Updated - Friday 17 May at 09:25

Families are invited to make a splash this summer with the reopening of Littledown's paddling pool on Saturday 25 May 2024.

Set in 47 acres of parkland, the paddling pool is a popular free-to-attend attraction open during the summer months. Other park features include a large lake packed with wildlife and a children’s play park with swings, climbing frames, and a slide. There is also a miniature railway run by volunteers which opens Wednesdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 11am-3pm with rides costing just £1 per person. The park also has a cricket pavilion, a one-mile running route, outdoor toilets and free parking for up to 3 hours seven days a week.

A pop-up café with outdoor seating will be situated nearby serving up a delicious selection of hot and cold drinks, ice creams and snacks. Furthermore, Lookout at Littledown Bar provides a more casual al-fresco dining experience for those wanting to enjoy a meal and a drink overlooking the park.

In recognition of the park and its facilities, Littledown Park won a Green Flag Award in 2019.

The running of the paddling pool is to be managed and operated by registered charity BH Live, in partnership with BCP Council.

Rob Cunningham, BH Live’s Associate Director of Leisure said;
“The paddling pool in Littledown Park remains a fantastic free to attend attraction for the local community and is enjoyed by so many families every year.

“A great day out, the facilities have something for everyone and we hope that by keeping the facility open, more families will be encouraged to enjoy valuable time together and get active in nature by exploring Littledown’s parkland. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day - we can’t wait to welcome everyone back this summer!”

Amanda Barrie, Director of Commercial Operations, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said:

“Littledown Park has always been hugely popular with the local community and BCP Council is thankful for the continued support shown by BH Live to enable this much-loved community facility to reopen once again over the warmer months.

“Community facilities like this play such an important role in bringing people together and providing recreational opportunities for everyone, and it's wonderful to see local support and collaboration in keeping these spaces thriving.”

The park and children’s play area are open year-round. Children must be supervised in the paddling pool at all times by an adult (16+). Opening hours for both the paddling pool and pop-up café are weather-dependent and may be liable to change.