’s a bit separate from the town so it’s best for a day on the beach rather than a couple of hours. There is a drinking water filling station, dog washing station and plenty of toilets. Only limited food and ice cream shops compared to the size of beach. Car park is the same as others in the area, cash only or RingGo. Overall my favorite beach.

Absolutely lovely soft sandy beach! Not dog friendly on the main beach, walk west till the green dog friendly end… well worth it!

Lovely clean beach. Good facilities: toilets, outdoor shower for washing feet, deck chairs for hire. The cafe was busy and sold hot and cold drinks, ice cream and limited food, disappointed that there’s was no gluten free offer. But there was vegan. There were life guards on duty and doing a great job of looking after any swimmers. There were quite a few in the water when we went. The dog friendly beach was next to the public beach.

Fantastic beach with regular ferries to Bournemouth. Restaurant close by on the main road but haven't used it. Only issue is the toilets are disgusting! Don't go in bare footed or in flip-flops. Small carpark close to main entrance but you can park on the main road for as long as you want.

Beautiful beach with crystal clear water. Sand dunes part open all year to dogs. Pop across the road to Caff if you want a bacon buttie! Parking here is £3.10 for an hour.

Always love a visit here in the winter. The seas and wind are bracing but so invigorating. I tend to avoid coming here in the summer due to the crowds (and the rip of parking costs by BCP council) But it is a beautiful beach and recommend a visit.

This is my favourite beach in Bournemouth and Poole. The beach is really nice, very clean, nice sand (little stones or pebbles). Lots of parking, toilettes, shower, coffee shops, park for children and even a dog shower. Great place to go for a walk, a day in the beach, alone or.with family.

The drive here is beautiful Also an actual sand beach to enjoy

Absolutely beautiful beach. We will be returning again soon

What a truly beautiful sandy beach. Clean. Clear, shallow water, warm enough to swim. Great for kids. Lots of shells to collect. We loved it! We sat right next to sea. Great toilets, cafe/bar/drinks and snacks. Parking £14 for 4 hours, can extend. About £20 for 6 hours. We were lucky as quite quiet, imagine parking could be nightmare on busy day!

Well run. People managing the queues. Doesn’t always save time though v roving round.

Great place to visit and admire the views. It doesn't matter if you are traveling on a ferry to the other side or just watching the ferrry from the shore. Both activities are fun :)

It's a great place for photography but we got there a bit late

Great, really easy to cross to Shell Bay, and the prices are pretty reasonable

Beautiful beach with views of boats and ferries

A nice little trip across the water to start your holiday. It usually involves a lot of queueing and waiting, but is good fun once you are on board. Prices are reasonable for cars, bikes and people, but if you are driving a medium-sized camper van, then they charge the same amount as a lorry even if you only take up the same footprint as a large car, which makes it too expensive to use.

The actual ferry journey takes less than 5 minutes, but the queues a horrendous. £4.50 for the shortest ever crossing is too much I think. If you’re local or pedestrian / cyclist then it may be worthwhile, but if you’re driving from elsewhere - don’t waste your time and money. I’ve decided to try this route via ferry and ended up wasting an extra hour or even more than it normally takes if you drive around the harbour.

Had a fabulous day out here. Loads to do, animals are very well cared for. The staff here are lovely, very friendly and helpful. The young lady feeding goats clearly loves her job and the goats. She chatted to us about them and told us their names. The play parks were well kept and covered a good age range. The music section is a nice touch and very popular. There are plenty of hand washing facilities for children and adults. The cafe has a good range of hot & cold foods and plenty of tables inside and out. There are indoor play areas as well as indoor pens so if it rains you don't have to be outside. We will definitely come back next time we're in the area.

Lovely afternoon out with our 2 year old grandson. Nice layout, busy but not crowded as plenty of space to wander. Lots of animals to watch, pet and feed. Tractor ride was fab. Bright, clean cafe to grab a snack or else lots of tables for picnics if you prefer to bring your own food. Staff were all friendly and welcoming and we bought a dozen fresh eggs, as well as souvenirs, on our way out through the gift shop. All in all, a great day out !

Fantastic farm with lots to do for a wide age range of children, the activities were perfectly spaced throughout the day the goat feeding was amazing and definitely not one to miss! The cafe was very busy which was hard to navigate around with a buggy and a toddler and seating inside gets snapped up quickly (we did go half-term week so busier then normal). Also cheaper to book in advance! We will definitely be coming back!

Extremely recommended not just for the incredible amount of animals to interact with and the activities to do… but also because the actual Farmer Palmer is the one who gets most of the water shoots as well as giving the most knowledgeable (and hilarious) demo of cow milking. Staff is amazing, great facilities. Worth the price and travel (we drove 45’)

What a brilliant place to bring young kids. We were looking for somewhere to go with our 10 month old that was suitable for him and we would enjoy too. Although too young for a lot of the activities there was plenty to keep him occupied and he loved watching the animals. Unfortunately it poured with rain the entire time so we're very glad the main barn was under shelter and were able to feed the goats and sheep in the dry. Spent a while in the under 8s play barn where little one was happy to crawl around, then did the dinosaur walk which we enjoyed despite the rain. Maize maze was a little disappointingly easy but guess it's aimed at kids so. Will come back when little one is older and it's drier!

Good family day out but things could have been done better. The face painting ended at 3.20 with no warning in the program. The tractor rides only run a couple of times. Other farm attractions had rides running every hour essentially during busy times. I can understand it's a working farm but if you are going to offer these they should see them through.

What a fantastic day, thank you. A bit odd a grown man coming on his own, but I had brought my son to the White Pepper culinary school over the road from you and wanted to fill my day waiting for him. I love goats and pigs, most especially goats, so I gave it a go. The staff were very warm, friendly, welcoming and informative. I managed to fill my whole day easily with the activities, particularly the tractor ride to the deer feeding, pig feeding and the goat feeding. I loved all the goats and they love a rub on the cheeks. But Buster was a loving standout for the staff, and yes he was lovely. They all got a lot of attention from me though. I could then sit in some shade and do some work. The cafeteria is fantastic. The flower garden is OUTSTANDINGLY beautiful. The reward for a fantastic day was some "Chocolate Delice" off my son over the road in "White Pepper Culinary School" for the reception and cafe staff. Well deserved. I don't know why I didn't take photos of the goats? Must have been too busy talking to them?

Brilliant day out with the family, has an outdoor kennel for the dog- he didn't like it but was so big for him and had shelter and a plastic bed too. Got to pet the animals and only £1 each for the tractor ride. Food and drink was reasonably priced and lots of picnic space outside. If in the area would go again. Our daughter loved the many play areas and musical instruments too.

My 2 and 1 year old grandchildren love this place. Lots to do. Indoor softplay too. Café has alot of variety obviously a little expensive but you can also take your own picnic. Good value all round.

Absolutely brilliant! We visited on Easter Sunday while on holiday in the area, loads going on and lots of things to see and do for the kids. Loved the bunny bandit tractor ride with the water pistols and egg hunt, go karts were great fun and the dinosaur trail was a very relaxing end to a great day. Food was really tasty and everything well kept and tidy, great staff too and Mr Palmer himself is a lovely chap. Fantastic day out and would highly recommend.

My partner and I decided to visit this farm on our journey home! We had a lovely time. There are lots of animals to see both outside and in the small & big barn! Perfect if you wanted to bring children as it had lots of activities for them! Food was delicious and every member of staff we spoke to were so lovely. You could see they really cared for the animals! We would definitely visit again😊

Had a great time with my 3yo today. Easter egg hunt was fun and generously set up with plenty for kids to find. The tractor ride with water pistols also well thought out and interactive. I will say when booking I was slightly put out by the high admission prices compared to other children's farms BUT you do get a great day out with lots to do and no huge queues which ruin the experience. Staff all friendly and facilities clean. Even Farmer Palmer getting stuck in himself which is a nice touch. Cafe efficient even at peak lunch time which is rare for an attraction like this i'd say. Food is good quality too. For that I'd say it's worth it and I leave not resenting what I paid at all.

You can really tell the love that's gone into making this the best day out for families - animals, soft play, sand, petting, endless places to play but also plenty of open space for kids to explore including the maize. Even on a drizzly day it worked perfectly for our toddlers. Staff very lovely. Restaurant food made in house and delicious. Fantastic day out!

Excellent fun for the grandchildren. You can easily spend the whole day playing and holding the animals and even feeding the dear. The cafe has a good choice and not to expensive.

Unsure, how to rate, service on board - great. On shore great Review of our outbound trip in 3-4 metre waves. Question - is a fast ferry and it's use on a lumpy crossing, sensible (many not well on our sailing)? - but it did arrive on time. Return trip Weather/waves about 1 metre and same ship (Liberation) performed crossing well and fast. Completely different

We were a bit weary about this journey after many reports of the trip being very bumpy... but it seems we picked a good smooth day for our crossing. Yes it was at times a little bumpy but nothing major. There were several different eating and drinking places on deck with a good varied selection of food. A duty free shop. An outside area at the back that was very small but great for just a bit of fresh air every now and again. One thing I will mention which we made the mistake of, is that when we booked we booked with bicycles and so therefore booked as foot passengers. Even though we booked as foot passengers and tried to check in as foot passengers we were told last minute that we couldn't checkin there and had a mad dash to cycle round to the car checking and loading area. Luckily we made it in time but it was tight. Would have been helpful if our booking documents had told us this in advance.

Our first time taking the car and dog on a ferry, so we were a little apprehensive, particularly knowing our dog would have to stay in the car, alone, for a long time, with strange sounds and smells etc. We travelled from Poole to Jersey on the fast Liberation ferry, with the return journey a week later. Everything went smoothly, and I was able to check on our dog during the crossing. Thankfully he's always calm and well behaved in the car. He was curled up and calm but wanted to get out as soon as he saw me, so we did not check on him for the return journey, so as not to disturb him again. We just stayed in the standard seats outbound, which were fine as we wandered around a bit and watched from the top deck (despite thick fog for part of it) during that crossing. It was fairly noisy but no more than we expected. For the return journey, we had booked the Club Class upgrade (didn't fancy the Horizon Lounge as it's advertised as family friendly, so we expected that to be noisy). Club was noticeably better, nice seats and table with snacks and water waiting for us as we arrived, table service inclusive hot drinks and soft drinks, a small amenity kit (toothbrush, eye mask, inflatable neck pillow etc). It also included a 200mb WiFi allowance (ask the cabin staff for an access code), which would cost £4.50 if you bought it, but is absolutely not worth that much. The crossing from Poole to the Channel Islands was a little choppy but not too bad. Some people clearly suffered sea sickness but not too many. On the return crossing, the sea was rough between Jersey and Guernsey, so we anticipated a very rough Channel crossing, but thankfully it wasn't nearly as bad once we were north of the Channel Islands.

we set off to go to Jersey ( well that was the plan) checked in waiting to board and cancelled as we waited to board through a technical fault. Not so good booked a Airbnb for the night. Second captain said we were booked onto the sailing tomorrow ( which is why I booked the Airbnb) oh no were booked to sail out on Thursday and return Thursday ? So we go to 'customer service' only available is Monday night where we have to PAY £140 EXTRA for the cabin! We payed it but really to charge us £140 to rearrange our ferry that has taken 2 out of 4 days out of our vacation to Jersey? Madness, shocking, infuriating. And the bottom line is they are not following the Maritime charter to provide accomadation they are charging extra for it! it's an upgrade 😭

First time on Condor and was very impressed. Staff were all really friendly, helpful and proffessional. Our cabin while traveling from Portsmouth to Jersey was comfortable and clean, and had plenty of space for the two of us to relax. There were two restaurants on board, we chose the table service three course restaurant that was set up for Valentines day with flowers and decorations. The food was good quality and my Seabass fillet was cooked perfectly. Unfortunatly they did not have our chosen wine cold in the fridge, so it was served warm, but another member of the team quickly got us an ice bucket and also gave us another free bottle of wine to takeaway, a very generous gesture! I would point out that the "brussels pate" on the menu is made of pork and tasted of pork, but on the menu it says chicken liver. Not a problem for me, but could be for any one who has religious issues with eating pork. Condor need to update this on the menu.. Apart from that the trip was smooth and we took the fast boat on the way back to Poole which was also a very pleasant journey after we upgraded to premium seating at the front of the ship. Overall we would certainly book again and found overall service and hospitality to be very good on both crossings of the channel.

Did the job getting us to Jersey and back in summer, great on-board staff and a problem free journey. The only reason its 4 stars and not 5 is the newer ferries just don't seem to be what condors used to be. This was our first time on both Voyager and Liberation and there doesn't seem to be as much open space. Seats weren't the most comfortable either. I'd advise anyone to book Voyager, we had it on the way back and it was considerably better than Liberation, which I'd avoid personally, just too packed in, in uncomfortable seating which feels like it's seen better days.

Despite some delays to and from Guernsey from the English mainland via Portsmouth, it was a really enjoyable trip across the Channel - we lucked out with spectacular weather and subsequently calm waters...The staff on board and in the ferry terminals are really friendly as well. Pro Tip: If you’re taking the Commodore Clipper from Portsmouth to Guernsey (it’s a long journey, especially on the way back via Jersey lol), Club Class is an absolute must for the unlimited tea and overall comfort~ I can’t wait to set sail later this month from Poole!!

I am flying to Jersey and arrive around 3pm and wanted to go straight to Guernsey so booked a Condor ferry for the evening. They then changed the sail time to 3pm which I would miss and then, unbelievably, changed the time again to 8.45am, almost 12 hours earlier than my original booking. Will never try to use again.

Remember to carry a photo Id - the ticket might not say anything but the website does. The experience was great though. Used the services to travel to Guernsey as a foot passenger The have a couple of services, one from Portsmouth (slow - 7hr) & other from Poole (quick - 3hr). Depending on the time of the day it could turn out the slow service is better. For example, if the slow service travels overnight and the slow service leaves late to reach UK or Guernsey at odd hours which makes onward journey difficult. An upgrade to a recliner is recommended to make the journey comfortable. Word of caution, table seats in Horizon Lounge do not recline! Club class offers beverages and snacks throughout the journey that give off the luxury vibe

Great service from Condor - efficient and punctual - good deals on day trips to the Channel Islands. The on-board café serves tasty food and is good value. Duty free booze is only marginally cheaper than UK supermarkets. Don't know about comparative perfume prices, but cigarettes are up to a third of the cost in the UK...

Return Ferry cancelled. What more to say. Had to spend an extra night in Jersey.

Recently completed the overnight crossing from Jersey to Portsmouth with condor. Paid £360 “one way” for a small camper van, my wife and myself. Price included a “Full English breakfast”. Could not believe my ears when told by lady serving breakfast that a round of toast must be purchased as an extra for £1.65. How petty and penny pinching is that? This really makes my recent P&O experience (Rotterdam to Hull) seem like a luxury cruise with all you can eat and the quality of the food was far superior to Condors meagre and low quality greasy offering. I suppose that’s what you get when a company has no or little competition. I feel sorry for anyone who has to rely on the Jersey to UK crossings. Come on Condor! Put some toast on the plate. It won’t break the bank.

First experience of using Condor Ferries, friendly helpful staff. Good communication throughout, times via text and tickets sent by email. We crossed from Poole to Jersey- Jersey to Guernsey a week later- then Guernsey to Poole a week after that… all on the liberation Ferry. Luckily, had smooth sailing for all trips, apart from a few delays and a bit of engine trouble.

I know Condor got a lot of bad press for this but we thought their service (front of house) was excellent. We were due to travel from Poole to guernsey but our mid morning service was canx due to the previous days weather, which had caused damage to the ship. Big shout out to Gavin, we transfered us onto the Portsmouth sailing and booked us a cabin (advised to claim the money back which we have requested) and sent us on our way. This meant we got home at 7am the following day. Barry on board was also very helpful

Absolutely fantastic place to go. August 2022 No swimming just 10 water slides. All different levels of scaryness and ride drops, but all the rides are coded for steepness, length and height of the pool that you end up in. Lot of walking and can't imagine it during the colder months. As the outdoor slides although a sunny end of August day. My son and daughters enjoyed 2 1/2 hours of slidetastic entertainment. Nothing similar in the area, however was disappointing that there was no disabled lifts. Or any disabled facilities. As I have a paralysed right leg and can walk with a crutch, but no way that I could manage the amount of stairs required to enjoy the water park. I would have loved to have enjoyed this with my children- but had to spectate, which costs £5.50 ! You do get a free drink at the cafe, but come on, cost me £71 in total for 3 children for 2 hours and 2 spectators. I'm sure this could be easily altered for the able disabled, just by adding a few lifts to the slides. And to charge for spectators is almost criminal- as I didn't have any choice but to wait for my children. Not quite sure why they have to charge for people who either can't due to disability or simply cannot afford to pay to watch. And you can't see much from the seating area apart from a blocked view of the slides exit points. But overall my kids loved it, so did my older daughter. So prepare to be cold if your going on the slides and prepare to be bored whilst waiting 2 1/2 hours for your kids to enjoy what is a totally disabled unfriendly attraction.

Brilliant 4hrs of fun with family and friends. Great staff and efficient safety protocols. Great parking and free. Situated in a business park with ample places to eat, see and do.

Pros: kids had fun (particularly our 8 & 6 year olds) Cons: expensive (for our family of 5 we paid £20 for each of the older 2 kids, £20 for both adults & £8.50 for our 2 year old, so £88.50 total, though you get £3 back for each wristband (£12 returned, so £76.50 net) We only realised afterwards that we should have bought 2 under 5 tickets for £8.50 to save £8.50 (as the accompanying adult can’t go on rides as they are watching the kids, but the website wasn’t clear at all). Place is a bit tired with paint peeling and rust in a lot of places, wear and tear (particularly for the high price, you’d expect it to be immaculate), etc. Under 7s areas are disappointing, with only a 1m pool (too deep for our 2 year old and no slides or anything) and a smallish area with a couple of small slides and some water cannons, etc. Not enough to stay entertained for 3 hours while the others are on the slides. Outside slides were shut which wasn’t clear when booking, so about 1/3 of the slides unavailable and we got through the ones that were open fairly quickly (suggest 2 hours probably best for most, as we did 3 and it dragged a bit) Staff mostly young people that aren’t particularly enthusiastic, but not unpleasant either. Wouldn’t go again unless they had an offer on, as I’d say the experience was worth half what we paid.

It was okay, wasn’t much slides for children under 5. Pros: Friendly and helpful staff and the slides are fun for over 5. The queuing system was fantastic and wasn’t overcrowded. Cons: the changing facilities was gross and out dated. A spectator had a dog with them on the premises and NO it wasn’t a guide dog. Overall, you get what you pay for and for a family of 4 £66 for 3hrs is a good deal. But the whole changing room fiasco has put me off from going to a water park in the U.K.

The flumes were great and the party host was not bad either but that is all I have to say that was good about the place. We had book a kids party and it was due to start a 12:30. We were told we could arrive earlier to decorate the room and were shown the room we were booking and never said anything about that room being used for other people at the same time as us (I think it’s obvious that if you have booked for a party that lasts 3 hours that you are allowed to be in the room those 3 hours, otherwise what would you do with your stuff?) but we arrived at 12 and they didn’t let us enter until it was actually 12:30 and then took us to a smaller room (where the amount of guests would not fit) and told us to wait as there was already a birthday party going on and we would have to wait in there until 1:30 to then move everything to the room we were promised (so they double booked us). We moved everything to the smaller room and started decorating, blowing balloons and such to not waste more time as already some guests wanted to go to the flutes and were stock trying to decorate and move their stuff from one room to the other. It was over 1:30pm when someone told us the room was clean and ready for us so we went and decorate everything, move gifts, cake, bags, etc and once everything was set we had another member of staff coming along to say THERE WAS ANOTHER BIRTHDAY PARTY COMING AND WE NEEDED TO GO. Triple booked we were. They insisted that the room is available only for 1 hour and that we had to take everything down yet again and go to the smaller room while the other birthday party happens… Absolutely disgraceful. They insisted there was no other place where they could have the other group so we needed to move. After much back and forth we took everything out and what a surprise when NO ONE showed up for a 3rd party there while we were stuck in the smaller room with way too many people. We finally moved everything to the room (again) and then had the party but from 3 hours that were booked we really enjoyed the room for max an hour. The flutes are great so recommended to ONLY visit those but definitely not recommended for birthday parties, from the 9 kids that were in our party, all parents have agreed they will not do theirs in there and will advice other parents to not do their kids parties in there. On top of all that, a member of staff mention “there was a language barrier” as our sister in law didn’t speak English but the rest of us did so there was no language barrier and that was just a rude excuse to try and blame someone else for them triple booking the room. You have been warned, avoid kids parties in there!

Good fun for the family. Definitely tires you out but lots of fun and highly recommend it. Lots of slides indoors and out with different scare ratings. Even though I'm heading towards my 30s i still enjoy going on all of it so don't feel like it's a place just for kids as me and mates go there. Space bowl is probably my favourite or the screamer outdoors. Would recommend :)

Took my daughter and two friends (didn't go in myself) They had a great time. We went at 10, which meant it was quieter and they didn't have to queue for the flumes. They said that as they were leaving 12ish they were having to queue for flumes. Morning was freezing and outdoor rides were closed (5 rides). Definitely say that two hours was enough . Cafe is functional but doubt you'd want to eat there (plenty of other places in TowerPark). They do surprisingly good coffee though.

My son loved it. I don't swim so didn't get particularly involved. Shame the outdoor bit wasn't open. The cafe area is way too small for he size of venue. Having said that, there are many other food outlets in the retail park.

The one star is for the friendly staff. Otherwise I would not putting any stars here. The swimming pool is absolutely disgusting and the changing rooms too. There is black mould up the walls and green algy all around the rims of the pool. The floor is disgusting and smelt or urine in areas. It's so cold inside that we had to leave early. Can't believe we paid £55 for this place. It needs a major refresh. Actually scrap that. It needs burning down and starting over. Tip: don't wear your jewellery unless you want it coming out black.

Very fun day out. Lots to do. Visited with my nephew, sister and brother in law and there was loads to do for everyone. They have a great little splash park for kids and also a separate swimming pool for them with toys provided. There were plenty of lifeguards which was nice to see. They have a great assortment of slides. The cafe was good too. All in all a great day out. Will visit again.

I'm taking 1 star off because it's pricey, plus you have to pay to sit in the cafe (if spectating) The rest of the stars go to how much fun it is.. My son has a fantastic time, and so do I when I decide to partake. We do the evening slot. 4pm until closing.. it closes at 9 in the summer, so that's practically 5 hours of fun.. Which then makes it value for money.. It's definitely worth a trip.

Great visit with a naturist group and would certainly love more of these evenings! Rides are great and nicely laid out. Some of the staff seemed very moody and disinterested however and weren't very attentive when we had problems scanning the wristband to see if we were safe to go.

Very cool fun place and worth a visit. We took our 7 year old and think she was too young for the experience. Everyone is different but I’d say it’s probably better for 10 and above. That said she liked the rapids and the pools for younger children. How many times she went down the green slide I lost count. The main slides had a great queuing system with short waits. Did pick-up a couple of injuries as well but that’s the price of having fun.

The flumes were great and the party host was not bad either but that is all I have to say that was good about the place. We had book a kids party and it was due to start a 12:30. We were told we could arrive earlier to decorate the room and were shown the room we were booking and never said anything about that room being used for other people at the same time as us (I think it’s obvious that if you have booked for a party that lasts 3 hours that you are allowed to be in the room those 3 hours, otherwise what would you do with your stuff?) but we arrived at 12 and they didn’t let us enter until it was actually 12:30 and then took us to a smaller room (where the amount of guests would not fit) and told us to wait as there was already a birthday party going on and we would have to wait in there until 1:30 to then move everything to the room we were promised (so they double booked us). We moved everything to the smaller room and started decorating, blowing balloons and such to not waste more time as already some guests wanted to go to the flutes and were stock trying to decorate and move their stuff from one room to the other. It was over 1:30pm when someone told us the room was clean and ready for us so we went and decorate everything, move gifts, cake, bags, etc and once everything was set we had another member of staff coming along to say THERE WAS ANOTHER BIRTHDAY PARTY COMING AND WE NEEDED TO GO. Triple booked we were. They insisted that the room is available only for 1 hour and that we had to take everything down yet again and go to the smaller room while the other birthday party happens… Absolutely disgraceful. They insisted there was no other place where they could have the other group so we needed to move. After much back and forth we took everything out and what a surprise when NO ONE showed up for a 3rd party there while we were stuck in the smaller room with way too many people. We finally moved everything to the room (again) and then had the party but from 3 hours that were booked we really enjoyed the room for max an hour. The flutes are great so recommended to ONLY visit those but definitely not recommended for birthday parties, from the 9 kids that were in our party, all parents have agreed they will not do theirs in there and will advice other parents to not do their kids parties in there. On top of all that, a member of staff mention “there was a language barrier” as our sister in law didn’t speak English but the rest of us did so there was no language barrier and that was just a rude excuse to try and blame someone else for them triple booking the room.

Great variety of water slides, friendly staff, always have a fun time. Expect it busy during school holidays, even when the weather is awesome and you'd think everyone is at the beach! Arrive early as theres usually a que to get in, and remember your £1 for the locker.

I went here 10 years ago with some girlfriends and we had a great time. Returned recently with my children and we absolutely loved it. They went on the slides and my toddler loved the under 5s zone so she didn't feel left out. Can't wait to go back again next time we are in the area. Booking was a bit confusing so make sure you read the dates correctly and the times slots.

Had fun and the slides were fun! I wouldn't rush back although the kids would and loved it ages 9 and 12. Hot stuffy, sewage pipe broke whilst there, attendants don't smile and seem like they are stressed and bored all at once.

3 hours well spent. Son enjoyed and I went on more slides than expected. August 2023 queues were not that bad considering time of year, which some rides longer wait times than others. Did not do outdoor slides due to the weather. Just a little more attention to detail/ some house keeping would of made it 5/5. Staff not really engaging seemed on auto pilot going though motions. Big clock or announcement of when session up rather that your wristband not scanning to start the ride after queuing. Overall fun Water park

It's OK. The same as when I went 15 years ago. There are a good number of flumes and the queues weren't too bad even though it was Easter. Surprised the outdoor flumes were still closed at Easter but the tyre tube outside was open. Not suitable for children under 5 or 1.2m as the splash pool was filthy. Spoke to a lifeguard who said it wasn't her responsibility. The splash pool is tired and lots of the sprayers were broken. Overall, good for bigger kids for a couple of hours but not particularly well-kept.

It's brilliant, kids are 11, 9,9 and even the less brave enjoy this park. It's not huge but still has 13 rides but they all seem to lead back to the central point where spectators sit. I live a 2hr drive away but it was totally worth going!

I brought my 6 year old son here which he was very excited about. The positives: friendly staff, good selection of rides, and there were no queues when we went. The negatives: I had an experience here which I considered dangerous. Toward the end of our evening here, my son and I went back on the inflatable ring ride (Mississippi drifter I think it was called). It’s an easy going ride that finishes with a fairly fast flowing slide through a dark tunnel into the shallow pool at the end of it. There were 3 teenage boys ahead of us, which you could see where bending the rules and going down the tunnel slide together (which didn’t really bother me). However what DID bother me was when they went into the tunnel slide, they purposely stopped themselves inside the slide. Irrespective of the inconvenience to those of waiting to go down the slide, what concerned me more was the danger they were not only putting themselves in, but putting my son, myself, and those of us waiting to go down. Had I followed the traffic light system, which tells you you’re ‘safe’ to go down slide when it goes green, my son, or myself could’ve gone down the slide and potentially injured ourselves as well as the boys. The traffic lights were continuously alternating between green, amber, and red, all the time they were still in the slide. So rendered that system completely useless. Another group waiting behind us said the same boys had done exactly the same thing a few minutes earlier. I ended up shouting down the slide to tell them to get down and out of it. This caught the attention of a couple life guards nearby (who were not monitoring this particular ride). I explained to them what was going on and they radioed below to check when it was clear so those of us waiting could continue down the slide. When I got to the bottom, I looked out for these boys to have a word with them, however it seemed they had already gone back up the stairs to do the same ride again. I then spoke with the lifeguard at the bottom, as I was furious with the situation. He said he had just given them a warning, and they had 2 warnings left. This annoyed me even more as the actions of these boys was not only unacceptable, but downright dangerous. Had my son followed the traffic light system and gone down that ride at speed and impacted with the 3 boys stationary in that tunnel, I have no doubt he would have been injured, and so would they. It’s one thing to put themselves in danger, but another to put my son in danger, which is where I draw the line. There is no way they should have been allowed to go back on that ride, or indeed any rides as far as I’m concerned. But the problem is with youngsters (as friendly and polite as they were) working there, they were probably (understandably) too timid to be telling off groups of youngsters the same age as them. A real pity as it had been enjoyable up to that point, but as is evident from this lengthy review, left a rather sour taste in my mouth.

Kids loved this place, great fun. We went for 3 hours and that was perfect. Bit of waiting on the slides but never too long

Good selection of slides that are mostly decent fun. Go early to avoid queues as can get very busy. No access to outdoor slides during winter months. There are a couple of splash pools for children but no main pool.

Excellent time spent here highly recommend ideal for young kids my daughter loved all the slides etc if we are back down her we will definitely visit again

Took my son for a 3 hour session. I was a spectator. As a spectator the seating area was small and fully occupied had to wait a while before getting a seat or table. As a spectator it was uncomfortable as your eyes burn from the overwhelming smell of chlorine and it is very warm inside (understandably so). My son enjoyed the water slide park.

Stunning park. Free to the public. Paid parking was required cash and card accepted. We visited on a rainy day but wasn't disappointed at all, the smells and views were beautiful. There was an adventure play area for children and even a dog washing station in the car park.

No entry fee just have to pay to park. We only did 2 hours, £3, but you need more. Good play areas for the kids. Lots of wide open spaces to walk and cycle.

This is a great country park for all ages. They have made brilliant tracks running through the woods, fields and by the tidal Poole bay. There are bird hides for people interested in the harbour avian wildlife. There are 2 large dog playpens which are free to use but the whole park is dog friendly off lead in the woods and fields. The children's wooden Fort play park is amazing! And there is also a cafe for tea and cake etc after a walk. Parking fee is on my photos but you can get a season pass too.

Just pay for car parking and then entrance to the place is free. There are beautiful walled gardens, a children's splash area and bird hides to spot grey herons, gold finches, swans, wigeons, jays and more. A beautiful place for a picnic too. Our family enjoyed a couple of hours here on a sunny morning.

Very nice walk around cafe + art show toilets you only pay for parking. Depends how long you want to stay the prices. When we was it was raining then it's stop so ground was when and muddy so wellies would be 100% recommended. 😂😊🐦

Lots of green space for people to explore. Some wood type play equipment recently renovated for kids of all ages. Just pay to park you don't pay to get in. Several short paths to have a walk about including a board walk where you can see out to sea

Great place for all the family and dogs. Cycling routes, great for running. Designated off lead areas fir dogs snd a enclosed area for dogs off lead. A tea room that's very reasonably priced with art gallery too. Parking is good with Contactless card payment or cash, not by phone or app and priced OK. A dog washing area is in the top car park that dies was, rinse and dry for £4. Large areas to walk. Lovely walled garden. And a great bird hide with viewing area. Take binoculars. Excellent paths all well marked too. Our first visit, but will be back for sure.

What a beautiful place for a meet up, walk and chat with friends.. Parking £3.50 for 2 hours, pretty reasonable in this day and age, they don't charge for entrance, so parking all you pay. Nice little cafe, with sandwiches, drinks and cake, reasonably priced and good quality. With a mixture of walks through woodland, open parkland, coastal, river and formal gardens it feeds every part of your soul. Only suggestion I would have is for electric charging points for cars whilst parked, would be very useful. Highly recommend this beautiful country park.

Lovely place for a walk with or without a dog, nice views, we visited the art gallery never been to one before but was really good so give it a go you might surprise yourself. Great playground for the kids, mini golf. Lovely picnic area and there was a well being workout going on that anyone could join in. Nice little cafe with toilets. Good car park you have to pay for but its what keeps it all looking nice so for a good reason.

Lovely country park just off the A35 near Poole. Parking is currently £3.50 for 2 hours but entry is then free. Lots to do and see for all ages with beautiful walks and views all around. Excellent cafeteria plus a kiosk for teas, coffees and snacks. Definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful House & Grounds. Lots of exciting areas for children to explore. Great walks for dogs or just a walk !! My only negative is the Paid parking which was introduced a couple of years ago. I personally think it's too expensive, particularly for shorter visits, the least you can pay is £2 for an hour. My parents have a memorial tree there which I like to visit so being able to pay for an hour or shorter would be preferred.

Lovely country park, beautiful forest area, gardens, tea rooms and atmosphere.

This place has been in my heart since I was a child. Hadn't visited for a few years and I was really impressed with the improvements. The new pathways have made it accessible for everyone. The walled garden is so peaceful and I sat and enjoyed my lunch surrounded by beautiful flowers and the bees. I walked here using the Castleman Trail from Broadstone but lots of parking on site. Toilets very clean and all of the park very well maintained. Definitely worth a visit 😊

This is a lovely park with lots of open space. Plenty of parking A great cafe with a beautiful gallery upstairs. There is a magical cabin with Lisa who gave the grandchildren a wonderful experience making magic potions and wands. The children were totally immersed in Lisa's stories of fairies and mermaids and all mythical beings from a time gone by. A brilliant day out for the whole family.

One of our favourite places for a dog walk or just family walk. Beautiful scenery, fabulous playpark for the kids, recent addition of crazy golf, cafe, dog wash. Pay and display car park and lots of hidden play areas for the kids hidden along the trails. Only let down is the toilets which are often very messy and without toilet paper so be sure to take some in your pocket! xx

Such a natural beautiful park. best for dog walks, picnics with the family and kids. Good routes for runners and training programs. They even have very large dog training pens in case you have a nervous etc dog. Many different routes you can take along and around the park with a little visit to the bird watching station or the the river which I have played in since being a child..... Such nostalgic memories at this place. I was doing daily walks here with my fur babies when loved local and honestly seen it in such different levels of beauty. Toilets and dog friendly cafe on site with a couple of big parks for the small and big kids. Great amenities, facilities and people.

Absolutely amazing Day on the island. We got the first ferry over and it was beautifully quiet just us walking alone for miles. Easy access to all the beaches below with some steps down. Loads of red squirrel sightings which was so sweet as the only place I've seen them is at Escot in Devon. Helpful smiley and knowledgeable national trust staff from the entrance to the finish. It seems like October is a fab month as the squirrels are getting ready for hibernation so they were all over the place collecting. I cant wait to go back may be at another time of year to see the difference. Would highly reccomend.

Well worth the visit. Short boat ride from Pool harbour. Plenty of wildlife notably the Red Squirrel. Lots of Birdlife especially near the lagoon. Nice cafe ideal for lunch or tea and cake. All the staff very helpful.

Wow, what a lovely place, we got the first ferry over at 9 and the last one back at 5. There's loads to see and lots of information boards. There are different way marked trails and all are easy to walk. There's a nice little cafe selling the normal National Trust food. There are 3 different bird hides with a massive range of birds to see.

Defo worth a visit. Lovely place for a family walk, swim and just time to relax and escape from a busy world. Easy to book tickets through National Trust website which confirms your ferry booking and then you pay at the kiosk for the ferry upon arrival.

Amazing island with beautiful views a lot of nice walks. Great little cafeteria wit good of and some good pastries.

Stunning, beautiful place and seeing red squirrels in the wild to top it off. Need a couple of days minimum to explore it all properly.

Just lost myself there watching the sunset beautiful

Good day out taking some wildlife photos, worth booking as you can only reach the island by boat. Red squirrels on the island are fairly easy to see and photography. Some birds but not many interesting varieties. Small island so not much else to see. Worth a trip though

Absolute lovely place, stayed for the weekend in the castle, as my Fiancee is Waitrose staff. The wildlife and views are amazing. The weather was brilliant. Highly recommend a trip, just to walk around the island.

Spectacular Island. Not enough one day to explore properly. They do fantastic camping sight. Ideal for families with any age children. Some of the hills can be a bit steep, please bare in mind. Food it's a must to bring otherwise only National trust café is open.

Brownsea island is very cool, you can get there from Poole it's only 20 minutes on a ferry, there's a cafe and a lovely walk and animal watching spots for all you nature lovers, definitely worth a visit.

After a brief boat journey to the island, you will be greeted by a wonderful period property as part of the National Trust. The island is a unique place to visit as it lies at the route of scouting. Lord Baden-Powell used this amazing island for his first ever scout camp, which makes it a sort of pilgrimage for scouts worldwide. So if you are a member of scouting, then I'd highly recommend a visit. Camping is available for scouts also.

Decent to go and have a look around, but was pretty busy, and the walks through the woods were a bit samey, not much variation. The museums were ok, but a bit bear. Does seem a bit of a tourist trap.

A beautiful island about 20 mins from Poole Quay. Maintained by the national trust and the entry is free for members. The boat service costs 13 pounds. The Island is full of greenery with lots of wildlife and places for birdwatching. A walk around the Island is very relaxing with great views of the ocean.

The park has a lot of entertainment for children. Those who do not want to have an active rest can lie on the nearby lawn. During the intense heat, there are no shelters and few tall trees. I wish there was a pavilion nearby where you could hide from the sun or rain. And a small supermarket nearby would not be a problem.

Easy to get to, bus wize, plenty of parking for cars, makes a nice walk with a dog.two sets of toilets but the ones by the main entrance could benefit from a jolly good clean. Two cafes both dog friendly.

A beautiful place for a walk with kids,dogs, friends, alone. You can rent SUP or a boat, 2 different playgrounds and a mini train to ride, ice cream shops, restaurants, indoor playground, we have spent all day here...

Amazing lake and fabulous views the kitchen cafe is by the water ,swans swimming past and great for children,soft play , pedal boats ,ice-cream ,lots of green space .

Love Pool Park ❤ A lovely walk around the lake. Great childrens park, free parking. Plenty of space to enjoy a picnic & family game of cricket 🏏 football or other ball games.

Great place to to go for all the family. Lots to do. Children's park, train ride, soft play, hire boats, plus more.....

Plenty to do here, walking and enjoying the views and wildlife. Quiet garden area, mini/crazy golf, paddle boats, and a train for kiddies with wheelchair access. Two big play parks, a cafe with pottery, and an indoor ball pit/gym plus much more. Plenty of parking. A great affordable day out for all with great access for wheelchair users

We regularly visit Poole Park and enjoy the wildlife and gardens , lots for families with young children to enjoy , but today I was horrified to see an older teenager , completely dressed in black with his head and face covered only his eyes showing ,attacking the ducks , swans and seagulls with stones collected from the railway track by a younger boy . How upsetting 😡 for visitors .This is not the first time we have seen this , definitely more security is needed to stop this appalling behaviour and make the Park a safe happy place for the elderly and young .

It's a park, in Poole. So from that perspective, you kinda know what you're getting. However, it's well maintained and has most of the facilities you'd want... cafes, play areas, parking, a lake, and the Poole Park Train is back. Poole Park is a credit to the town, unlike many of its other amenities.

Beautiful in every sense. Am a keen photographer and the pictures I have taken of the lake and the beautiful sunset are stunning 😍

This really is a superb park, the last few years has seen vast inputs of money in order to restore it and put emphasis on planting trees and shrubs that allow wildlife to flourish. There is now everything you could wish for in a park. Boating lake, formal garden, a Quiet garden,2 ponds,2 large cafe/restaurants, 2 children's playgrounds - one is brand new (July 2021), also a soft play centre and a new Crazy Golf course. Impossible to leave here feeling miserable!

A great place to come. Plenty to do and see from letting the kids lose on the big play park to feeding the ducks and swans. The only problem is parking close as when in the height of the season it's like hens teeth to park here but if you're lucky .win .win. The place looks well maintained and clean.

I adore Poole Park. I've been coming here since I was a child. I had one of my first dates here with my now husband, I've been here with friends, with family, and on my own. There is a large lake and a smaller lake. There are walking routes through different areas, a couple of playparks for children, several places for refreshments and toilets as well as benches for picnics. You can take bird seed down for the birds (bread is not a good idea as it isn't very good for their health and can leave waste, but wild bird seed is cheap in shops and good for lots of the local wildfowl). Some times of year there is also a mini/crazy golf which can be good fun too. There are areas good for cycling, for walking, and plenty of benches to rest along the way. You can go through the underpass at the back end of the park to get to Baiter/Whitecliff area as well. It makes for a lovely break from the busy town centre, a scenic detour on a route, or a nice time out.

A Tranquil Oasis in Poole - Perfect for Relaxation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Poole Park is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of Poole. This park offers a serene and picturesque environment that's perfect for unwinding and escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. The park's well-maintained green spaces, soothing lake, and variety of activities make it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo visitors alike. The park's lush lawns provide ample space for picnics, frisbee games, or simply lounging in the sun. The tranquil lake adds to the park's charm, offering opportunities for peaceful walks around its shores or even renting a paddleboat for a leisurely ride on the water. The surrounding trees provide shade and contribute to the park's serene atmosphere. One of the highlights of Poole Park is its diverse range of amenities. From a well-equipped children's play area that keeps the little ones entertained, to tennis courts and a cricket field for sports enthusiasts, there's something for everyone here. The miniature railway is a hit with kids and adults alike, adding a touch of nostalgia to the experience. The park's central location makes it easily accessible, whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the area. The clean facilities and friendly staff contribute to a positive experience, and the park is often host to various events and festivals, adding a lively spirit to its surroundings. Whether you're looking to have a peaceful day of relaxation, engage in outdoor activities, or simply take in the beauty of nature, Poole Park is the perfect place to do it all. A must-visit destination that truly captures the essence of Poole's natural beauty and offers a wonderful escape from the urban pace.

Great place to visit with the family and walk with the dog. Good play park for the children, ice cream parlour, crazy golf, views of the sea and very well maintained. A really pleasant place to stroll around and enjoy.

Love Poole Park ,so lovely on a sunny day, swan's and cygnets, only downside ... paying just under £14 for 3 ice creams and 2 bottles of water.

Lovely playground for the kids. Activities on the lake. Swans with cute little cygnets. Nice cafe. Plenty of space. Really nice.

I personally think Poole Park is now one of the best rural parks anywhere. The beautiful lagoon (no it’s not a lake!) with its multitude of birds, seabirds and wildlife make this a place my wife and I never tire of. The rose garden in full bloom is just a joy and a riot of colour for the eyes. There are two restaurants, children’s play areas, cricket pitch and pavilion, tennis courts, crazy golf, boating and sailing, ice-cream parlours and of course the wonderful Poole Park Train which has been revitalised and welcomed back by all. This is a well-tended and maintained park for all ages to enjoy and we make the most of it virtually every week.

A hidden garden and museum in Poole. Lovely place to relax and enjoy the garden. Free admission too. 👍👍

We love visiting here. The history is fascinating and the staff so knowledgeable and friendly. We have been to a few of the history themed mornings for children like the Tudors and Victorians and learnt much from them as well as making some wonderful things to bring home. We also enjoy the upstairs classroom and the old toys. Highly recommended a visit here.

A beautiful old house with some original features. Look for the graffiti on the fireplace. You will be amazed at the dates of them. The gardens are so peaceful to sit in and take in the aroma of the herbs.

What a brilliant garden, hidden amongst the towns old buildings. The medicinal approach of the planting and clear labels make it easy to understand how some plants can be used in your own garden Plenty of seating.

I have not been into the museum, but regularly visit the garden.a special place.I have since been into the museum,very interesting,the museum and garden is closed for a refit.

Well worth a visit, beautiful garden and so interesting inside.

What a gem tucked away yet close to the quayside. Amazing architecture and the old school room took me back to my infant school with its wooden lift up lid desk and blackboard at the front. Beautiful sunken courtyard gardens. Definitely worth a visit.

It's is classed as a secret garden. It's medicinal garden highlighting plants that can help different aliment. From a simple headache to upset tummy. It be small but informative and array of colour.

A good view of the Speedway track from an old grandstand that is starting to show its age .Basic facilities & big queues for the food & drink outlet's.

Great evening out, recommend for children if you're in the area!

Always delighted to support my Speedway team! What an amazing year they've had. Well done guys x x

Worth the money lots of heats one after the other no waiting around the noise and speed is incredable.A must do.!!

A great evening out. Fantastic sport superbly managed. All the entertainment you need.

Brilliant night out, good value for money in restaurant food nice. Best bet on the bunny wining can't understand why they won't take that bet. HA HA. Been lots of times great service,well organized. Special mention to John the doorman, a good man.

First time watching the Pirates smash Glasgiow Tigers. I'm hooked!

Such a fabulous venue for live music. Saw Paul Weller here on 4/4/24 and it was utterly magic. Great size to be big enough for a good crowd but yet still managing to be intimate enough that no matter where you are you have a good view. It has a fabulous floor too!!! It moves!!! With everyone jumping and dancing you could actually feel the motion and it heightened all the fun and drama, truly magical place. Toilets were a little on the small side for the amount of people but the queue for these even at peak times wasn't too bad and the bar was very fast service. I'll be keeping an eye on future events here for sure.

Great local theatre and cinema with great shows and value for money... Has a great little cafe and restaurant on tge ground floor and well sited bar on the first floor. Lifts to all floors so ideal for those tgat have a, wheel chair or struggle with their mobility. Some great classical shows to come and Beauty and the Beast as a panto this Christmas... Yeah..... 😍👍😍

First time visiting the Lighthouse in Poole and for a rock concert too. Midge Ure and support on 6th May 2023. Interesting place and huge interior too. Seating selected/booked was ideal. Towards the back and centre. Good atmosphere and sound/lights and excellent....along with Midge too. Whilst the seating not fully tiered, public had chance to get and "boogie" on the sidelines or down near the front on the wings. Great night. Stewards and bar staff all pleasant and helpful.

New to the area so first time visit for Sweet in concert. Very impressive venue, good bar service, excellent show. Back again next month for a night of soul.

Fantastic evening out. Lovely intimate theatre. Well planned that I could see well without my view being obstructed by someone tall in front. The venue has different theatres and some very good entertainment. Have seen several shows here now and never been disappointed.

What a fantastic evening. Rocky Horror show 31st March.....never been before, didn't even know the story (not sure I do now, but FANTASTIC). Enjoyed it from start to finish, outrageously funny. The Lighthouse Poole is a terrific venue, support theatres. Thanks for a great evening. Julian

A fabulous art Centre for the lovely town of Poole, I went to see an exhibition in the gallery, which is spacious and well organised. The exhibition was of work made by the East London group of artists, see the photos. The cafe in the building offers a great selection of food, hot meals, snacks, coffee etc.

Loved this theatre 'and' it was a great night of comedy into the bargain! I come from Brisbane in Queensland Australia, and quite a few years ago they created a new "Cultural Centre" that was absolutely beautiful and it definitely rekindled the interest in all the arts as a result. The Lighthouse Theatre really surprised me. It was equal to and better in many ways, to the cultural centre I mentioned earlier. The variety of shows, combined with an excellent restaurant, top class bar, brilliant transport links and a really fabulous and relaxed environment - plus - the great service of well trained and courteous staff "and" importantly, very reasonable prices. Well, what more can I say? As a matter of fact there is one more thing though. With such a great venue and staff, it'd be bl**dy criminal if we didn't support these guys for what they do.. Therefore, throw away the remote for a night, visit and enjoy Poole.. It has lovely Christmas lights and decorations at the moment,make sure to drop into the lighthouse theatre to pick up their free comprehensive itinerary for the coming months as well- I promise, you'll be so glad you did! With both Poole and the theatre, then the parking, transport and fabulous staff, you really can't go wrong here. 11 stars out of 10 Well done! & thanks!

Great music venue and really central to pool. The acoustics were spot on and the seating was well laid out with plenty of space to get up and dance. The only negative was the bat staff. They were incredibly slow and didn't seem to know what any of the drinks were. Would recommend getting there earlier if you want a pre show drink.

I saw "Money for Nothing" Dire Straits Tribute band and loved it. The acoustics are pretty good now. My only gripe would be the lack of seating outside the Concert Hall. People turn up early so they need somewhere to sit.

Easy access to and from nearby car park, which had relativelycheap parking. Minimal bar queue when we went and interval drinks could be ordered before. Polite and friendly staff. Good visibility from our seat mid auditorium. Not a very interesting building architecturally, maybe, but it serves the purpose well. Toilets were clean and not too crowded and no queues. Can't think of any negatives, actually. Overall, probably our favourite venue for theatre and music in our area.

One of the best venues for arts related performances in the the southwest.I had the opportunity to experience this with their jazz evenings when I performed with Afro Jazz project Thokizile In January this year. A fantastic experience couldn’t rate highly enough 🙏🏽 #jazz #artsdorset #livemusic

Concert Hall. Good acoustics. Parking next door. Easy access. Close walk to boating lake.

Amazing theatre alluding was fantastic and well worth a visit for kids and adults. The venue is great we had a fantastic afternoon.

Thoroughly enjoyed watching Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds at the venue. Bar service is slow and disorganised. Waited 15 minutes to be served.

Stopped here for a cup of tea and decided to stay for dinner! The food was amazing! I had the special which was seafood mac and cheese...so nice. Staff were super friendly and very helpful. Even had the chocolate and hazelnut brownie with ice cream for desert! Looking forward to my next visit!

Stopped for a quick bite and ended up spending 2 hours just lounging on the patio, watching the world pass by. The food was lovely (I'd recommend the fish & chips), the service very good and the views stunning. It's a bust restaurant but worth the wait. This has become my new favourite South Coast beach :)

I've been here a couple of times. Came today for a couple of coffees and rock cakes. The young man hosting was very polite and accommodating. We were shown to a table and we asked about the Rock Cakes which are a speciality and were told they had just come out of the oven so wouldn't be as hard as they would normally be. This was an example of managing a guest's expectations. As it happened, the Rock Cakes were delicious! We didn't finish them so were able to take them home in a paper bag which was much appreciated. The waitress who served us was very pleasant and efficient and the team were always on the move, delivering food and drinks and clearing. The restaurant is Dog friendly inside and out too. All in all a great experience. Well done to the management and team and good luck for what I hope is a busy season ahead!

Arrived for a quick brunch. The server greeted us and showed us our table. Drinks arrived straight away, following by delicious meals. Great atmosphere with an amazing view of the sea towards The Old Harry Rocks. Happy to return and recommend it! Thank you! 😊

When we leave our Poole vacation we always choose a location for breakfast with a view and we loved our choice this year. Few options on the menu, but worked good for us, service was great, food was nice and the view spot on. We will be back when in the area.

What a lovely restaurant. Very welcoming and friendly. The staff are great. Service quick and food fantastic. A lovely breakfast ‘snack’!! We will definitely be coming back. Thank you.

Very expensive coffee - Americano £3.10! Disappointed that they don't even do a discount for taking your own cups either. However the coffee, and the cakes, are delicious and the views from the upstairs terrace and restaurant are breathtaking.

Oh my goodness, the food here was incredible! You'd think judging by the price and the 'poshness' the portions would be poncy and small but they were beautiful large plates of utterly delicious food. Staff couldn't do enough to accommodate me in my wheelchair. Would definitely go back!

Smallish carpark for about 70 cars which is busy in the summer but it's right on the beach. Three electric bbq on the promenade and a very good restaurant. Worth a visit if you can get a space especially in the summer

Went here to let or dog and cat run on the beach, which they had a great time beach is small but is dog friendly and clean no cliffs to climb down which is great though if in a wheelchair I didn't see any slopes to access sand just Steps of about 3 to 5 depending on area. There is a park with paddling pool for the kids and large grass area nice little cafe where we enjoyed a breakfast and public toilets. There is a car park which is very well priced but very small and was full by 9.30 am this is why I dropped a star with that and limited disability access.

Pleased we visited to see the park although it was a stormy day. Car park is free out of season and you do get 30 minutes free parking all year round. It was high tide so the water was right up to the beach huts. Good café with some excellent cakes but by all accounts it can get very busy. There are plans to close the paddling pool permanently.

For some reason my other review for other place went to hear.But thank God I can change it, because I wasn't satisfied with the other place . 😏But when it comes to this park, there's no enough words to describe satisfaction with this one. It is the most lovely park in Bournemouth Christchurch and Pool area. Take your kids to have fun for few hours. Definitely must go!

A place of peace and beauty. Such a lovely beach surrounded by grass bank with a small cafe and large play area. The scenery is beautiful and a must visit for the family or a walk all year round

It was a large park with lots of activities for kids. The parking area was big enough. From the park you can see some beachfront. It was so peaceful when we went there. If you have dog it will be heaven for them as there were lot of people with dogs visiting and playing with their dogs. There is a little cafe if you want a hot drink. It was our last day of summer holidays so we enjoyed our peace in the park as it was not crowded. I highly recommend the park.

Big green for dogs to run around. An OK size park for the kids, looked a bit run down but was fine. The walk along the harbour was nice (note the boats are a bit further the other way). I am sure when the weather is nice it's a nice place to be.

Love this place so much. The beach is lovely, you can grab a bucket and net and catch little fish and crabs that are around your feet. It has a large play area for the kids. The cafe is good and clean. The staff are friendly and always helpful. I have been here loads of times over the last 6 years and it always has me coming back wanting more. I would move here if i could.

A really lovely park that has everything you could possibly want from a park ....a lovely sandy beach a huge grass area for walking the dog a great area for the kids including a little ones pool a good cafe serving great food and a path right along the seafront ideal for the disabled

We really like this park but like most things that are popular, the rides in the park are either broken or really badly worn and need some TLC.

What a little gem Hamworthy Park is. Cheap parking, only £1.20 for two hours and a great little cafe serving excellent food. I only had a cheese and ham toastie, but it was the best I've had in years. My only criticism would be that there are only two picnic benches, more are needed as the cafe only has a small number of outside tables.

The perfect place for all ages. It's a shame that the kiddies pool will no lodger be funded.

Lovely park and so much activity for the little ones to spend their energy. Lots of space for everybody to play and camp if they want. Maybe it’s still cold for the paddling pool to have some water on it and the males toilet is not accessible. Parking is plenty. I prefer this place because it’s a little quiet than the park in town

Great place to go for a paddle/take kids to splash pool/large play park. Free parking nearby. Perfect for summer evenings.