At Poole Harbour, Hamworthy Park offers views of Brownsea Island and the Purbecks. Lake Pier has a different character: its sandy and shingle beach lies in the inner part of the harbour. The park views and a visit to the beach are therefore two distinct aspects of Hamworthy.
Harbour Views, Park and Beach
Hamworthy Park also has a large paddling pool with water features, open from May to September. As the seasonal opening period may change, check before your visit whether it will be open on your travel dates. The park’s paths are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and there is also access to the harbour beach. These are separate points to consider when planning: the pool’s seasonal opening and the paths and beach access in the park.
Lake Pier is accessible via a ramp. Hamworthy railway station is 0.8 miles from Lake Pier. This distance adds a specific reference point for planning your journey to the information about beach access.
Nature and Landscape
Ham Common is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its rare Eocene plant fossils. The area borders a beach, a lake and a woodland. At Ham Common, you can spot rare lizards, birds and plants on dry heathland and around lakes and reservoirs. The reasons for the designation and the wildlife-watching opportunities are distinct aspects: the plant fossils reflect the area’s geological importance, while the heathland, lakes and reservoirs provide the setting for the nature observations mentioned.
Near Hamworthy, a safe footpath leads to Lytchett Bay reserve. As well as the wildlife-watching opportunities at Ham Common, you can choose a footpath to another nature destination in the surrounding area.
Walking and Directions
Walk 1b, Poole Quay–Upton, can be started at Ashmore Avenue in Hamworthy. It is approximately 9 km long and follows footpaths, paved paths and roads; there are no livestock gates along the route. The approximate distance and the different surfaces are separate considerations for planning. Check the current route before setting off.
The first completed section of a shared walking and cycling path in Hamworthy runs from Rigler Road to Blandford Close. It provides another specific point of reference for getting around the town.
Historical Traces
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 between 1926 and 1933 uncovered evidence of activity dating from the late Iron Age and early Roman period, including salt production. A Roman road also ran from Hamworthy to Lake Farm near Wimborne. These historical traces include archaeological evidence of early periods, a Roman road connection and a church built in 1825 on the site of a medieval chapel.
Discover more destinations: Langton Matravers, Alderholt, Swanage, Verwood, Puddletown, Woodsford, Horton, Ringstead.
For the main travel overview: Dorset.
