Lovely sunset
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Lake Pier

4.5
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil pier in Poole offering stunning sunset views over the harbour, with a rich history and ideal conditions for watersports.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evening

Best for sunset views

CrowdMedium
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Lovely sunset

Lake Pier

Best Time

Evening

Best for sunset views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil pier in Poole offering stunning sunset views over the harbour, with a rich history and ideal conditions for watersports.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A wonderful place to see the sunset. The new pier is very nice."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Affordable Parking

Pay for parking via the Ringo app; it's cheap and convenient for your visit. :parking:

🚲 Bike/Scooter Fun

Consider a beryl bike or scooter for a safe and enjoyable ride along quiet roads. :scooter:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Witness the warm, orange glow of the sun as it dips below the horizon over Poole Harbour.

Renovated Pier

Renovated Pier

Enjoy a relaxing stroll or fishing from the newly restored pier, offering beautiful views.

Poole Harbour Views

Poole Harbour Views

Take in the picturesque scenery across Poole Harbour towards Arne and Brownsea Island.

Historical Sea Plane Jetty

Historical Sea Plane Jetty

Discover the concrete and iron bollards that once served sea planes in the last century.

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Sunset Views & Safety

Lake Pier offers stunning sunset vistas, but check its safety status before visiting. Recent renovations have reopened the pier, making it a tranquil spot for evening enjoyment. Parking is available and affordable.

Getting Around & Amenities

Explore the bay by bike or scooter for a fun, safe experience, especially during quieter evening hours. Public toilets are available, and an ice cream vendor often sets up during peak season.

Best Times

When
Evening
Why
Best for sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
High Tide
Why
Beach disappears, pier is central
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Affordable Parking

Pay for parking via the Ringo app; it's cheap and convenient for your visit. :parking:

🚲 Bike/Scooter Fun

Consider a beryl bike or scooter for a safe and enjoyable ride along quiet roads. :scooter:

🎣 Fishing Fun

The jetty is great for fishing; expect to catch small bass and wrasse. :fishingpoleand_வத:

🍦 Ice Cream Treat

Look out for the ice cream vendor during high season for a sweet treat. :ice_cream:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Affordable Parking

Pay for parking via the Ringo app; it's cheap and convenient for your visit. :parking:

🚲 Bike/Scooter Fun

Consider a beryl bike or scooter for a safe and enjoyable ride along quiet roads. :scooter:

🎣 Fishing Fun

The jetty is great for fishing; expect to catch small bass and wrasse. :fishingpoleand_வத:

🍦 Ice Cream Treat

Look out for the ice cream vendor during high season for a sweet treat. :ice_cream:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Bay

Walk around the bay and enjoy the heath area with its compacted trails. :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lake Pier is a beloved local gem, particularly praised for its stunning sunset views and the tranquil atmosphere of its renovated pier. Visitors appreciate the affordable parking, convenient facilities, and the picturesque scenery across Poole Harbour. While generally well-regarded, some may find the dining options limited to seasonal ice cream vendors.

"A wonderful place to see the sunset. We first visited a few years ago then read in the news that it was benign closed because it was deemed to be unsafe. But 18 months later after being repaired by the council, it was open again in 2025.

It is a nice and tranquil place to watch the sunset on the pier. The warm orange glow as it gradually disappears. The new pier is very nice. It is quite popular but not too crowded as it may be reasonably unknown.

There is a small car park where you have to pay. Toilet facilities are available. Another fun way to visit is by beryl bike or scooter. The roads at that time of evening is quiet and we felt safe.

It was a fun trip at the end of the day. Will definitely do again. Recommended."

Andrew Cheng

"Nice little place to visit , car park cheap and you can walk around the bay."

Matt

"Took a day's fishing from the renovated pier. A jetty really. Caught a lot of small bass and a Cork wing wrasse. Beautiful view across Poole Harbour to Arne and Brownsea Island. Interesting point the jetty and large bollards of concrete and iron were historically used for the sea planes when they were flying last century. Easy pay parking
(Ringo app) and public toilets. A nice little beach which dissapears at high tide."

Colin Robinson

What People Like

Beautiful sunset views
Renovated pier
Tranquil atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake Pier is located in the Hamworthy area of Poole. It's accessible by car, with a dedicated pay-and-display car park. For a more scenic route, consider using beryl bikes or scooters, as the roads are quiet in the evening. Reddit

Yes, there is a small car park available at Lake Pier. Payment is typically handled through the Ringo app, and it's described as cheap and convenient. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy arriving by beryl bike or scooter, finding the roads quiet and safe, especially during the evening. Reddit

While specific bus routes aren't detailed, the area is accessible by car and bike. Checking local bus timetables for Hamworthy would be advisable for public transport users.

The renovated pier and heath area with compacted trails suggest good accessibility. The car park is also conveniently located nearby. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no specific entry tickets required to visit Lake Pier itself. However, there is a charge for parking in the adjacent car park. Reddit

Lake Pier is generally accessible for public enjoyment, especially for sunset viewing. Specific hours for facilities like toilets are not detailed but are usually available during daylight and early evening.

No, the pier is free to access. The main cost associated with visiting is for parking. Reddit

While the pier has undergone safety renovations, it's always wise to be aware of any local advisories. Generally, it's a public space for recreation. Reddit

Information on booking the pier for private events is not readily available. It's primarily a public amenity for general use.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy relaxing on the pier, fishing, walking around the bay and heath area, and watching the sunset. It's also noted as a great spot for watersports. Reddit

Yes, the renovated pier is a popular spot for fishing. Visitors have reported catching small bass and a Cork wing wrasse. Reddit

The evening is highly recommended for the beautiful sunset views. Reddit

Public toilet facilities are available at Lake Pier. Reddit

You can expect beautiful views across Poole Harbour, with sights of Arne and Brownsea Island. The sunset views are particularly stunning. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

During high season, an ice cream vendor is often present. For more extensive dining options, you would need to explore the wider Hamworthy or Poole areas. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great option, especially for enjoying the sunset. There are no specific restrictions mentioned against it. Reddit

An ice cream van is sometimes available during peak times. Otherwise, it's advisable to bring your own snacks or visit nearby shops. Reddit

The Hamworthy area offers various local eateries and pubs. For a wider selection, Poole town centre is a short drive away.

There is no mention of barbecue facilities or permissions at Lake Pier. It's best to assume they are not permitted unless otherwise stated by local authorities.

📸 📸 Photography

The sunset over Poole Harbour is a prime photography subject. The renovated pier itself, the views towards Arne and Brownsea Island, and the historical jetty bollards also make for great shots. Reddit

Absolutely! The warm orange glow of the sunset is frequently mentioned as a highlight, making it ideal for photographers. Reddit

The golden hour just before sunset offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting. Daytime provides clear views of the harbour and surrounding areas. Reddit

No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned. It's a public space, so general etiquette applies.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbour views and sunset. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on Arne or Brownsea Island. A tripod is recommended for low-light sunset shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lake Pier offers a pleasant outing for families. The renovated pier provides a safe space for children to walk and explore, and the nearby heath area has compacted trails suitable for little legs. While the beach disappears at high tide, the general bay area is good for a stroll. Keep an eye out for the ice cream vendor during warmer months for a treat! Reddit

Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by the water. The affordable parking makes it an economical choice for a family day out. For a fun twist, renting a beryl bike or scooter can add an element of adventure for older children and teens. Reddit

🎣 Anglers' Paradise

For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Pier is a recommended destination. The renovated jetty is well-suited for casting a line, and reports indicate success in catching small bass and Cork wing wrasse. It's a tranquil spot to spend a few hours trying your luck, with beautiful views as a bonus. Reddit

Remember to check local fishing regulations and licensing requirements before you go. The easy pay parking and available public toilets add to the convenience for a dedicated fishing trip. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Chasers

If you're looking for the perfect sunset spot, Lake Pier is a must-visit. The warm orange glow as the sun descends over Poole Harbour is consistently praised. It's a tranquil and picturesque setting, often not overly crowded, allowing for a peaceful appreciation of nature's spectacle. Reddit

Arrive a little before sunset to secure a good spot on the pier. The surrounding bay and heath area also offer lovely vantage points. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning colours! Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Lake Pier

Lake Pier, also referred to as a jetty, holds a fascinating historical connection to aviation. The substantial concrete and iron bollards found there were once integral to the operations of sea planes during the last century. These structures served as mooring points and likely assisted in the launching and recovery of aircraft, hinting at a past where this tranquil spot was a hub of early aviation activity. Reddit

This historical aspect adds a unique layer to the visitor experience, allowing you to ponder the site's evolution from an aviation support point to a recreational pier. The renovations have preserved its functionality for modern use while retaining echoes of its past. It's a subtle nod to a bygone era that many visitors might overlook but adds significant depth to the location. Reddit

Watersports Hub

Beyond its scenic beauty and historical intrigue, Lake Pier is recognized as a great spot for watersports. Its location within Poole Harbour provides a relatively sheltered environment, ideal for various activities. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or looking to try something new, the area offers potential for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and other water-based adventures. Reddit

While specific rental facilities or lessons aren't detailed, the mention of it being a 'great spot' suggests that conditions are favorable. Visitors interested in watersports might find local clubs or rental companies in the broader Poole Harbour area that can cater to their needs. The calm waters of the harbour make it particularly appealing for beginners and those seeking a less challenging environment. Reddit

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