Poole Park Railway
A charming miniature steam train offering delightful rides through picturesque Poole Park, perfect for families and nostalgic journeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full steam ahead for fun!
Poole Park Railway
Best Time
Full steam ahead for fun!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming miniature steam train offering delightful rides through picturesque Poole Park, perfect for families and nostalgic journeys.
"Wonderful experience at Poole Park, couldn't believe how beautiful and family friendly this park is."
🎟️ Affordable Tickets
Tickets are reasonably priced, often around £3.50 for a couple of laps. Buy in the queue!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard, making it a great outing for the whole family.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 64 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Miniature Steam Train Ride
Poole Park
Enjoy a scenic journey on a charming miniature steam train, a hit with kids and adults alike.
Family Fun in Poole Park
Poole Park
Combine your train ride with the park's many attractions like playgrounds and boating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ride the Rails in Poole Park
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Tickets
Tickets are reasonably priced, often around £3.50 for a couple of laps. Buy in the queue!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard, making it a great outing for the whole family.
What is there to do around Bournemouth/Poole?
I’m visiting my grandparents next week for the first time since pre Covid, and my grandma has told me to think of things I want to do. I mean, what is there even to do down there in the autumn? My grandad can’t drive too far (they’re both 90) and I don’t have my full license.…
UK redditors, what is your favourite railway level crossing?
My favourite one is the level crossing at Poole High Street! Imagine walking down the high street and a Class 450 Siemens Desiro Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train just comes barrelling across the street! Here’s the level crossing! https://youtube.com/watch?v=M_9Hoi2HjWY
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
If the train is moving, you might wait 5-10 mins for the next departure. It's usually not long!
☀️ Enjoy the Park
Combine your train ride with other Poole Park activities like playgrounds and mini-golf.
Running Paths
Any suggestions for good running paths? Something with turns, as straights make me give in to boredom. Don’t mind a little hill, but nothing too high! Thanks!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Tickets
Tickets are reasonably priced, often around £3.50 for a couple of laps. Buy in the queue!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard, making it a great outing for the whole family.
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
If the train is moving, you might wait 5-10 mins for the next departure. It's usually not long!
☀️ Enjoy the Park
Combine your train ride with other Poole Park activities like playgrounds and mini-golf.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Poole Park Railway for its charm, affordability, and the exceptional friendliness of its volunteer staff. It's a highly recommended spot for families with young children, offering a delightful miniature train ride that creates lasting memories. While waits can occur, they are generally short and well worth the experience.
"Great little railway for small children. They allow well behaved dogs on the train as well. The staff are always very pleasant and helpful. We’ve been twice in the last few weeks and experienced exactly the same quality of service from two different gentlemen.
If there’s anything interesting whilst driving around, they’ll stop to show the kids. Last time, we saw signets and stopped for a good few minutes to watch them potter about. Very cute and the kids loved it.
They take care payment. Tickets are bought in the queue. If the train is already moving, you might have to wait 5-10 mins for the next stop but it’s never much of a wait.
Highly recommend for small children!"
Kiran Payne
"Spent half a day in the sunshine at Poole Park with our Grandkids and Godchildren . It offered a wide range of activities from the play area, boats, mini golf, soft play and steam railway. As well as allowing plenty of running around and climbing. We all had an enjoyable afternoon."
Jestina Anderson
"Wonderful experience at Poole Park, we saw positive reviews online and couldn't believe how beautiful and family friendly this park is.
The closest thing to this we have in our local area is Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham.
Train ride was relatively cheap for 2 laps if the track, Volunteer staff were very friendly."
Thomas Ellis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Poole Park Railway is located within Poole Park. You can reach Poole Park by car, bus, or train to Poole town centre, followed by a short walk or bus ride to the park. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, there are several car parks within Poole Park. Be aware that these can get busy, especially during peak times and weekends.
Yes, Poole Park is a pleasant walk from Poole town centre, approximately 15-20 minutes. It's a good option if you're arriving by train.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rides are very affordable, often around £3.50 per person for a couple of laps. Tickets are typically purchased in the queue before boarding.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and are often dependent on volunteer availability. It's best to check their social media or local listings before your visit, especially during off-peak times.
No, advance booking is generally not required. Tickets are usually bought on the day in the queue. This makes it easy for spontaneous visits.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the already low price makes it a very budget-friendly attraction. Keep an eye on local event listings for potential promotions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a delightful miniature steam train ride around a section of Poole Park. The volunteers are friendly and often point out interesting sights, making it a charming experience for all ages.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for small children. The gentle ride and the surrounding park's amenities make it a perfect family outing.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the train, which is a big plus for pet owners looking for family activities.
Poole Park offers a wide range of activities, including a large play area, boating lake, mini-golf, and plenty of open space for running around. It's a fantastic place for a full day out.
The ride typically consists of a couple of laps around the track, offering a good overview of the park's scenic areas. The duration is usually around 10-15 minutes.
📸 📸 Photography
The curves of the track offer great opportunities, especially with the steam train in motion. The park's greenery provides a lovely backdrop. Try to capture the train crossing the park's paths.
Yes, you can take photos from the train. Be mindful of other passengers and hold on securely, especially when the train is moving.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit