We highly recommend a day trip to the Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Tearooms during your stay at Ulwell Holiday Park. This popular family attraction is situated just a short drive from our camping and caravan park in Swanage and promises a fun day out in the great outdoors. Spend a leisurely day walking around the picturesque grounds and soaking up the scenery. Snap stunning pictures of the colourful lake and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you never know what you might see!
Photo credit: Alison Day, Flickr
Blue Pool Highlights
- Stunning pool that changes colour throughout the year
- 25 acres of forest grounds
- 5km network of footpaths to explore
- Children’s play park
- Tearooms, ice cream & smoothie bar
- Gift shop
- Dog friendly
Nature reserve
The main attraction at Blue Pool is the stunning pool in the centre of the 25-acre site. It is famed for its ever-changing colour, which can range from green to a striking turquoise when the conditions are right. It’s common to see colourful butterflies and dragonflies darting across the water. The grounds are peaceful and quiet, providing the perfect place to unwind and escape the stresses of daily life.
There’s a network of footpaths surrounding the pool, which allow you to explore the picturesque woodland in search of wildlife. The 25-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a designated nature reserve and home to a wealth of protected flora, fauna and wildlife including sika deer, grey squirrels, owls, badgers, buzzards and sand lizards.
There’s a children’s play park as well as are various terraces dotted around the site. Sit back, relax and take in the views!
Photo Credit: Richard Lawson, Flickr
The Blue Pool facilities
Tearoom
After a busy day exploring, treat yourself to a slice of cake at the Blue Pool Tearooms. The onsite café serves a selection of snacks and light bites, including pastries, sandwiches, cream teas, rolls, pasties, tea and coffee.
Ice cream and smoothy bar
If you want to indulge in something a bit special, you could also try out some of the delicious ice creams, smoothies and sundaes from the Woodland Treat bar. The friendly team are committed to sustainability and endeavour to use ingredients from local producers, wherever possible. They’re pleased to stock Eco Coffee, Purbeck Ice Cream and handmade, plastic free ice lollies from Dorset Rose.
Picnic spots
If you’d prefer to self-cater, you could always pack a picnic to enjoy throughout the day. There are some wonderful picnic spots dotted throughout the grounds, where you can sit back and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.
Photo credit: Herry Lawford, Flickr
Blue Pool Events
Make sure you take a look at the Blue Pool website ahead of your trip. The venue hosts a variety of family friendly events throughout the year, including an outdoor cinema and ‘Illuminate’ – a state of the art lighting display.
FAQs
Can you swim in the Blue Pool?
No, swimming in the Blue Pool is strictly prohibited. Visitors are not permitted to enter the water at any time.
Who owns the Blue Pool Dorset?
The Blue Pool forms part of the Furzebrook Estate, which is privately owned and managed.
Are dogs allowed at the Blue Pool?
The Blue Pool is dog friendly throughout the year. Dogs must be kept on a lead and under close control at all times so that the wildlife is not disturbed. Dogs are not allowed to swim in the pool.
What makes the Blue Pool blue?
The Blue Pool was originally a clay pit. It is fed by rain water and changes colour depending on the conditions. It sometimes takes on a spectacular turquoise blue colour. This is caused by light diffracting from clay particles.
How deep is the Blue Pool?
The Blue Pool is 30ft deep.
Is Blue Pool man made?
Yes, Blue Pool is a former clay pit. It was dug by hand in the early 19th century.
Getting to Blue Pool
It takes less than 20 minutes to drive to The Blue Pool from Ulwell Holiday Park. It is situated in a quiet village in between Wareham and Corfe. The route is very straight forward and you’ll enjoy views of the castle ruins on your way. There is plenty of free parking on site.
SAT NAV- BH20 5AR
Photo credit: Alison Day, Richard August, Herry Lawford, Flickr
