Poundbury is home to a pretty epic play park, most likely the largest public kids play area in Dorset!  The Great Field is easily accessed by public transport or there’s free parking on the surrounding roads.*

The playground equipment uses natural and sustainable materials and the bespoke structures reflect the architecture within Poundbury itself.

There’s plenty for children to climb on and explore with rope structures, platforms, suspended bridges, climbing walls, bouncy tyres, balance beams, short slides and big tunnel slides, swings, bouncy platforms and more.

Another low level play frame for younger children can be found near the Cafe and a water play feature with pumps and damns however the water was not on when we visited which was a shame.

Close by you’ll also find sports pitches, a multi-use games area, outdoor gym equipment, a zip line and further climbing frames.

Another benefit to The Great Field is PIP (Pavilion in the Park) and I can say first hand that their cream teas are excellent.  The menu also includes breakfasts and mains like quiche, lasagne and jacket potatoes plus soup, salads, baguettes, toasties and sandwiches.  Kids meals include a choice of sandwiches, jacket potato, mac and cheese and beans on toast.  You can also purchase drinks, cakes, waffles and other sweet treats.  Outside of the Café there are toilets and these are open when the Café is open.

The Great Field really is a fantastic place to visit and our children absolutely loved it there.  The only down sides are that the play area is not fenced so you’ll need to watch for kids who like to run off and the tiny stones which surround the main play area.  If like me you’re wearing sandals, you’ll be constantly reminded about the stones and the temptation for kids to throw them is a nightmare.  It looks very pretty but it’s not practical and I don’t think I’m the only parent that thought it would have been better with an alternative flooring.  I also noted that even though I no longer need to use a pushchair, it would be hard to navigate around the play area and this also applies to wheelchairs.

*Always check for signs re parking restrictions in case of changes.

If you can recommend any more brilliant play areas for kids then please do comment and let us know!

Need more ideas for places to take the children for free?  Please see further blog posts below.

Free & Low Cost Places to go in Dorset with kids

ByTheWay Park in Wimborne

Hamworthy Park in Poole

King George V Playing Fields in Ferndown

Slades Park in Bournemouth

Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Church Knowle

Tout Quarry Sculpture Park on Portland

Tyneham Village and Worborrow Bay