Broadstone Recreation Ground in Poole is one of our favourite places to go and after seeing they had a fab new addition to the play area we thought we’d go check it out.

There’s plenty of roads surrounding the Rec but I like to park in the small free to use car park near the bowling green so we can walk across the green and go through the woods.  If you are heading to the park from here and have the car park behind you then you’ll need to walk over to the woodland on the left and follow the pathway for about 5-10 minutes until you can hear children playing.

The play area is within a large space with the original fenced play area which has a climbing frame, slide, big and little swings and swing riders.  Outside of the fenced play area is the new wooden play frame with netting to climb, obstacles, one small slide and one larger.  There’s also a large swinging log which the kids can stand up or sit on and this looked to be the most popular piece of equipment as kids were non stop swinging and having fun.  The area is most shaded which is ideal for summertime and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to grab a bench to relax on while the kids play.

From beyond here you can drop down the hill into another wonderful garden surrounded by trees or head up the hill for more pathways which take you up to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking Poole.  We took in the views and then dropped back down into the direction of the car park and came back out at the field we started in.

As far as facilities go, there’s no café so you’d be wise to take a drinks and snacks.  If there is a toilet within the recreation ground then I haven’t found one yet.

There’s so many pathways to explore and beautiful flowers to see.  We also saw lots of butterflies and birds when we visited and if you are there around later summer time then you’ll be able to go blackberry picking too.

For more information on Broadstone Recreation Ground, please visit BCP Council.

Get set for The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Spring Show, now taking place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June 2024.  This countryside show offers two days of perfect entertainment for all the family.  Children up to the age of sixteen go free and advance tickets are just £15 per adult.

In the main ring, comic capers come alive with hilarious stunt clown Dingle Fingle getting up to all sorts of mischief.  Make sure you duck to miss the water canon! 

There’s also lots of wonderful animal attractions to enjoy.  You won’t turn your snout up at Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs as five rare breed trotters hurdle over jumps and enjoy a fun hog hoe-down.

Horse fans will adore Amanda Sandow’s famous Spotted Ponies, showcasing circus heritage and the art of woman and horses working together.  This year, there’s also a Heavy Horse Village where you can get up close with these giants of the equestrian world, learn more about their important role in our country’s history and see them in action.  The countryside theme continues with farmyard animals and fun, free tractor trailer rides, sponsored by Friars Moor Livestock in Sturminster Newton.

Green fingered fans will not want to miss the line-up of horticultural talks and demonstrations by renowned gardening gurus.  Plus, there’s plenty of plant stalls to tempt you to take something home for your own garden.  And if you’ve ever fancied having a go at felting or even making your own crown, some of Dorset’s leading crafts people will be sharing their skills in the ‘Hands On’ marquee.

Show organiser Cat Harris said: “We really want visitors of all ages to get involved with lots of tactile experiences they can enjoy, things to make, lots of have-a-go stalls and a chance to get up close with wonderful animals too.”

Visit Spring Countryside Show to book and find out more.

Image credit: Tony Rive