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.
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms has become one of Dorset’s most intriguing attractions, with its ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours in the water delighting visitors since it first opened to the public in 1935.
The 30-foot deep pool was hand-dug in the 1800s and sits within 150 acres of land as part of the Furzebrook Estate and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Despite being called the ‘Blue’ Pool, the name can be something of a misnomer – whilst the water can be a bright turquoise blue at times, the lake also appears as green, grey and even reddish-brown – making return visits a must in order to capture its dynamic beauty. These changes are due to light diffraction from the clay particles within the pool.
The pool may also appear a darker, more inky blue, depending on the time of day and the weather, and how the sky is reflected on its still surface.
You’ll find trails of varying lengths leading around the Blue Pool Nature Reserve and into its surrounding woodland, all culminating at the tearoom and gift shop.
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.
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.
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.
Play area
Nestled within a small clearing in the trees is a woodland play area complete with a 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.
Wildlife
The Blue Pool & Tearooms is home to an array of wildlife that thrive in this SSSI. Keep an eye out for grey squirrels, dragonflies and skin deer.
Near to the pool itself you might spot a rare sand lizard – the Furzebrook Estate, of which The Blue Pool is part of, supports 4% of the UK’s sand lizard population. Sand lizards are also resident in Wareham Forest and at Studland Bay, which is famously home to all six native British reptiles.
Birds such as the Dartford warbler and buzzards can also be seen. Badgers and owls also call The Blue Pool home.
Illuminate at The Blue Pool
See the landscape of the nature reserve transformed with over 1km of magical lighting displays.
The annual event is a chance to experience the much-loved trails around the pool at night with a unique twist. Arrive just as the sun is going down as the trees take on an eerie glow at twilight, or come when it’s dark when the canopy is alive with a multitude of colours.
If you need to warm up after your visit, there are roaring fire-pits where you can have a hot dog, drink, and toast marshmallows, or cosy up inside the tearoom.
The event is great for families young and old, and is dog-friendly.
Check the Blue Pool’s website for the next Illuminate event.
Admission
The Blue Pool is open daily – for the most up-to-date opening hours, tickets and season tickets, visit The Blue Pool’s website: bluepooltearooms.co.uk
How to get there
Postcode: BH20 5AR
The Blue Pool is situated on Furzebrook Road, near Wareham and Corfe Castle.
By car
If you’re coming from Wareham, or travelling from further afield such as Poole or Bournemouth, simply follow the brown signs from the Stoborough roundabout on the A351 as you leave Wareham.
Follow the road through Furzebrook for around a mile (which itself has some interesting walks across Stoborough Heath) until you see a sign to your left for The Blue Pool.
If you’re coming from Swanage, take the first left off the A351 at the Furzebrook/Stoborough roundabout and follow directions along Furzebrook Road as above.
By bus
The numbers 30 and 40 buses stop at the end of Blue Pool Lane, however there is around a ten minute walk to the entrance of the Blue Pool from there.
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 near all that woodland you might be lucky enough to see deer grazing nearby.
Safety advice
For your own safety and for the protection of wildlife at Blue Pool, the following guidelines are in place. (Note that fishing is also prohibited and not possible).
Can I swim in The Blue Pool?
For your safety, swimming is not permitted at the Blue Pool, which reaches 30ft in depth at its deepest point.
Children should be supervised at all times and dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the reserve.
The water is not safe for bathing and is for viewing only.
Can I bring a BBQ?
Due to the high risk of wildfires, barbecues are strictly forbidden.
There are however many picnic spots and benches dotted around the pool and within the woodland.
Snacks and lunches are also available from Blue Pool’s Tearooms.
Weddings & events
You can now have your big day in the magical setting of Dorset’s Blue Pool.
Make your day unique to you by creating a bespoke package with The Blue Pool’s dedicated team.
It’s an ideal setting for nature-based wedding photography, with over 25 areas hand-picked for that perfect shot, along with the use of an intimate indoor Art Deco-style function room.
There’s also ample private on-site parking for guests.
Discover weddings at The Blue Poole online: bluepooltearooms.co.uk/weddings/