Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole | Posted on March 24th, 2026 | return to news

Paddling pools to re-open in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Children will be able to have lots of fun when paddling pools in Redhill, Hamworthy, Littledown and Christchurch re-open.

It’s not too long to wait until paddling pools in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) areas re-open for the summer season.

Both Redhill and Hamworthy Park pools will reopen on Saturday 23 May, just in time for the bank holiday weekend. Thanks to the continued collaboration and support of local partners and the community, the pools will once again be popular places for families to come together and make lasting memories.

Christchurch’s Quomps Splash Park, now operated by Christchurch Town Council, will once again offer children the chance to cool down by the Quay, with a late May reopening planned.

At Littledown Park, the paddling pool – set within 47 acres of green open space – is also getting ready to make a splash this summer. Operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council, the paddling pool will also re-open in May, with dates being released soon.

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “The paddling pools are incredibly valued by our community, and I’m so pleased that we can announce that they will soon be open for the summer months.

“Being able to provide our communities with such free-to-use facilities brings real joy and meaningful play opportunities for children.

“I want to thank our partners and the dedicated council teams who work tirelessly each season to make this possible. This type of partnership working reflects the council’s ambition to further empower local neighbourhoods.”

Christchurch Town Mayor Vivienne Charrett said: “I am delighted that the much-loved Quomps Splash Park will reopen for the 2026 summer season, welcoming families back to one of our town’s most joyful community spaces. Building on the success of previous years, we are proud to ensure that the Splash Park will once again offer a vibrant, safe and inclusive environment for children to cool off, play and make lasting memories.”

On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, director of Leisure and Business Development, said: “We’re delighted to be opening Littledown Park’s paddling pool for the summer season. As a local charity, we’re passionate about creating safe, active and affordable spaces for families to enjoy. The paddling pool is a much-loved part of the park, and our teams are looking forward to welcoming the community back for more fun in the sunshine.”

Malcolm Swords, treasurer of The Friends of Hamworthy Park, said: “I am delighted that the paddling pool is opening again this year, thanks to the help, hard work and dedication of everyone at The Friends of Hamworthy Park charity who helped make it happen, especially Malcolm Swords.”

Michael Clare, of The Café in the Park, said: “I am proud to say the charity is working tirelessly to ensure the pool opens every summer for years to come.

“It has been the life and heart of Hamworthy Park for generations and I know I speak on behalf of everyone in the community that we are all happy to know it is opening again this year. I am already working on plans to raise the funds needed for it to open in 2027 and I hope the local community will continue to help and support the charity in achieving this.”