Set in 25 acres of woodland between Wareham and Corfe Castle, the Blue Pool derives its name from the striking turquoise colour the water this disused clay pit can appear.
There are trails of varying lengths leading around the Blue Pool and into its surrounding woodland, all culminating at the tearoom and the gift shop – inside which is another unique find: a quirky museum display of over 200 miniature bears.
There are two treasure-hunt style trails for children and a play area in the woods, where you’ll also find a viewing point that looks out across the Purbeck Hills toward Corfe Castle.
*The Blue Pool is currently closed until further notice*
Walking routes
There are two main ways to explore the Blue Pool. Both trails offer excellent views of the pool itself, as well as interesting trails along which to spot wildlife.
Walking route map at The Blue Pool
Red route
The Red Route is accessible and suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The path leads you through the woodland, with various impressive viewpoints along the way to view the pool from different angles as it catches the light.
Green route
The Green Route meanders through the trees and around the base of the pool and includes some steps and uneven ground.
Family fun – search for squirrels and fairies in the trees
See if you can spot all the squirrels hiding in the branches, and the fairy doors dotted around the woodland.
Fairy door hunt
Whenever you see a toadstool in the woods, you know there’s a secret fairy door nearby.
Here are some we found – see if you can find the rest on your visit.
Squirrel hunt
Look up high in the trees around the Blue Pool and you’ll find two kinds of squirrels – the ones for your quiz sheet, and maybe some real ones too…and see if you can spot a very happy tree!
Play area
Nestled within a small clearing in the trees is a woodland play area complete with slide set into a hill, a roundabout and swings.
There is also wooden play equipment to test your balancing skills.
The play area is easy to find along both the green and the red walking routes and is a stone’s throw from the café, so you can refuel after burning off all that energy.
The Wareham Bears
If you go down to the woods today…
Mary Hildesley’s Wareham Bears
…make time to stop at the gift shop on the way out after your visit to Blue Pool.
This charming display of over 200 bears was created during the 1970 and ’80s and has lived at the Blue Pool for the past five years.
They were collected by a lady called Mary Hildesley who lived in nearby Encombe. She initially bought a few bears from Harrods and crafted outfits for each one.
The collection then evolved into many hundreds and Mary commissioned a bear ‘dolls’ house to be made to house them and to delight her grandchildren when they visited.
Some of her collection is now on display at the Blue Pool, where you can purchase postcards of the bears illustrated by Mary herself.
Entrance information
Opening times
The Blue Pool is open daily from 10am – 4.30pm.
Admission
Ticket prices include parking, which is situated at the entrance to the pool, and entrance to the Wareham Bears museum.
- Adults £5
- Concession £4
- Children under 16 are free
Season tickets
An annual pass allows you the freedom to enjoy Blue Pool whenever you like, throughout the year.
Season ticket prices:
One adult £15.00
Two adults £30.00
Dogs – Dogs are welcome at the Blue Pool, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
How to get to the Blue Pool
For your SatNav: BH20 5AR
By car
The Blue Pool is situated on Furzebrook Road, near Wareham. Follow the signs from the Stoborough roundabout on the A351.
By bus
The numbers 30 and 40 buses stops at the end of Blue Pool Lane, however there is around a ten minute walk to the entrance of the Blue Pool from there.
Google Maps
Parking
On-site parking is free.
There is a large parking area outside the Blue Pool, with a grassy area which is often used for picnicking.
Being situated in all that woodland you might be lucky enough to see deer grazing nearby.
Safety advice
For your safety, swimming is not permitted at the Blue Pool.
Due to the high risk of wildfires, barbeques are strictly forbidden.
An inspirational setting for creatives
If you visit on a Saturday during the summer, look out for this friendly group – Purbeck Crafts has been coming to Blue Pool for some al-fresco knitting, spinning and weaving for over five years.
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- Purbeck Crafts meets by the tea room and are happy to chat about their latest projects and traditional crafts, such as spinning
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- Some members are also part of ‘Nutty Knitters’ – a charity which makes essential clothing items for vulnerable children
Nearby arts & crafts workshops and classes
If being surrounded by the abundant nature at Blue Pool inspires you to try something new, there are plenty of options nearby to try your hand at a nature-inspired craft, such as pottery, drawing or sewing.
Furzebrook Studios
Classes, courses and workshops include:
- Pottery and ceramics
- Collograph and linocut printing
- Art classes in drawing and painting techniques
- Jewellery-making with silver clay
- Sewing and quilting for beginners and advanced
Check class availability at Furzebrook Studios: furzebrookstudios.com/classes/
Metal Clay Ltd
Based in Wareham, Metal Clay Ltd offers courses in silver clay jewellery-making, from beginner to advanced with visiting, international tutors.
Try a taster session or book onto a masterclass course: www.metalclay.co.uk/courses-1/
The Creative Garden Room
Offering seasonal craft workshops in Wareham, the Creative Garden Room runs small group sessions using natural materials and outdoor inspiration.
Previous projects have included:
- Wire dragonfly, angel and snail-making
- Willow reindeer workshop
- Plant your own herb garden
- Festive wreath and Christmas decorations
See what their next craft workshop is: www.thecreativegardenroom.co.uk/index.html
