Trails and history
Queen's Park has a hidden world of history, sculptures and routes for running or walking across 61 hectares of wildlife-rich parkland and woodland. To help you explore the park safely, avoiding golf play as much as possible, we have marked out 3 routes. Look out for the coloured arrows on posts.
Coloured walking routes
The 2km Green Route starts at the car parks and follows a circular route on varied but solid surfaces. The route is mostly flat. The 3km Red Route also starts at the car park and follows a more hilly route.
The Blue Wildlife Route starts at the corner of the pavilion and is a 1.75km route that takes you through different habitats and to the Drover's Pond picnic spot.
Leaflet and quiz
Our leaflet also shows the map of the coloured routes and can be downloaded or picked up from the Woodpecker Cafe. The leaflet also gives information about the different wildlife species that live in Queen's Park.
We also have a Queen's Park Trail Quiz sheet - 'Let's Get Quizzical" to download for extra fun on your walk!
Dogs welcome
We welcome responsible dog walkers at Queen's Park. Please rememer that your dog should be under close control in any park, whether it's on a lead or not. If your dog will not respond to a call to heel, it should be on a lead.
We would ask you that you do not allow your dog into the pond, where there are often breeding or resting wildfowl. Please also do not encourage your dog to run across the prepared playing surfaces such as greens, bunkers and tees where they can cause damage.
Golf balls
Please be aware of the safety signs advising the direction of golf balls during your walk: golf balls can travel in excess of 100 mph. Please observe all warning signs when crossing the fairway.
The history of Queen's Park
Queen’s Park, in the heart of Bournemouth, is one of the town’s largest and most cherished green spaces. It’s a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors, and home to the famous Queen’s Park Golf Course, a favourite for golfers of all abilities.
The name “Queen’s Park” also refers to the surrounding suburb, giving the area a strong sense of identity and community.
A Royal Tribute
The park’s origins date back to 1902, when Bournemouth Council decided to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Two local commons were renamed: Common No. 59 became King’s Park, and Common No. 60 became Queen’s Park. Although the coronation was delayed due to the King’s illness, the names remained as a lasting tribute.
Golfing Heritage
The golf course officially opened on 25 October 1905, marked by an exhibition match featuring legendary professionals J.H. Taylor, Harry Vardon, James Braid, and Alex Herd. Queen’s Park was Bournemouth’s second golf course, quickly gaining a reputation as a tougher challenge and one of the finest municipal courses in the country. Over the years, it has hosted European Tour events and tested greats like Bobby Locke, Henry Cotton, and Seve Ballesteros. Today, it remains a rewarding course for golfers—playing to handicap is an achievement!
Beyond the Fairways
Step off the course and explore the park’s hidden history. Once called Poors Common for its poor soil, this land was part of a vast heath stretching from Dorchester to the New Forest. Under the Christchurch Inclosure Act of 1802, it became Plot 60 before being renamed Queen’s Park in honour of Queen Alexandra. Local lore even suggests Edward, Prince of Wales, was a frequent visitor—sometimes for reasons more romantic than official!
For those curious to learn more, the Queen’s Park Improvement and Protection Society has produced a detailed history of the park.