Lake Pier — Local services in England

Really nice beach with access to a trail walk around the lake. Cheap parking at £2 per day. This is one of my main windsurfing spots and there is good access to arne and the beaches across the harbour. If you kayak, you can go up the Wareham river from here and it is only 15km total. The Wareham channel narrows here and it is a bit tidal, worth checking the tide and wind direction if you are going on the water, but nothing heavy and really nothing to worry about. The ice cream van comes here and you would be daft not to buy something from Big Chief Ices. You have private homes to the left of the pier who allow the public to use the beach- do respect it and leave it as you came. Do park sensibly as spaces are not marked and a lot more cars can fit in if people are half sensible. The pier is great for crab lining and it is a great place to kayak fish- you won't catch much from the shore. Toilets are good. The canoe club there have invested a lot for the upkeep. I'm not a member but would say be aware of the popularity- you will get weekends where the car park is mainly canoe club and they need space to launch. Do respect them. The heathland is protected and we do get idiots each year who set fire to it. Be aware and report...

This place can be such an enjoyable place to visit but the last few times I've been there have been a number of campers parked clearly staying on a cheap holiday which is fair enough if there are no restrictions on parking over night. What I object to is the language being used and the music being played from their campers.

Of course this isn't the fault of lake pier but this is a regular occurrence there and if you're taking young impressionable children be warned they might be asking what certain words are on the drive home. Also your clothes might have a strong sweet smell of some kind of herb many appear to all be burning.

The tide is dangerous here, very dangerous. It comes in very fast and out just as quick. Paddle boarding is difficult if you don't catch the settled period when it's not moving either way.

The sunsets are stunning. Although it don't set over the water it can light the sky up beautifully making it a lovely place to enjoy a portion of chips (local shop is amazing) while watching...

Spending 2 weeks at Rockley Bay Haven, we discovered this setting and the several trails through Ham Common to get there. Oh, what a joy. The whole experience of the trek and spending time at this wonderful beauty spot is really worth every minute. Thr Common is spectacular with an abundance of wild plants, birds, insects and wildlife. There are also inland lakes amongst the natural habitat. One of the paths takes you really high where you are suddenly given your first sight of the lake and pier. Whilst it's named the lake it's actually part of Poole harbour. There are a couple of beaches, One is private and belongs to the few houses backing onto the beach, bit public are allowed to use it providing they clear up. There is a huge airpark plus good toilet facilities. We visited most days with our dog and we would sit for while taking a break as well as admiring wonder...