Review: Illuminate at Blue Pool
We have been visiting the Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms since the kids were little, as it is a lovely day out for all the family, with 25 acres of heath, woodland and gorse interlaced with sandy paths, trails, playgrounds and fairy doors with the promise of a cream tea or ice cream reward at the end.
Last year they launched their Illuminate event, but we never got there, so this year I was determined to visit to see the pool all lit up.
Perfect for all ages, Illuminate 2025 features a brand new trail, with lights and music, plus the UK’s longest rope bridge to traverse, complete with twinkling lights.
We booked our tickets for 5pm, and arrived early. Although sunset was at 4.30pm, it didn’t get properly dark until after 5pm, but the remaining daylight didn’t spoil the show.
Once you are through the gates, you can spend as much time enjoying the atmosphere as you like.
The trail is fairly well lit, but quite dark in places and in woodland, so you need to pay attention to the pathways. The weather has been a bit up and down, so there were a couple of muddy bits, but it was mostly dry underfoot. I would recommend sturdy shoes if you visit.
The trail takes around 45 minutes to walk, depending on the queue for the rope bridge and we did it twice – once at dusk and again in the dark, to really appreciate the lighting effects.
The Art Deco Tearooms are also open throughout the evening, offering refreshments and a cosy atmosphere, with fire pits on the terrace available for marshmallow toasting, or just to help you warm up.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will definitely be back to visit again soon. It could be combined with a visit to Corfe Castle over half term, as their Teddy Zipwire is back for the kids!
Illuminate is open every Thursday – Sunday evening from the 9th January – 16th February and Monday-Sunday evening throughout the half term from the 17th – 23rd February, with tickets costing from £9.92 per person.
@chelseamamma A visit to the stunning Blue Pool for their #illuminate light show this winter #thebluepool #dorset #wareham #fyp #foryoupage #visitdorset #jurassiccoast ♬ Turn On The Lights again.. (feat. Future) – Fred again.. & Swedish House Mafia
