Hamworthy on Poole Harbour

Hamworthy lies on Poole Harbour and offers several ways to enjoy a stay: Hamworthy Park, with views of Brownsea Island and the Purbecks; Lake Pier beach; walking routes; and local natural and social history.

Park and harbour views

Hamworthy Park lies on Poole Harbour and offers views of Brownsea Island and the Purbecks. Its large paddling pool with water features is open from May to September. If the pool is one of the reasons for your visit, take this seasonal period into account when planning and check the latest opening information. The paddling pool is open only from May to September; the views of Brownsea Island and the Purbecks also provide a scenic highlight.

Lake Pier and access

Hamworthy Park has paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, as well as access to the harbour beach. Lake Pier is a sand-and-shingle beach in the inner part of the harbour and is accessible via a ramp. Lake Pier is 0.8 miles from Hamworthy railway station.

Walking routes in Hamworthy

The Poole Quay–Upton walking route 1b can be started at Ashmore Avenue in Hamworthy. The route is approximately 9 km long and follows footpaths, paved paths and roads. There are no livestock gates along the way. Check the latest route details before setting off.

There is also a shared walking and cycling path in Hamworthy. The first section to open runs from Rigler Road to Blandford Close.

Nature at Ham Common

Ham Common is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its rare Eocene plant fossils. A beach, a lake and a woodland border Ham Common. Rare lizards, birds and plants can be seen on dry heathland and around lakes and reservoirs. Alongside the harbour views and walking routes, the area also offers geological and natural history interests.

Near Hamworthy, a safe walking path leads to Lytchett Bay reserve.

Local history

The area's history can also be traced through several different periods. The former St Michael’s Church in Hamworthy was built in 1825 on the site of a medieval chapel.

Excavations at Carter’s Tile Works in Hamworthy from 1926 to 1933 uncovered evidence of activity from the late Iron Age and early Roman period, including salt production. A Roman road ran from Hamworthy to Lake Farm near Wimborne. Together, these examples illustrate different historical connections: a medieval chapel on the site of the later church, archaeological evidence of earlier activity, and a Roman road link.

Discover more destinations: Horton, Fontmell Magna, Weymouth, Sturminster Newton, Piddlehinton, Higher Frome Vauchurch, Ashmore, Sherborne.

For the main travel overview: Dorset.