Best parks to visit in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Whether you take the kids so that they can let out some energy, or you take some wine and enjoy some gossip with your friends, here are the top five gardens in BCP to head to these summer weekends and school holidays.

Bournemouth gardens

First up is the Bournemouth gardens, situated right by the beach but also right by the town centre you're perfectly close to anything you may need to have a successful day out.

The Bournemouth gardens which are split into three sections: Lower, Central and Upper provide a range of settings and activities.

The Lower Gardens have many year round attractions to get involved with including: mini golf, a bandstand, hedgehog kiosk for refreshments and more.

The Central and Upper Gardens are more natural, including bridges and streams. This would be the ideal place for a quiet picnic followed by an afternoon of sunbathing.

Hazel Showell took this picture of Boscombe Chine Gardens (Image: Hazel Showell)

Boscombe Chine Gardens

In a similar way to the Bournemouth gardens, the Boscombe Chine Gardens provide a mixture of attractive scenery and fun activities.

Boscombe Chine Gardens have formal flower beds, large grassy areas, mini golf and a water themed playground.

The Squirrel Cafe and mini golf is an 18-hole course set in the picturesque gardens that serves hot and cold drinks and freshly baked cakes. It is due to reopen on May 27. 

This park is perfect for a day to keep the kids busy but also have fun with a round of mini golf. 

Poole Park by Sharin Trevelyan (Image: Sharin Trevelyan)

Poole Park

Poole Park is a large urban park next to a boating lake.

In terms of activities, this park is filled with things to do on a day out including, play areas, tennis courts, bowls, water sports facilities and a cafe.

Due to a successful bid for £2.7m of national lottery funding in 2017, they have been able to support the four year Poole Park Life Improvement Project.

There are also three free car parks in the park to make this park as accessible as possible.

Finally, if you're trying to stay fit over the summer months the Poole Park is host every Saturday to the park run with the adults and junior runs both starting at 9am.

Harbourside Park (Image: Newsquest)

Harbourside Park

Harbourside Park comprises Baiter and Whitecliff recreation grounds, between Poole park and the harbour.

The Baiter recreation ground is next to the harbour and is also licensed to hire for outdoor events.

Dogs are welcomed to this park and there is a refreshment stand at the Baiter recreation ground.

Within the park there is a skate park, perfect place for flying kites and in the Harbourside Park there is also a children's play area, BMX track and football and cricket pitches for hire.

The Quomps in Christchurch

The Quomps is a flat, open area with a splash park and children's play area.

It is free to visit and there are loads to do whilst you're there, whether that be going to the onsite cafe and restaurant, just going to have a picnic or going to the splash park.

This park is wheelchair accessible, dog friendly, open all year, near the town and free entry.